Patna: Bihar has witnessed a sharp rise in the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) during the first four months of the year, with nearly 1,00,000 units sold between January and April, according to industry estimates. The surge has generated business worth around Rs 2,000 crore in the state’s automobile sector.
The increase in EV demand comes amid rising petrol and diesel prices and growing concerns over global energy supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Industry representatives said consumers are increasingly shifting towards electric mobility for both commercial and personal use, driven by lower operating costs and government incentives.
April Alone Recorded Around 20,000 EV Sales
Data shared by market stakeholders shows that nearly 20,000 electric vehicles were sold in Bihar in April alone. This included around 6,000 two-wheelers, 11,500 three-wheelers, and approximately 500 four-wheelers.
The figures mark a significant jump compared to previous years. Around 23,000 electric vehicles were sold in Bihar during the entire previous year, while the 2020–21 financial year recorded nearly 12,000 EV sales.
Dealers across several districts have reported longer waiting periods due to rising consumer demand.
Employment and Business Growth in EV Sector
The rapid expansion of the EV market has also contributed to employment generation in the state. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 50,000 people have found direct or indirect employment through vehicle sales, servicing, charging infrastructure, financing, and related operations.
Electric two-wheelers priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh are currently available in the Bihar market. Three-wheelers are being sold in the range of Rs 75,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh, while electric four-wheelers range from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.
Fuel Prices Higher in Bihar Than Neighbouring States
Fuel prices in Bihar remain higher than those in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, adding to the shift towards electric mobility.
In Bihar, petrol prices currently range between Rs 108.92 and Rs 110.51 per litre, while diesel prices are between Rs 95.57 and Rs 96.61 per litre.
By comparison, petrol prices in Uttar Pradesh range from Rs 96.30 to Rs 98.24 per litre, with diesel priced between Rs 89.30 and Rs 91.20 per litre. In Jharkhand, petrol prices range from Rs 100.79 to Rs 101.71 per litre, while diesel costs between Rs 95.70 and Rs 96.49 per litre.
Subsidies and Global Energy Concerns Driving Adoption
A Patna- based automotive industry expert, said uncertainty in global crude oil markets has influenced consumer behaviour.
“India imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirement. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have affected the supply cycle and increased uncertainty around fuel prices,” he said.
He added that government subsidies on electric vehicles, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh depending on the vehicle category, have further encouraged consumers to shift towards EVs.
Multiple EV Brands Expanding Presence in Bihar
More than two dozen electric vehicle brands are currently operating in Bihar across two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler categories.
The two-wheeler segment includes companies such as Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Auto, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Oben Electric and Ultraviolette Automotive.
In the three-wheeler segment, companies including Mahindra Electric, Piaggio Vehicles, Atul Auto and Kinetic Green are active in the market.
The four-wheeler segment features electric models from Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, MG Motor India, Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki.
