Consumers prefer traditional engine over EV: Survey

The desire to buy diesel or gasoline powered vehicles is back among car buyers globally as consumers are looking for affordable, tried and tested technology in uncertain times, according to Deloitte’s Global Consumer Study 2021.

Among the six countries surveyed in the study, India is second after the US to see a sharp fall in preference for non-gasoline/diesel vehicles. The percentage of buyers who prefer vehicles with alternative propulsion has fallen to 32 per cent from 49 per cent a year ago, shows the study.

Interestingly, of the 32 per cent in India who said they will consider cars that offer an alternative to the traditional engine, an astounding 24 per cent chose hybrid as an option and not pure electric. This is despite the latter getting a greater policy push compared to hybrids. Unlike most other countries that have taken a middle route in the form of hybrid vehicles, India tried leapfrogging straight to pure electric vehicles from internal combustion engine (ICE). This didn’t go down too well with the buyers who are a lot more comfortable switching first to a hybrid and then to a pure electric vehicle (EV), said Rajeev Singh, partner and automotive sector leader at Deloitte.“An e-car is not like a two-wheeler that can be charged everywhere. It needs a proper infrastructure,” said Singh. Also, over the years, Indian consumers have evolved. Apart from the factors like range and charging infra, the driving performance has become a very important criterion for them, he added.

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