EV makers struggle to meet festive demand surge as sales jump 26%

India's electric vehicle sector is facing a critical supply-demand mismatch during the peak festive season, with sales climbing sharply even as manufacturers grapple with production bottlenecks. The 26 percent jump in EV sales during Navratri underscores growing consumer appetite for electric vehicles, driven partly by sustained high fuel costs that have made battery-powered alternatives increasingly attractive to Indian buyers.

Dealers across the country have reported unprecedented booking volumes as customers look to complete purchases during the festive period. However, the surge in orders has exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, with component constraints limiting manufacturers' ability to ramp up production quickly enough to meet the spike in demand.

The shortage has created a cascading effect, with some dealers unable to deliver vehicles within expected timeframes and extended waiting lists becoming commonplace. Industry observers attribute the supply challenges to global semiconductor shortages and constraints in battery component availability, which continue to plague automakers across the region.

While the sales growth signals robust consumer interest in electric vehicles, experts caution that the inability to meet demand could result in lost opportunities and customer frustration. Manufacturers are reportedly working to expedite deliveries and increase component procurement to address the supply crunch before the festive season concludes.