Two-Wheeler EV Registrations Up 2.3% MoM In September; Ola Electric Regains Top Position

Electric two-wheeler registrations in the country continued their rising streak for the fourth straight month in September, increasing 2.3% month-on-month (MoM) to 51,679 units, according to Vahan data as of October 1.

The registration of two-wheeler electric vehicles (EVs) had crossed the 50,500 mark for the first time in five months in August, and stood at 50,508 units.

However, it is pertinent to note that except for a few, a majority of the escooter majors saw a MoM decline in vehicle registrations in September. Let’s take a look at how the major players performed.

Reversing the downtrend of the past four months, Ola Electric topped the chart of electric two-wheeler registrations in the country in September with 9,616 units. This was an over 179% jump on an MoM basis from 3,440 vehicles registered in August.

In fact, September turned out to be the second-best month for Ola Electric in terms of vehicle registrations so far, following registration of 12,707 units in April. Ola Electric also regained the top position, surpassing the likes of Hero Electric and Okinawa Autotech who topped the chart in the last few months.

Okinawa Autotech was in the second position with registration of 8,277 units in September. However, this was a 3.3% decline from 8,559 units in August. Its registrations in September were 25% lower from April, when it saw the highest-ever registrations at 11,011 units. 

Meanwhile, Hero Electric, which was at the top position in July and August, saw a 23.5% slump in escooter registrations to 8,017 units in September. It fell two places to third position. 

On the other hand, Ather Energy’s two-wheeler EV registrations surged 16% MoM to 6,157 units in September to record its highest-ever figure. In August, Ather Energy’s vehicle registrations stood at 5,297 units.

The EV manufacturer’s registrations have risen steadily over the past few months, barring July, even when its competitors registered a decline.

Another escooter major Ampere Vehicles, which was at the second spot in July in terms of EV registrations, fell a couple of spots to fourth position in September. Its total EV registrations fell 3.3% to 6,189 units during the month from 6,399 units in August. Its EV registrations stood at 6,321 units in July.

The overall EV registrations in the country, across segments, rose 6.2% MoM to 91,425 units in September.

While the demand for escooters is on a rise in the country, the industry continues to face safety issues. Just when it seemed that the industry might have got a grip on the fire incidents involving two-wheeler EVs, a tragic fire incident at Gemopai’s escooter recharging unit led to the death of at least eight people in early September.

Meanwhile, the government recently extended the deadline of new battery testing norms for EVs which are designed to ensure better safety. The norms will now be implemented in two phases from December 1 this year and March 31, 2023. The earlier date for the norms to come into effect was October 1.

The contribution of EVs in new two-wheeler sales is expected to rise to 50% by 2030 in India, a recent report by McKinsey & Company said.