India’s EV push has centred on new purchases, but retrofitting existing ICE vehicles offers a faster, more affordable entry into clean mobility
With over 210 million ICE two- and three-wheelers, retrofitting at ~₹30,000 each could transform mobility without waiting for vehicle replacement cycles
Retrofitting lowers costs, reduces emissions, reuses assets, and delivers quick fuel and maintenance savings for low-income users and small fleet owners
Spain’s streamlined certification and Kenya’s electric shuttle conversions prove retrofitting can cut costs and pollution while boosting clean transport
A fragmented regulatory framework, lack of technical guidelines, and safety concerns slow adoption and deter investment in retrofit technologies
With unified policy, financing access, and public awareness, retrofitting could drive India’s EV adoption without discarding millions of usable vehicles