Copper's Crucial Role in India's Electric Vehicle Revolution
India's transition to cleaner mobility is gaining momentum, with electric vehicles (EVs) at its heart. The government aims for 30% EV penetration by 2030, and sales have risen rapidly - from about 1.5 lakh in 2009-10 to around 25 lakh in 2025-26, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Copper is playing a critical role in this transition, as it's extensively used across EVs in motors, wiring, battery connections, charging systems, and other electrical components. A standard EV uses approximately 45 kg to 70 kg of copper, which is significantly higher than conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Copper's superior conductivity and durability make it fundamental to India's EV transition, said Mayur Karmarkar, MD of the International Copper Association India. It supports performance and longevity in Li-ion batteries, enables efficient power delivery in powertrains, and is essential for vehicle automation, including sensors and onboard computers.
The growth in EV adoption will require a wider charging network - with at least 1.32 million charging stations needed by 2030, according to a Confederation of Indian Industry report. India's copper supply security is also a growing concern, as about 90% of its copper concentrate is imported from other countries.