India's EV Future: TERI Study Finds Role for CNG Till 2050

India's ambitious push towards electric mobility may not follow a straight line to an all-electric future. A recent study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) indicates that compressed natural gas (CNG) will continue to play a significant role in the country's transport energy mix well beyond 2030, potentially until 2050. The findings challenge the assumption that India's roads will be dominated by electric vehicles (EVs) within the next two decades, suggesting instead a more gradual and diversified transition.

According to the TERI study, the share of CNG in India's transport sector is projected to remain substantial through 2050. This is particularly relevant for commercial vehicles, buses, and three-wheelers, where CNG infrastructure is already well-established and cost-effectiveness remains a key factor. The study underscores that while EV adoption is growing, it may not displace CNG as quickly as some industry forecasts suggest, especially in segments where refuelling infrastructure and vehicle upfront costs are critical.

The table above reflects the study's broad conclusion that CNG will maintain a meaningful presence, though exact percentages were not detailed in the available source. Analysts say that this outlook is a reality check for policymakers and investors who have been betting heavily on a rapid EV-only future. The continued role of CNG also has implications for India's energy security and emissions targets, as natural gas is a fossil fuel, albeit a cleaner-burning one compared to diesel and petrol.

Analysts say the TERI study highlights that India's transition to electric mobility will be more gradual than anticipated, with CNG serving as a bridge fuel for decades.

For consumers, this means that CNG vehicles will remain a viable option for many years, particularly for those covering long distances or operating in regions where EV charging infrastructure is still sparse. Automakers may need to balance their investments between EVs and CNG models, rather than phasing out the latter prematurely. The study's findings also suggest that India's EV future may not be as electric as commonly portrayed, with a mixed-energy landscape likely to persist.

In October 2026, as India continues to navigate its energy transition, the TERI study serves as a crucial reference point. It calls for a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the role of multiple technologies in reducing emissions and meeting mobility needs. The government's push for EVs, including subsidies and infrastructure development, will need to coexist with the continued use of CNG, at least until 2050. This dual-track strategy could help India achieve its climate goals without disrupting the transport sector's affordability and accessibility.

For more insights on India's evolving automotive landscape and the future of mobility, visit Autoverse.