Ranchi, July 31: Electric vehicle (EV) adoption gathered pace in Jharkhand in June 2026, with retail sales rising by more than 56 per cent year-on-year, driven by soaring petrol prices, lower operating costs and growing concerns over the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 fuel.
According to retail sales data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), 4,274 electric vehicles were sold in the state in June 2026, up from 2,731 units during the corresponding month last year. While the growth marked one of the strongest performances for the state, it remained below the national EV sales growth rate of 62.83 per cent.
Industry data suggest that consumers are increasingly opting for electric mobility as petrol prices continue to remain above ₹105 per litre, significantly raising monthly fuel expenses for regular vehicle users by an estimated ₹2,000 to ₹3,000. In contrast, EV owners estimate running costs at around ₹1 to ₹1.5 per kilometre, depending on the vehicle, electricity tariff and charging method.
The rollout of E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended) petrol has also emerged as a factor influencing buying decisions. Some vehicle owners have reported a 5 to 8 per cent decline in fuel efficiency after switching to E20 fuel, although these claims have not been independently verified.
The shift towards electric mobility was particularly visible in the two-wheeler segment. FADA data showed that the market share of electric two-wheelers in Jharkhand increased from 7.34 per cent in June 2025 to 10.60 per cent in June 2026, while the share of petrol and E20-powered two-wheelers declined from 92.44 per cent to 89.33 per cent.
A similar trend was observed in the commercial vehicle segment, where the market share of electric vehicles more than doubled from 1.57 per cent to 3.53 per cent during the period. The share of CNG and LPG-powered commercial vehicles also rose from 11.31 per cent to 12.87 per cent, while diesel vehicles continued to dominate the segment despite their market share declining from 82.79 per cent to 80.18 per cent.
Overall vehicle sales in June were among the strongest recorded in the state, reflecting growing consumer preference for electric and alternative-fuel vehicles as buyers increasingly factor in operating costs and fuel compatibility while making purchasing decisions.
The report noted that expanding EV charging infrastructure and providing clear manufacturer guidance on E20 compatibility will be critical to sustaining the momentum in electric vehicle adoption as the market continues to evolve.
