Half of Indian homes need upgrades for safe EV charging, study finds

MUMBAI: India’s EV journey may begin on the road, but its biggest charging challenge starts at home. Nearly half of Indian households require electrical upgrades or corrective interventions to safely support electric vehicle (EV) charging, according to a new study by EV charging and energy management company Kazam and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).

The findings are based on insights from more than 80,000 residential EV charger installations across the country and come at a time when nearly 80 per cent of EV charging in India takes place at home, making residential infrastructure a critical part of the ownership experience.

The study points to a growing gap between rising EV adoption and the readiness of household electrical systems, suggesting that consumers may need to prepare their homes before making the switch to electric mobility.

Building on the research, Kazam has launched ‘EV-Ready Ghar’, a consumer awareness campaign aimed at helping prospective EV buyers understand what constitutes a safe home charging setup. The initiative seeks to simplify the study’s findings through practical tools and consumer-focused communication.

At the heart of the campaign is the EV Home Readiness Quiz, a digital assessment that allows users to evaluate whether their home’s electrical infrastructure is suitable for EV charging. Consumers requiring further assistance can also book an on-site inspection by trained technicians known as Kazam Rangers.

In an effort to make the message more relatable, the company has also invited real EV owners to feature in an official campaign music video. Rather than highlighting electric vehicles themselves, the campaign focuses on the importance of safe home charging and cautions against relying on standard household sockets for prolonged overnight charging.

The campaign also draws on familiar cultural imagery, reimagining the traditional Nimbu Mirchi as a symbol of an EV-ready home. The motif is being used across campaign communications to reinforce the importance of preparing a home’s electrical infrastructure before installing an EV charger.

Commenting on the initiative, Vani Vivek, AVP-Marketing at Kazam, said home charging remains one of the least understood aspects of EV ownership despite being central to the overall experience. She said the campaign combines awareness with practical tools to help consumers assess whether their homes are prepared for safe charging.

As India accelerates towards an estimated 50 million EVs in the years ahead, the findings suggest that the country’s electric mobility ambitions will depend not only on selling more vehicles, but also on ensuring millions of homes are equipped to power them safely.