With the increasing worldwide demand for sustainable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) have become common in the hands of Indian buyers. But just like any other transition, there are a lot of questions that come along with it.
Be it your first time buying EV or just wish to understand the technology better, here are some of the most commonly asked questions relating to electric vehicles and their answers.
1. What Exactly is an Electric Vehicle?
Simply put, an electric vehicle (EV) uses electricity for running instead of petrol or diesel engines. As a result, a motor provides power to EVs, which are electrically powered and utilise rechargeable batteries. EVs can be categorized into the following types:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These run entirely on electric power and have no internal combustion engine (ICE). The Tesla Model 3 and the Tata Nexon EV are great examples of BEVs available in India.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These have both an electric motor and a conventional engine. They can run on electricity for a limited range before switching to petrol or diesel. The Mahindra XUV300 PHEV is a notable model in this category.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): While they use both an electric motor and an ICE, HEVs cannot be plugged in to recharge. Instead, they charge their batteries through regenerative braking and the engine.
2. How Far Can an EV Go on a Single Charge?
Many potential buyers of EVs fear the charging management of the cars which has been termed as range anxiety – the anxiety about running out of charge without a nearby charging station. The range of an electric vehicle varies significantly based on the model and battery capacity.
In India, one charge of modern electric vehicles can offer a range of 200 to 500 kilometers. For example, Ola Electric S1 X has a range of upto 190 kilometers in a full change.
3. How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
The charge times will differ depending on the type of charger being used.
- Home Charging: With a regular household charger (3.3 kW), it takes approximately 8-10 hours to charge the battery fully, which is perfect for overnight charging. If you have a 7.4-kW charging unit, it will take you 4 to 5 hours approximately.
- Fast-charging: If you’re in a hurry, many public charging spots have fast chargers (up to 50 kW) that will allow you to charge your EV to around 80% in 1-2 hours. Some ultra-fast chargers can even reduce this time even more.
The charging network is developing quickly in India too with the cities starting to get a lot of charging stations making life easier for EV owners.
4. What Are the Running Costs of Electric Vehicles?
An increasingly compelling feature of the EVs is the reduced cost of operation. Here are a few highlights on the cost benefits of EVs:
- Electricity vs. Fuel Costs: The cost of EV charging is considerably less than the cost of tanking petrol or diesel in the vehicle. For example, if we assume the cost of electricity is around ₹7 a unit, charging a car which is having the capacity of 30 kWh battery like the Tata Nexon EV should cost about ₹210 for a complete charge.
- Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, which means lower maintenance costs. You won’t need to change oil, and brake wear is significantly reduced thanks to regenerative braking.
- Government Incentives: There are many incentives from the Govt. of India for EV buyers. They are providing subsidies and tax benefits. These things can significantly reduce the initial cost of buying the EV.
5. Are EVs Really Environmentally Friendly?
As said earlier, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and the environmental impact of EVs extends beyond just their operation. Here are a few considerations:
- Battery Production: The production of lithium-ion batteries can be energy-intensive and may involve mining for rare minerals, which can have environmental impacts. However, as battery technology advances, manufacturers are looking for more sustainable practices.
- Source of Electricity: The environmental benefits of EVs are most significant when the electricity used to charge them comes from renewable sources. In India, the shift towards solar and wind energy is encouraging, as it makes EVs even cleaner.
Overall, electric vehicles certainly do create an environmental footprint, having said that if these vehicles are properly utilized, urban air quality and greenhouse gas emissions can be minimized with great accuracy.
6. Can I Install a Home Charging Station?
Undoubtedly. For owners of electric vehicles installing a residential charger is a wise investment. A few things to take note of:
- Types of Chargers: You can install a standard AC charger or a faster DC charger. While AC chargers are more common and sufficient for overnight charging, a DC charger can be installed for quicker top-ups.
- Installation Cost: The cost of installing a home charging station can range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the type of charger and installation requirements.
- Electricity Supply: Ensure that your home’s electrical system can handle the added load. You may need to consult an electrician to assess your home’s capacity.
7. What About Safety Features in EVs?
Safety is a paramount concern for all vehicle owners, and electric vehicles are no exception. Most modern EVs come equipped with advanced safety features such as:
- Battery Safety: EV batteries have been developed with most advanced features to minimize chances of risks such as overheating or fire. EVs are subjected to severe testing to ensure that they can endure a variety of conditions.
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Many EVs feature driver-assistance technologies like automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control, making them safer on the road.
- Crash Test Ratings: EVs are often designed on the same platforms as traditional vehicles and go through the same crash test evaluations. You can check safety ratings from organisations like Global NCAP before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are paving the way for a more sustainable future in India. As you consider making the switch to an EV, it’s crucial to stay informed about the technology, benefits, and available models. With the right information and a clear understanding of what to expect, you can confidently join the growing community of electric vehicle enthusiasts in India. Whether it’s saving on fuel costs, contributing to a cleaner environment, or simply enjoying the smooth ride of an EV, the benefits are becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
If you are from those who support the shift towards EV, then join the conversation of #GreenBharat. Together only we can make our country a better place to breathe and to live.
