An analysis of the legal and regulatory challenges in the Indian electric vehicle segment: implications for Indian manufacturers

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) globally is affected by many factors including availability, affordability, infrastructural and technological and legal policy development. The paper aims to analyse the legal and regulatory challenges faced by Indian EV manufacturers during the development and commercialisation phases. The study adopts empirical method to understand the challenges faced by the Indian EV manufacturers. The study reveals that the absence of a long-term vision in the existing EV policies is the major barrier for the Indian EV industry. Lack of clear targets for EV uptake, stringent localisation requirements to avail financial support, insufficient incentive for charging infrastructure development, promotion of indigenous research, intellectual property protection and limited technology transfer initiatives by the government are highlighted as major barriers by the stakeholders. As India endeavours to achieve sustainable and cleaner mobility, addressing these concerns is crucial for the successful establishment of a thriving EV ecosystem in India.