BRICS+ Shifts EV Focus to Mass Transit and Two-Wheelers

Leaders from the BRICS+ group are gathering in Delhi with a new emphasis on how electric mobility can support energy security. The discussion is shifting away from the traditional metric of private car sales toward the transport modes that actually carry most people. For many of these nations, the transition to electric power will not start in a showroom but on public bus routes and shared two-wheeler rides.

This pivot is driven by a stark economic reality. Fourteen of the 21 economies in the BRICS+ bloc import more oil than they produce. Since road transport accounts for nearly half of global oil demand, electrifying the vehicles people use daily offers a direct way to reduce financial exposure. The goal is to make the shift accessible to lower and middle-income households, not just wealthy car owners.

Two-wheelers drive the electric shift

India’s recent experience illustrates the power of targeting the right vehicle segment. As reported by GN technics/ev, electric two-wheeler penetration has risen from a negligible 0.4% in early 2021 to over 11% by mid-2026. This growth, driven by sustained government support, shows that policy aligned with actual travel patterns can accelerate adoption. In a country where two-wheelers vastly outnumber cars, this approach delivers tangible benefits to a broader population.

However, success requires consistency. Indonesia’s experience with e-motorcycles highlights a critical trade-off. Sales surged when subsidies were active but dropped sharply when incentives lapsed. The country has since restored support, linking it to local manufacturing. This lesson suggests that while initial incentives are necessary, long-term predictability is essential to maintain momentum and prevent market stagnation.

Public transport electrification broadens access

Electrifying public transport multiplies the social and economic benefits of the green transition. In China, electric buses now make up the vast majority of urban fleets, serving a ridership that is predominantly low-income. India is following a similar path with its e-bus initiatives, aiming to deploy thousands of vehicles across major cities. This strategy addresses energy security while improving urban air quality and reducing the fuel costs for drivers and passengers.

The challenge for policymakers is to balance innovation with accessibility. While private electric cars remain a visible symbol of the transition, the bulk of the population relies on shared and public modes. By focusing on these segments, BRICS+ nations can create a more equitable energy landscape. The summit in Delhi offers a chance to solidify this approach, ensuring that the benefits of electrification reach the people who depend on it most.