Zoomcar has released its EV Experience Insight Report 2025, highlighting how self-drive EV rentals can accelerate electric vehicle adoption in emerging markets. The report positions EV rentals as a key tool for sustainable mobility and cleaner transport transitions.
Global benchmarks show experience boosts adoption
The report notes that EV adoption is already mainstream in several developed markets. Penetration reached 38 per cent in China, 21 per cent in Europe and 9.3 per cent in the United States in 2024.
On leading car-sharing platforms, electric vehicles now form 12 to 15 per cent of listings. A significant share of renters use EVs to gain real-world experience before making a purchase decision. This trend underlines the importance of experiential access.
India remains a high-potential EV market
India’s passenger electric vehicle penetration remains low at around two per cent. The report attributes this to limited public charging infrastructure, lack of home-charging access and higher upfront vehicle costs.
Zoomcar’s EV pilot programme showed strong consumer interest. However, it also revealed infrastructure gaps. These were more visible on long-distance and intercity routes, where charging access remains inconsistent.
Experience-led rentals reduce adoption barriers
The report highlights that hands-on exposure improves consumer confidence. EV rentals allow users to understand driving range, charging speed and payment systems without ownership risks.
Customers also gain clarity on total cost of ownership. This experience-led approach helps overcome uncertainty, which is a major barrier in emerging EV markets.
Zoomcar’s outlook for EV growth in 2026
Zoomcar expects policy support and infrastructure expansion to improve India’s EV ecosystem. The company believes 2026 could mark the first scalable phase for EV integration within its peer-to-peer platform.
The report indicates that Zoomcar plans to work with vehicle manufacturers and charging providers. The goal is to build a reliable and sustainable EV rental experience.
Zoomcar’s leadership has indicated that emerging markets will drive the next phase of global EV growth. The company views self-drive rentals as a practical way to familiarise consumers with electric mobility and support long-term adoption.
