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New Delhi: Rising fuel prices and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to conserve fuel have triggered a sharp increase in demand for electric cycles across India, according to Hero Lectro CEO Ashwani Gautam.

In an exclusive interaction with Timesnownews.com, Gautam said demand for electric cycles has surged by nearly 30–40 per cent over the past week following the hike in petrol and diesel prices and the government’s push towards reducing fuel consumption.

Petrol and diesel prices were recently increased by Rs 3 per litre, ending a gap of more than four years without major revisions. CNG prices too witnessed a cumulative increase of Rs 3 per kg amid continuing geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global crude oil markets.

Speaking on the changing mobility trends, Gautam said electric vehicles are increasingly being viewed as a practical alternative as consumers search for economical and sustainable transport solutions.

“Electric vehicles are the future. Electric cycles can solve last-mile mobility issues,” Gautam said.

Rising fuel prices driving EV interest

The recent fuel price surge has intensified discussions around alternative mobility solutions, especially in urban areas where daily commuting costs have increased significantly.

Gautam noted that the present environment has acted as a catalyst for the electric mobility segment, particularly e-cycles, which are being considered affordable and efficient for short-distance travel.

He also highlighted that the shift towards electric mobility would depend not only on rising fuel costs but also on a broader change in consumer perception.

“Some people still view cycles as low-income vehicles. E-cycles are a modern, new-age vehicle,” he said, stressing the need for a mindset shift among consumers.

The remarks come at a time when the central government has been encouraging fuel conservation measures amid volatility in international oil markets linked to the ongoing West Asia tensions.

EV adoption gaining momentum in India

India’s electric mobility ecosystem has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years, supported by government incentives, improved charging infrastructure and increasing environmental awareness.

According to industry estimates, electric vehicle sales in India crossed 22.7 lakh units in 2025, while EV penetration in the country’s overall automobile market has steadily improved.

Experts believe that continued fluctuations in petrol and diesel prices could further accelerate adoption of electric mobility solutions, especially among urban commuters.

The growing interest in electric cycles is also being linked to changing workplace patterns, rising awareness around sustainability and demand for affordable personal transport options in congested cities.

Government push on fuel conservation

The recent spike in fuel prices followed appeals by the Centre to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and encourage energy-efficient practices.

Several state governments and organisations have also introduced measures such as work-from-home policies, virtual meetings and greater adoption of electric vehicles to reduce fuel dependency.

Industry observers believe such measures, coupled with high fuel costs, may continue to strengthen demand for electric mobility products in the coming months.