We all know how electric vehicles may benefit the environment, making them the way of the future for transportation. Cleaner emissions equate to less pollution; therefore, a cleaner environment is more environmentally friendly. So, when it comes to environmentally responsible transportation, electric vehicles play a significant role. Only a few electric vehicles are now available for purchase in India. This piece will provide you all the knowledge you need about electric vehicles if you are considering buying one and are seeking for an electric vehicle purchase guide.
Because of the EVs’ complicated technical jargon, purchasing an electric vehicle might be challenging. Before purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, there are many things to take into account. Every element influences your decision, from either the cost of the car to the infrastructure for charging. The factors you should think about before purchasing an electric vehicle will be clarified in this article.
Before purchasing an electric car, keep the following in mind:
Now that you’ve made the decision to purchase an electric vehicle, the very next step is to determine which EV best suits your needs. Your decisions are influenced by a variety of factors. It’s more difficult to purchase an electric vehicle than a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. The following are things to think about when purchasing an electric vehicle:
1. Price
Although they are good for the environment, electric cars are not cheap. The electric automobiles are more expensive than their conventional equivalents because of the intricate electric drivetrain and pricy battery packs. Even a modest electric hatchback car might set you back more than Rs. 6 lakh. As a result, before making the decision to purchase an electric vehicle, consider your budget.
2. Tax advantages and incentives
The government’s tax breaks and incentives can reduce the general cost of electric automobiles. Hence, if you buy an eco-friendly vehicle, be sure to verify the precise percentage of incentives and tax benefits you receive. The Indian government also provides some advantages, like reduced service tax (GST), which lowers the cost of an electric vehicle.
3. Updates to software
Electric vehicles have sophisticated powertrains and cutting-edge electronics, and manufacturers frequently update the software in their vehicles to incorporate the newest innovations. Hence, after purchasing an EV, be sure to receive monthly software updates. While some manufacturers charge owners for the upgrades, others regularly provide free software updates. Hence, while purchasing an electric vehicle, make an informed decision.
4. Information
A broad variety of electric engines and battery packs with various capacities are available for use in electric cars. You must select an electric vehicle with the features that meet your needs. Driving an electric vehicle with little power might be annoying. Before making a purchase decision, carefully review the electric car’s technical specifications.
5. Practice Field
One of the most important considerations when purchasing an electric vehicle is the driving range. Don’t depend on the driving range estimates provided by the manufacturer. Instead, check for real-world reviews for a sense of the EV’s driving range under typical circumstances. An electric vehicle should typically have a daily driving range of more than 100 kilometres. High-end electric vehicles even provide a 400km or more driving range.
6. Batteries’ Life
One of an electric vehicle’s most crucial parts is the battery pack. The battery is one of the more expensive components of the EV as well, though. It might be expensive to replace the battery pack in an electric car. Hence, before making a purchase of an environmentally friendly vehicle, always verify the battery life. The cost of maintenance decreases with battery life.
7. Infrastructure for Charging
In the nation, the infrastructure for charging vehicles remains in its infancy. One of the major difficulties for EV users is that charging facilities are harder to come by than petrol outlets. Most metro areas currently have enough charging stations, but elsewhere, the scenario is different. Thus, take this into consideration before selecting to buy an electric automobile in India.
8. Alternatives for Charging
A variety of charging methods, including fast, regular, and slow charging, are available for electric cars. There are practically any fast-chargers in your city, and they are expensive to build. It is possible to establish a standard, sluggish charging method in your home. Certain EVs may additionally be charged from your home’s electrical outlet. Hence, before purchasing an electric vehicle, be sure to look into the charging possibilities.
9. Upkeep Charges
One of the crucial elements of having an electric vehicle is maintenance. The EV might not function well if proper maintenance is not performed. As there are fewer moving components in an EV, they are typically fairly simple to maintain. But in the case that something breaks down, the repair costs may be prohibitive. When comparing to a regular car, the spare components are also highly pricey. Also, there aren’t many mechanics who specialise in EVs, so if you need any maintenance or repairs, you must contact the manufacturer.
10. Extra Charges
There are various extra expenditures when you purchase an electric automobile because it is so environmentally good. A home charger, the construction of a charging station, the upkeep of a charging station, and commercial station charging all cost extra money. When compared to owning a traditional car, these costs might make ownership rather pricey. Hence, before purchasing an electric vehicle, be conscious of these extra charges.
11. Usability in Real Life
Particularly in a nation like India, an electric car isn’t a realistic mode of transportation. It all comes down to what you need. How far do you typically travel each day, and what’s your electric car’s range? If you live in a big city and only need a car to get to work, it makes perfect sense to acquire an EV. An electric vehicle might not be a sensible option for others. Hence, take this into account when deciding to buy an EV.
12. Model Type and Brand
Only a few electric vehicles are available on the Indian market right now. Hence, making the decision shouldn’t be tough. Vehicles that are environmentally friendly are sold in the nation by Hyundai (Kona), Mahindra, Tata Motors, and MG Motor India. There aren’t many choices, but they fall into several price ranges. You may pick the appropriate brand and model based on your needs and budget. In addition to the names named above, a number of other automakers want to introduce electric vehicles in India.
13. Post-purchase Help & Service
The experience of owning an electric vehicle can be positive or negative depending on the manufacturer’s after-sales support and services. These days, the majority of EV manufacturers offer battery packs with several years of guarantee and even install a wall charger where you want it. The electric car will be serviced by qualified personnel at the service centres. For a satisfying ownership experience, choose a brand that provides good after-sales service.
14. Hybrid or Electric?
If purchasing an electric automobile is not feasible for you, you might want to think about purchasing a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle emits fewer carbon emissions than a regular vehicle. In order to operate efficiently, a hybrid car combines an Internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. The battery packs that power the electric motors are charged either by the IC engine or by regenerative braking. Comparing hybrid vehicles to all-electric vehicles, they are also more dependable.
15. Used Electric Vehicles
If purchasing a brand-new electric car is beyond of your price range, you might think about doing so. Considering that EVs don’t have many moving components, purchasing a pre-owned EV may be a wise decision. But before purchasing a used EV, make sure to look into the battery’s performance and warranty, the quality of said electric motors, the tyres, the available charging options, and the car’s mileage.
16. The price of auto insurance
Because EVs are pricey, insurance for them tends to be on the higher side. The cost of insuring increases with the car’s market value. Electric car insurance is more expensive than traditional automobile insurance. Hence, before choosing an electric vehicle, take into account the greater cost of auto insurance.
17. Renting an Electric Vehicle
If you don’t intend to keep the EV for an extremely long time, leasing it may be a decent alternative. Leasing reduces the total cost of ownership because maintenance packages can be added for the lease. Also, since you’re able to return the automobile at the conclusion of the lease term, you won’t have to deal with the headache of reselling the vehicle. These days, even automakers have leasing options, suggesting that renting an electric vehicle would be preferable to owning one.
Specifications to Take into Account While Purchasing an Electric Vehicle
Before purchasing an electric vehicle, it is essential to comprehend how they work. To put it another way, you should read an electric car guide to buying to learn the basics of an EV. The following are some crucial EV specifications that you should take into account before purchasing one:
1. Electric Vehicle Type
Choose the type of electric vehicle you wish to purchase first. Fully electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are the four primary categories of electric vehicles. While fuel cell vehicles continue to be in their infancy, a hybrid electric vehicle doesn’t really require any type of external charging.
2. Drive Range
The distance an electric automobile can travel on a single full charge is known as its driving range. Although the infrastructure for charging EVs is still growing, its driving range is a vital consideration when purchasing one. It is preferable to get an electric vehicle with a long driving range because charging outlets could be harder to come by than traditional fuel stations.
3. Battery type and capacity
Lithium-Ion battery packs, that are compact and quick to charge and discharge, are used in modern electric vehicles. The battery’s capacity must also be taken into account since it affects an EV’s driving range. The driving range improves as battery capacity increases.
4. Charging Information
In an EV, it’s not just the battery capacity that matters; it’s also important to consider how long it takes to charge the battery. An EV typically comes with both regular and rapid charging options for charging. A fast charger costs money to install yet the battery is charged in just a few hours. Regular charging stations could be set up at home, though it’ll take a long time for the battery to finish charging.
5. EV acceleration
In most cases, an electric car can accelerate just as quickly as a car with an internal combustion engine. An EV can accelerate swiftly due to the instant torque produced by the electric motors. The electric motors’ output power and number determine how quickly anything accelerates.
6. Force and Power
The mechanical output of an electric vehicle is measured in horsepower (hp) and is supplied by the electrical energy. The electric vehicle’s acceleration can be estimated by looking at the torque, which is influenced by the electric motor’s output. Improved power and torque numbers improve the driving experience.
7. Battery Warranty
Among the most expensive parts of an EV is the battery pack. Manufacturers typically offer a battery pack guarantee that covers the duration or driving distance. Thus, constantly pay attention to the length of the battery pack’s guarantee.
8. The use of energy
In order to compare an electric vehicle’s efficiency to that of a conventional vehicle, you must take into account how much electricity it uses. The cost of operating an electric car is also based on its energy usage. When compared to cars with internal combustion engines, electric cars often have very low operating costs.
Do Electric Vehicles Need to Have Insurance?
This question has a resounding “Yes” as the answer. Given that electric vehicles are quite expensive, having insurance is essential. Any slight electric car damage could result in a hefty repair expense. For an electric vehicle, it is therefore best to choose a comprehensive auto insurance policy. Third-party and Own Harm coverage are included in a complete insurance package. Before making a purchase, you can evaluate various insurance plans and purchase auto insurance online. Renewal of auto insurance is very easy because it may be completed online without any papers.
Conclusion: In terms of the future of transportation is concerned, electric cars will be crucial. Eco-friendly electric vehicles are the way of the future. In the current climate, where the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles is still developing, purchasing an electric vehicle can be challenging. But if you choose wisely, taking into account all the aspects, possessing an electric vehicle will indeed be pleasurable to both you and the planet!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Selecting an electric car can be a difficult choice if you are not familiar with its basics. Here are some of the most often asked inquiries concerning electric automobiles to help make things easier for you:
1. What should I be aware of when purchasing an electric vehicle?
The following information should be understood before purchasing an EV:
- Range of travel,
- battery life, and warranty
- Hybrid or all-electric vehicles
- Options for charging
- Duration of charging\
- Cost of maintenance
- Charging stations
2. Do electric cars make sense to purchase in India?
An EV is a good investment if you’re searching for an electric vehicle for your brief daily trips because it will eventually lower your commuting expenditures. A conventional car has higher maintenance costs than an electric vehicle. The paucity of charging facilities across the nation makes EV an impractical alternative for long-distance travel.
3. What elements affect an electric car’s driving range
The following variables affect an electric car’s range:
Battery size, Driving technique, Vehicle weight and the Electric motor’s size.
4. What part of an electrical vehicle is the most crucial?
The most crucial element of an electrical vehicle is the battery pack. It runs the electric motors and stores electrical energy. The most expensive part of an EV is its battery pack.
5. How can I extend my electric car’s range of travel?
Driving smoothly can increase the mileage of your electric vehicle. When slowing down, avoid abrupt acceleration and maximise regenerative braking. To extend the driving range, you could also avoid using the air conditioning. Last but not least, keeping your car’s tyres in good shape and packing light can extend its range.
6. When parked, does my electric car lose its charge?
No. An electric automobile doesn’t quite lose charge while it’s parked normally. Even if the EV is left parked for a long time, the battery will only deplete by a small percentage, and it will still start when needed.
7. What happens if the battery in my electric car runs out of juice?
As electric motors do not receive any power from the battery pack, if your electrical car runs out of charge, it will completely stop moving. Complete full discharge is not advised because it could harm the battery cells and, in the long run, reduce driving range.
8. Can I use an ordinary household outlet to charge my electric vehicle?
Absolutely, the majority of electric cars come with a charging connection that works with a standard household socket. On the other hand, compared to a specialised charging station, charging the electric car from an ordinary outlet will take a long time.
9. How much does insurance for electric vehicles cost?
Your choice of electric car insurance plan’s premium and add-ons will determine how much it will cost to insure an electric vehicle. The price of car insurance is also on the high end due to the high cost of electric automobiles.
10. I intend to purchase a second-hand electric vehicle. Is it secure?
Because there are fewer moving components in an EV, buying a used one is safe. But before you buy a used electric car, make sure to look into the battery’s warranty, mileage, and condition.
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