electric vehicles (EVs) has made a huge impact in the last few years and many have called it the future of mobility. Apart from providing remarkable benefits to its users, electric vehicles are also good for the environment. To motivate people to buy e-cars, the Government of India provides various subsidies under the Rapid Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme in India.

It looks like a win-win situation for lay users in more ways than one, as you can do your bit for the environment while you’re at the office. But, remember, electric cars are not like petrol or diesel cars, and before you rush to buy one, consider these factors.


choose the right driving range: Driving range is the most important factor before buying an electric vehicle. Your EV will travel as far as its battery allows it – on a single charge. You don’t need to worry much about conventional vehicles as you can easily refuel them at the next gas station. But this is not the case with charging stations. Their numbers are gradually increasing across India, but still you will find it difficult to find them near you.

Electric vehicles can be charged in two ways – fast and slow charging. Fast charging usually takes 60 to 120 minutes to charge your car. Slow or alternate charging takes more than 5 to 6 hours.

Car manufacturers also provide specified driving range figures, but you should look at real-life reviews to get a clear idea. Usually, an electric car with a driving range of 100 km should be enough for your office commute, but if you are looking for inter-state travel, there are some high-end cars that offer a driving range of more than 400 km. can.

Price and Tax Benefits: E-cars come with a hefty price tag. Electric cars are far more expensive than conventional cars, thanks to complex technology and expensive batteries. A small electric hatchback will cost you Rs. 7 lakhs.

To reduce the burden, you can take advantage of benefits and incentives offered by the government, and deduct the total cost of your car. Check out all the incentive schemes and benefits, like low GST. You can discuss these aspects in detail with the car dealers to get a fair idea. Remember, it is because of their high rates that e-cars are yet to find many customers. Efforts are on to replace cobalt batteries with nickel batteries, but this may take a few years to happen.

Specifications and software update: You need to look into the specifications to choose an e-vehicle that matches your needs as they are available in a wide range of battery packs and electric motors. An insufficiently powered electric car can ruin your aspirations and cause a lot of trouble for you.

The things that ensure smooth travel of the e-car are in the technical details – check them out thoroughly. Once you have a car, always keep an eye out for software updates. Because of their complex and advanced technology, manufacturers regularly release software updates or patches to enhance performance. Usually, these updates are provided to the owners for free, but in some cases the manufacturers charge for them. They are essential to ensure 100% efficiency for your car.

charging infrastructure and battery life: You can see e-cars dominating the passenger vehicle market in the coming years, but at present the charging infrastructure in the country is inadequate. There are charging stations in metro cities, but you will not find any charging stations in rural India. Consider this fact before making a final decision.

Like an internal combustion engine in a conventional car, the battery is the heart of your e-car. These batteries are very expensive, and they can cost a large amount of money to replace. Pay utmost attention to battery life before investing in an e-car.

Maintenance and other costs: Owning an electric car means you need to maintain it properly to ensure proper efficiency and longevity. Any lapse in maintenance can cost you dearly as the spare parts of these vehicles are very expensive as compared to conventional cars. This technology is still in its infancy in India, and can only be handled by a few mechanics.

Manufacturers also provide maintenance services but it will cost you a huge amount. Depending on the charging infrastructure in your city, the additional cost can also add up significantly as you need to spend the extra money on setting up a home-charger or charging station. Also, there is a charging station maintenance cost that will come with it.


brand and e-car model: You are not spoiled for the choice of e-cars in India. There are only a few options available at this time, and you can finalize the best fit based on affordability. According to the CarDekho website, there are currently 9 electric cars on sale in India. Out of these, the Strom Motors R3 is the cheapest electric car while the Mercedes-Benz EQC is the most expensive electric car in India. The upcoming e-cars in India include Audi e-tron GT, Mercedes-Benz EQA and Renault Zoe.

(Source: CarDekho.com)