EV-only car searches jump 60% YoY as Tier-2 cities outpace metros 3x: CarDekho
CarDekho data (May 2025–May 2026) shows EV-only research up 60% while ICE-only searches fell 14%. Tier-2 hubs lead growth—Bhubaneswar 84%, Gurugram 75%, Jaipur 72%. SUVs dominate 82.5% of EV consideration; fuel-price sensitivity drove enquiries up 51% during price spikes.
What happened
CarDekho data shows EV-only car research rose 60% YoY, with Tier-2 cities growing 3x faster than metros. SUVs dominate consideration; running-cost and
Key facts
- 60% rise in EV-only searches
- 14% drop in ICE-only searches
- Tier-2 growth 3x faster
- Bhubaneswar 84%
- Gurugram 75%
- Jaipur 72%
- SUVs 82.5% of EV consideration
- hatchbacks ~11%
- mileage searches up 242%
- EV enquiries up 51% during high fuel prices
- 38% above normal after stabilisation
Why this matters
Tier-2 EV momentum and fuel-price sensitivity (+51% enquiries during spikes) open partnership and acquisition targets in regional dealer networks and EV-SUV-focused brands.
What to watch
- EV registration data (VAHAN) in named Tier-2 cities vs search trend
- Fuel-price volatility and any fresh hikes
- FAME/state EV subsidy renewals or expirations
- Public charging-point rollout pace in Tier-2 hubs
- EV SUV price cuts and new sub-20L launches
- Search-to-test-drive-to-booking conversion ratios
- OEMs front-load EV SUV launches and Tier-2 dealer onboarding
- Charging-infra players target Bhubaneswar/Jaipur/Gurugram corridors
- Dealers retrain sales staff and adjust inventory mix toward EV SUVs
- Financing and battery-warranty bundles tailored to non-metro buyers
- Used-car platforms build EV resale/valuation tooling to ease adoption fears