The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in India has been relatively slow, but it is starting to pick up pace. The Indian government has set a goal to have 30% of the country’s vehicles be electric by 2030, and as a result, it has been making efforts to expand the EV charging infrastructure and provide financial incentives for EV manufacturers and buyers. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular option for personal transportation in India, but there are still several myths surrounding the ownership of an EV in India that may discourage people from buying and using them. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common myths about owning an EV in India, and provide the facts to dispel them.
Myth 1 – High cost: One of the most common myths about EVs in India is that they are too expensive for the average person to afford. However, this is not the case. With the government of India providing financial incentives for EV manufacturers and buyers, the cost of EVs has been decreasing. Additionally, as the technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, the price of EVs is expected to decrease further. Furthermore, the cost of maintaining an EV is generally lower than that of a gasoline-powered car, which can help to offset the initial cost of the vehicle. For example, To commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the Nexon EV launch in India, Tata Motors has announced updates to pricing and range. The company is decreasing the starting price of the electric car to Rs 14.49 lakh, a decrease from the previous price of Rs 14.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
Myth 2 – Limited range: Another myth about EVs in India is that they have a limited range and cannot be used for long distance travel. However, most modern EVs have a range of over 150 km on a single charge, which is more than enough for most daily commutes. Additionally, as the technology improves, the range of EVs is expected to increase. This means that even long-distance travel will be possible with an EV in the near future. Upon the launch of the Tata Nexon Prime series, the vehicle’s range was at 312 km. However, due to high demand from customers who travel longer distances, the range was increased to 437 km with the new model, the Tata Nexon Max series. As the charging infrastructure continues to improve, range anxiety will become less of a concern for EV owners.
Myth 3 – Charging infrastructure: Some people believe that there is not enough charging infrastructure in India, and that it is difficult to find a charging station when needed. However, as the government of India is making efforts to expand the charging infrastructure, this myth is becoming less true. Additionally, many EV manufacturers are also investing in building charging stations across the country. Furthermore, even if you don’t have access to a charging station, you can charge your EV at home using a regular electrical outlet. As India’s leading provider of EV charging solutions, Tata Power has established a strong presence across all segments of the EV charging ecosystem. The company deploys chargers of various standards and specifications to meet the diverse needs of its customers. To date, Tata Power has installed over 3,000 public and semi-public EV chargers in 450 cities across India, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry.
Myth 4 – Lack of power: Some people believe that EVs do not have enough power to meet the needs of Indian drivers. However, many modern EVs have the same power and acceleration as gasoline-powered cars, and can even exceed them in some cases. Additionally, as the technology improves, the power of EVs is expected to increase, which means that they will be able to meet the needs of even the most demanding drivers. For example, The Nexon EV MAX has a power output of 105 kW (143 PS) and generates an instant torque of 250 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 9 seconds.
Myth 5 – Battery life and replacement: People believe that EV batteries have a short life and are very costly to replace. However, most EV batteries are designed to last for at least 8-10 years or more than 150,000 km, and the cost of replacing an EV battery is becoming more affordable as technology improves. Additionally, many EV manufacturers offer warranties on their batteries, which can help to offset the cost of replacement. The Tata Nexon EV series comes with a battery warranty of 8-10 years, providing peace of mind for at least a decade. Additionally, there are several ways to extend the life of the battery. One such method is to park the EV in a shaded area to keep the battery cool. Also, it’s advisable to limit the use of DC charging and reserve it for emergency situations or long-distance trips to prolong the life of the battery.
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Myth 6 – EVs are not safe in monsoon: It is a misconception that electric vehicles (EVs) should not be driven in the rain because they are unsafe. In fact, EVs can be driven in the rain just like any other vehicle. They are equipped with waterproof battery packs and electronic systems, making them as safe to drive in rainy conditions as traditional gasoline-powered cars. While it is not advisable to charge an EV in heavy rain, charging ports are designed to be weather-resistant, allowing for charging in light rain or covered areas. Additionally, many EV manufacturers design their battery packs with waterproof features, and the battery management system will not permit charging if the car is in contact with water. It is important to note that, with any vehicle, it is always best to avoid driving through deep water or flooded areas to minimize the risk of damage.
In conclusion, it’s important to understand that these myths about owning an EV in India are not true. EVs are becoming more and more viable and affordable options for personal transportation in India. With the government of India’s focus on promoting EV adoption, the EV market in India is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. As technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of EVs is expected to decrease further, making them more accessible to the average person. Furthermore, the benefits of owning an EV, such as reduced fuel costs and lower maintenance costs, can help to offset the initial cost of the vehicle.
