A new analysis by energy think tank Ember suggests that just 3% of India’s planned wind and solar capacity for 2032 would be sufficient to meet the electricity demand of the country’s projected electric vehicle (EV) fleet—if aligned correctly with clean energy availability.
The findings, released on 23 July, are based on projections of India’s EV stock for 2030 and 2032. According to Ember, about 15 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity would be required to support the EV charging load by 2032. This accounts for only a fraction of the 486 GW target outlined in the National Electricity Plan (NEP-14).
However, the report warns that current charging patterns rely heavily on electricity from fossil fuels, as most EVs are charged at night. Ruchita Shah, Energy Analyst at Ember, said that changing this pattern will require both behavioural and structural shifts. “Today, most EV charging happens at homes in the evening and night, when fossil fuels dominate the power mix. Using measures such as Time-of-Day (ToD) tariffs while expanding public charging stations, especially at workplaces and commercial hubs, will enable more daytime charging and greater use of clean energy,” she said.
States including Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have already introduced solar-hour ToD tariffs for EVs. The report’s assessment focused on ten states selected for their recent EV sales and geographical diversity.
To improve grid planning, the report highlights the need for systematic collection of EV charging data. Shah noted that developing mechanisms for secure data aggregation can help electricity distribution companies better predict future demand and apply ToD pricing more effectively.
The study also points to the potential of EV charging as a grid-balancing tool. By shifting load to times when renewable generation is highest, EVs can support broader renewable integration. While green tariffs have been introduced in several states to promote this, they are not available for home-based charging and often come with a cost premium that may deter consumers.
Shah added that India’s EV sector could be used strategically to drive demand for clean electricity. Purchase incentives offered by both central and state governments not only increase adoption but can also promote demand-side flexibility, a key requirement for integrating higher shares of renewable energy.
The full report, titled From Fossil to Flexible: Advancing India’s Road Transport Electrification, is now available on Ember’s website.
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