The demand for electric vehicles is increasing rapidly in India. Due to the rising prices of petrol and diesel, increasing environmental awareness among people, and subsidies provided by the government, people are now thinking about buying the best electric vehicle.
If you are going to buy an EV for the first time or want to replace your old vehicle, then choosing the right vehicle is a big decision. This article will tell you about the special things that should be kept in mind while choosing an electric vehicle (EV). It will help you in choosing the right vehicle according to your needs, such as daily travel or the need to carry goods. It will also be explained which EV will be best for you according to your budget. So let’s start this interesting journey.
Electric vehicles are not only good for the environment, but are also lighter on your pocket in the long run. But with so many models, features, and price options in the market, choosing the right vehicle can be a bit confusing.
In this article, we will talk about the important things that you should keep in mind before buying an EV. Whether you are going to buy an EV for the first time or want to upgrade your old vehicle, this information will be very useful for you.
We will talk about topics like battery range, charging facility, price, and maintenance. Along with this, we will also tell you some useful tips that will help your vehicle run well for a long time.
Know 6 Electric Vehicle Buying Guide:
Identify your needs
When you are thinking of buying an electric vehicle, the most important thing to consider is the range of its battery. Do you drive a short distance in the city every day, or do you need more range for long distances? If you live in a city like Delhi or Mumbai, where there is heavy traffic every day, then a small and compact EV like the Tata Nexon EV can be a good choice for you.
But if you travel long distances a lot, then a car like the MG ZS EV will be right as it has a range of more than 400 kilometers. Also, keep in mind your driving habits and family size.
Pay attention to the range and battery
When you are going to buy an EV, the range is the most important factor. That is, how far the car can go on a single full charge. Most EVs in India have a range of between 200 and 450 km. For example, the Hyundai Kona Electric has a range of about 452 km, which is great for long trips.
But keep in mind that the range of the car can change with factors like weather, your driving style, and the use of AC. Especially in winter, the battery performance can be slightly reduced. So always think of buying a car with 20-30% more range than your requirement.
Calculate price and budget
Electric vehicles may seem a little more expensive than petrol-diesel vehicles initially, but later they become much cheaper. In India, EV prices start from around Rs 8 lakh and go up to Rs 30 lakh. Vehicles like the Tata Tiago EV are the most affordable option, whose a price starting from around Rs 8.5 lakh.
On the other hand, luxury EVs like Audi e-tron cost more than Rs 1 crore. Do take advantage of government schemes like FAME-II and subsidies available in some states. Also, include the savings in maintenance and fuel in your budget.
View the charging facility
Before buying an EV, make sure to check whether there is space to install a charging point in your home or office. Charging stations are gradually increasing in India, but at present, they are mostly limited to big cities. Companies like Tata Power and Ather Energy are now working rapidly to establish a network of charging stations. These companies are starting new charging points in different cities, so that the use of electric vehicles becomes easier.
Apart from this, also check whether the vehicle you are buying supports fast charging or not. You can charge the battery of the MG ZS EV in a very short time. It gets charged up to 80 percent in just 50 minutes, which makes it fast and convenient. If you live in a small city, then keep the option of getting a charging setup installed at home, which is available for free with most EVs.
Understand the features and technology
Today’s EVs have many smart features that make driving safer and more fun. In the best EVs, you can find features like touchscreen infotainment, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and regenerative braking. For example, the Tesla Model 3 has an autopilot feature that makes driving very easy. In Indian models, the Tata Nexon EV’s iRA technology gives real-time data. Keep your budget in mind and choose only those features that are useful for your daily use.
Test drive and read reviews
Just reading about the features of the vehicle is not enough; the real experience can only be known by taking a test drive. Go to the dealer and drive the vehicle to see how comfortable it is, what the ride quality and how it handles.
Also, read online reviews and user feedback. You will find reliable reviews on sites like Autocar India and Team-BHP. Talk to other EV users and know their experiences, especially regarding maintenance and charging. This will give you a clear idea, and you will not make any mistakes.
Choosing the right electric vehicle is a fun but thoughtful decision. If you keep in mind your needs, budget, range, and charging facility, you will definitely be able to find the right EV. There are many models in India, like the Tata Nexon EV, the MG ZS EV, and the Hyundai Kona Electric, that are made for different types of people. Book a test drive at your nearest showroom today and enjoy the real fun of electric driving! How did you like this guide? Comment below and let us know which is your favorite EV.
