E-commerce platforms in India are experiencing a remarkable surge in electric two-wheeler (E2W) sales, reflecting a shift towards online shopping and the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
E-commerce Giants See Unprecedented Growth
Amazon India and Flipkart have reported exceptional growth in electric two-wheeler sales. Amazon, which introduced E2Ws during its Prime Day in July 2023, saw a staggering 500% year-on-year growth in this category.
Meanwhile, Flipkart experienced an even sharper increase, with sales rising 15 times over the past year, and two-wheeler searches on the platform jumping by 2.5 times. Despite the impressive growth, e-commerce platforms typically refrain from disclosing exact sales figures.
Expanding Product Offerings And Reach
Though e-commerce currently represents a small fraction of total E2W sales, volumes are steadily rising as more OEMs embrace online sales. KN Srikanth, Director of Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors at Amazon India, highlighted the platform’s significant expansion of its E2W offerings since Prime Day, now featuring over 20 brands such as Bajaj Auto’s Chetak and Ola Electric.
“In 2024, we expanded into petrol and CNG two-wheelers, partnering with brands like Hero and Bajaj. Today, Amazon is a comprehensive two-wheeler store, offering over 700 models across 250+ cities and 8,000+ pin codes,” Srikanth stated.
Bajaj Auto, which surpassed Ola Electric to become the largest E2W seller in December 2024, reportedly sold over 10,000 units of its Chetak scooters on Amazon and Flipkart since 2023. However, the company declined to comment on these sales figures.
Flipkart has also diversified its two-wheeler portfolio, adding petrol vehicles, commuter bikes, premium sports bikes, and electric two-wheelers. “Flipkart now features 11 E2W brands, including leaders like Chetak, TVS iQube, Ola, and Ather,” a company spokesperson said.
E-commerce Sales Driven By Consumer Behaviour
The shift in consumer behaviour towards online shopping is a key driver of E2W sales through e-commerce. A McKinsey & Company study, Inside Indian Consumers’ Embrace of Electric Two-Wheelers, revealed that over 85% of consumers begin their vehicle purchase journey online.
Almost 50% of these consumers are willing to buy directly from e-commerce platforms. Additionally, 70% prioritize at-home delivery, test drives, and on-demand services.
E-commerce platforms are accelerating E2W growth by offering features like quick delivery, test rides, and trade-in options for old two-wheelers. Partnerships with sellers and dealers help facilitate these services. Srikanth noted that popular models like Bajaj’s Chetak 2903, Ola S1 Pro, and Green Udaan non-RTO electric scooters are often delivered within two days from the nearest brand outlet.
Financing Options and Festive Discounts Drive Adoption
Financing and discounts play a crucial role in boosting E2W sales. Many electric scooters are priced above Rs 1.2 lakh, making financing a key enabler for adoption.
Flipkart offered discounts of up to Rs 15,000 and cashback on Bajaj’s Chetak 3202 (Rs 1.15 lakh ex-showroom price) during its Big Billion Days sale, along with easy EMI plans. Amazon also introduced discounts of up to Rs 10,000 and EMI options extending to 36 months.
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