Electric Vehicle Adoption Accelerates in Chandigarh, But Conventional Fuel Cars Retain Market Supremacy
Recent data from the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) in Chandigarh reveals a fascinating trend in the city's automobile sector. While electric vehicle (EV) registrations have experienced a remarkable surge over the past five years, petrol and diesel-powered vehicles continue to dominate the market, highlighting a gradual transition towards sustainable mobility.
Sharp Rise in EV Registrations Yet Modest Market Share
The RLA statistics indicate that EV registrations in Chandigarh have grown exponentially, climbing from a mere 123 cars in 2021 to an impressive 1,512 in 2025. This represents a substantial increase, showcasing growing consumer interest in electric mobility. However, this growth pales in comparison to the registration numbers of conventional fuel vehicles.
In 2025 alone, petrol cars accounted for 10,805 registrations, while diesel vehicles followed with 4,558 registrations. This means that petrol cars were registered at a rate more than seven times higher than electric cars, and diesel vehicles nearly three times higher, underscoring their continued preference among buyers.
Petrol and Diesel Vehicles Maintain Strong Presence
Petrol light motor vehicle (LMV) registrations have shown a fluctuating yet dominant pattern. They increased from 12,798 in 2021 to a peak of 16,697 in 2023, before experiencing a sharp correction to 10,303 in 2024 and a slight recovery to 10,805 in 2025. Despite this decline, petrol cars remain the top choice for most consumers.
Diesel vehicle registrations, often perceived to be declining due to stricter emission norms and higher costs, have maintained a significant foothold. After rising from 6,033 in 2021 to 7,922 in 2022, they fell to 6,510 in 2023 and 3,895 in 2024, before rebounding slightly to 4,558 in 2025.
Industry Insights and Consumer Perspectives
Hitesh Taneja, General Manager at Lally Motors Volkswagen in Chandigarh, commented on the trend, stating, "Electric vehicles are clearly gaining acceptance, especially among city users, but petrol and diesel vehicles continue to dominate due to existing infrastructure, driving habits, and long-distance travel needs." He also pointed out that better resale value of petrol cars contributes to their sustained popularity.
Rishi Sharma, a resident of Sector 44 who recently purchased a diesel SUV, emphasized reliability as a key factor. "I frequently travel to Himachal and Rajasthan. Diesel still offers better range, torque, and peace of mind. With EVs, charging availability outside cities is still uncertain," he explained.
Hybrid Vehicles Gain Traction as a Middle Ground
The data also highlights the emerging role of hybrid vehicles in Chandigarh's automotive landscape. Petrol-hybrid registrations rose from 802 units in 2021 to 3,030 in 2023, before declining to 1,519 in 2025. Strong hybrid vehicles, introduced in RLA data from 2023, have shown consistent growth—from 767 registrations in 2023 to 1,589 in 2025—indicating a preference for improved fuel efficiency without reliance on charging infrastructure.
Two-Wheeler Segment Reflects Similar Trends
The transition in the two-wheeler segment mirrors the mixed pace observed in four-wheelers. Electric two-wheeler registrations increased sharply from 122 units in 2021 to 2,103 in 2023, before declining to 1,508 in 2025. In contrast, petrol two-wheelers continued their dominance, rising from 16,405 registrations in 2021 to 23,466 in 2025, the highest figure in the five-year period.
Commercial Users Remain Cautious About EV Adoption
Manpreet Singh Gill, a taxi operator, highlighted the practical challenges for commercial users. "For commercial use, downtime is critical. Diesel vehicles can run continuously and refuel in minutes. EVs will work only when charging becomes as quick and widespread," he noted, reflecting the economic considerations that favor conventional fuel vehicles.
EV Owners Acknowledge Limitations for Long-Distance Travel
Nitin Aggarwal, who owns both an electric SUV and a diesel SUV, shared his experience. "I use my EV mainly for city commuting and trips to Mohali and Panchkula, where charging points are easily accessible. It's economical and comfortable," he said. "But for long highway journeys, I still rely on my diesel SUV. Charging infrastructure on highways is improving, but it's not dependable enough yet."
In summary, while Chandigarh is witnessing a significant uptick in electric vehicle adoption, the automobile market remains heavily skewed towards petrol and diesel vehicles. Factors such as infrastructure limitations, driving habits, long-distance travel needs, and economic considerations continue to bolster the dominance of conventional fuel cars, indicating that the shift to electric mobility, though underway, is progressing at a measured pace.
