The EVs have caught the fancy of automakers around the world, and India is no exception. There are several Government backed schemes like Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) to move to an all-electric future.
As country is shifting gears to adopt EVs, people have started responding and investing in electric vehicles. Various Auto makers are offering many models of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and there are more on the way. Whether you want to buy an electric car, bike or scooter there are options available in the market. Though electric cars and electric scooters are cleaner and environment friendly, but before you can silently start the engine and quietly drive away, there are lot of other factors to consider.
The most important question you need to answer is, "Do you really want all-electric car and are you future ready for all-electric vision?"
Pure electric cars have certain limitations like range limitations, charging Infrastructure etc. as compared to hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions. But huge investments in research & development of the electric mobility future is changing things everyday & limitations like range are no longer a blocker. Also, the initial cost of an electric car is high, but it is cheaper to run in the long run, as they do not use any other fuel than electricity.
Tough at nascent stage, Current market is opening with quite a few options for buyers. All the domestic brands are exploring the prospect of electric vision. Whereas the global landscape is already shaping with players like Tesla which has taken the electric mobility vision to the mainstream. Let us help you in making an informed decision.
Choosing a new electric vehicle is a difficult task. Before you invest in it, you must know the different types of electric vehicles available in the market. And, it is important to understand what type of vehicle would be best for your requirements. There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs), that are differentiated based on electricity used as an energy source.
These vehicles are powered by both petrol and electricity. These are traditional hybrid vehicles with normal combustion engine and an electric battery. In these vehicles, it is not usually possible to recharge the battery remotely, but electric energy is generated by vehicles own braking system and it is recharged by the vehicle itself whilst the car is in motion. This is called “regenerative braking,” a process where the electric motor helps to slow the vehicle and uses some of the energy normally converted to heat by the brakes. HEVs are more expensive to run than PHEVs, as they cannot be recharged on the public station or any plug-ins.
These vehicles are also a combination of electric motor and traditional internal combustion engine. They are also called as Extended-Range Electric vehicles (EREVs), powered by both petrol and electricity. These vehicles can be charged up by plugging the vehicle into an external electrical charging outlet and through regenerative braking. The petrol engine extends the range of the car by also recharging the battery as it gets low. The PHEVs offer readily available fuel for long distance travelling and considerably higher range as compared to BEVs. The battery of these vehicles is smaller than BEVs, so the charging time is less.
These type of EVs are fully electric vehicles and do not have an alternative fuel source, which means they are only powered by electricity and do not have a petrol engine, fuel tank or exhaust pipe. These vehicles are charged using standard charge stations. BEVs are ideal for point to point travel within the city or people who travel short distances. One of the most beneficial things about these vehicles is, they do not produce any tailpipe emissions. The price of BEVs is significantly higher than the similar petrol-powered (or diesel) vehicles, but they save on fuel and maintenance cost.
Consider the budget and research about the pricing. Pure electric vehicles are expensive as compared to hybrids or plug-in hybrids. Moreover, in order to make India go all electric, government is offering various subsidies and tax saving options for electric vehicle buyers.
Check for the battery range if you are going for an all-electric vehicle. Generally, all electric cars/scooters/bikes offer low range as compared to other hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions. Electric vehicles are cost-effective and better for transiting within the city, while you can choose to go for other options if you travel longer distances.
Insurance policy provides coverage in case of damage, loss caused by accident, fire, theft, riots, natural calamity, or more. You can rely on the insurance for third party financial liability caused due to injury/death or damage of property. Some policies also offer personal accidental cover when policy is in force.
Auto loan is a tool to power the purchase of a vehicle in case you decide not to pay the entire amount upfront.
There are several aspects like maintenance cost, dealer service network, warranty period & coverage, spare parts availability, re-sale value etc. which needs serious consideration & evaluation before buying. In electric vehicles maintenance is more like monitoring the consumables such as brake pads, brake fluid, tires, etc. and replacing when required. Maintenance items generally wear at a predictable rate and should not represent a significant challenge in terms of costs.
Driving an EV is a completely unique experience, as motor of electric vehicles deliver a direct connection between your foot on the accelerator and the vehicle’s response. It is a completely silent driving experience, and you really don’t hear the roaring sound of the engine.
Before you go for an all-electric vehicle make sure you have charging stations around your area to avoid any inconvenience, especially during long journeys.
Think electric vehicles are slow and boring to drive? The basics of driving an electric vehicle are the same with an accelerator and a brake. But in other ways an electric vehicle can be strange to a seasoned driver, as the lack of pistons and noisy combustion, means an electric vehicle ghost along very quietly. The lack of noise and quick acceleration can take some time to get used to at first, as it becomes difficult to appreciate how quickly you are moving. But as you get used to it, the lack of noise can prove to be very relaxing.
New latest electric vehicles are loaded with exciting new features and specs. However, older used electric vehicles offer limited features and specs.