12-10-2020

India is at the cusp of an electric revolution in terms of mobility with the central and several state governments determined to roll out the red carpet for EVs. But the red carpet isn't going to be a magic carpet which helps such vehicles replace vehicles as we have known and driven for years together. Therefore, here are five key and honest points to seriously consider before deciding on whether your next vehicle ought to be an electric vehicle.

1. Cost: Let's face it, an EV doesn't come cheap. Not here in India anyway. Not yet. A Nexon from Tata Motors, for instance, starts at around ?6.99 lakh (ex showroom) but when a Nexon EV starts at ?13.99 lakh (ex showroom). The upfront cost of an EV is, therefore, significantly higher than a regular vehicle but if you plan on keeping the product for a decade or more, it makes a whole lot of sense to take the dive. That is because the running and maintenance cost of an EV is significantly less. With per litre petrol cost well and truly above ?81 (in Delhi), EVs make a strong case as a viable option for an affordable drive experience. Because there are fewer parts, maintenance of an EV is also expected to be a whole lot cheaper - over a long period of time, of course.

2. Infrastructure: This is still where EVs lose out against conventional vehicles. While EV infrastructure is constantly being updated in major cities, it is still from ideal. And out on highways and smaller cities, a public-charging station is an absolute rarity. And while an EV can be charged using a regular wall socket, the charging time is significant which may mean an EV owner is held hostage by the passing hours.

3. Range: The above point is also directly linked to the whole question of range. People have always asked 'how much' in terms of mileage of a petrol or diesel car. The question with EVs is 'how many'. How many miles can an EV do per full charge is actually a question people are increasingly asking globally when considering such a vehicle. Different options get different battery packs which means varying range.

4. Options: Here is where things are looking the brightest. While makers of two-wheelers are rushing in new electric products, car makers are also looking to catch on and cash in.

5. Support: OEMs with EV offerings already in the Indian market are going the extra mile to allay concerns over post-sales service. Battery packs come with warranty running over several years while the service networks have professionals who are specifically trained to welcome an EV and keep it running silent smooth.