July 19, 2023, 9:27 AM IST Neeraj Manchanda in Voices, India, TOI
Shopping for an EV 2-wheeler will never be the same. No need to take time off from work or from domestic chores.
When it comes to purchasing two-wheelers in India, consumers today have an array of options available. The traditional route involves visiting authorized dealerships, exploring the offerings of third-party sellers, or embracing the convenience of online platforms.
Authorized dealerships have long been the go-to choice for most people, and their prevalence across the country is thanks to major two-wheeler manufacturers. These dealerships provide enticing showrooms where customers can indulge in the hands-on experience of checking out different models, taking test rides, and receiving expert advice from friendly sales representatives. Once a decision is made, the purchase can be swiftly finalized at the dealership, with financing options readily available.
The concept of the MetaVerse has the potential to impact various industries, with the electric vehicle (EV) sector being among the pioneers. The days when you visited a vehicle showroom or dealerships to buy your favorite vehicle are set to be defenestrated and relegated to the pages of history in a few years. The MetaVerse could potentially change EV sales in India.
The latest data from ARAI shows the sales of EV 2-wheelers is growing at a break-neck speed. EV 2W high speed scooter registrations in May 2023 surged 148% YoY and 57% MoM to 104,771 units while overall 2W grew 11% YoY and 21% MoM.
Leveraging the MetaVerse will only help accelerate that.
Immersive experience
With the MetaVerse, automotive manufacturers and dealerships could create immersive virtual showrooms where customers can explore and interact with the avatars of sales personnel and be shown around the showrooms and demonstrate the EV models. This could enhance the EV-buying experience by allowing customers to view the various models of EVs. The customers can customize the vehicles in the MetaVerse without visiting a physical showroom.
Along with the immersive experience, the MetaVerse could also offer virtual test drives and simulations, enabling potential buyers to experience driving an EV without actually being physically present in a vehicle. This could be done through virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) technologies, thus providing a realistic feel for the performance and features of the different EV models.
The MetaVerse could offer customers the option to personalize and customize their virtual EVs, exploring various options for colors, trims, accessories, and more. This would provide a more engaging and interactive way for customers to configure their desired EVs before making the purchase decision.
Democratization of EV buying
As there is no need for a physical showroom, the establishment costs of EV two-wheeler dealerships will be much lower as the dealerships do not need as much floor space as the traditional ones. This allows them to break-even much faster. Also, the businesses will not need to maintain as much of an inventory as a physical store as much of the initial demonstrations of the dealerships can take place in the MetaVerse.
Similarly, the potential buyers can take test rides that can be done in their respective homes as the vehicles would be delivered to them to help them take a call.
One of the biggest advantages of the MetaVerse is that the rural populations have as much access to information on the vehicles as their urban counterparts. This is enabled by the technologies enabling MetaVerse.
The increased access to EVs has been enabled by the rapidly-evolving digital economy. Online marketplaces on MetaVerse provide a platform for businesses to showcase and sell their products to a wider audience. This eliminates geographical barriers and enables direct interactions with customers, bypassing the need for intermediaries. The cost-benefit can be passed on to the customers.
Trained personnel
The MetaVerse can facilitate the training of personnel for maintenance and sales in the rural and semi-urban areas on a par with their urban counterparts, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide better service to the EV owners. This is possible as the training programs can be centralized and provided from a single place, thus ensuring uniform training for the sales and service personnel.
Virtual communities and social platforms within the MetaVerse allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and collaborate while discussing the various aspects of their respective EV two-wheelers. In the MetaVerse, the rural people can participate in discussions, engage in cultural events, and learn about the different traditions and practices along with their urban counterparts, thus fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
The MetaVerse is no longer a distant dream for anyone in India. With the increasing Internet penetration and technological advancements, rural communities too can now also harness the power of the MetaVerse for their development and growth. From education and economic empowerment to social integration and healthcare accessibility, the MetaVerse holds immense potential to transform the lives of rural individuals too.
As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that infrastructure and policies are in place to support the equitable access and participation of all in the Metaverse. By leveraging this digital frontier, we can create a more inclusive and connected India, where the benefits of technology extend to every corner of the country.
So, let’s embrace the MetaVerse and empower all to unlock its limitless possibilities. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and build a brighter future for all.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-metaverse-is-about-to-change-ev-sales-in-india/