Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a great option these days; they are not only good for the environment but also light on the pocket. With rising petrol and diesel prices and people’s concern about pollution, people are now increasingly moving towards electric cars and bikes. The demand for these is constantly increasing in India, and the government is also helping in this, offering many benefits like subsidies and tax exemptions.
But choosing the right electric vehicle for yourself from so many options can be a bit difficult. That’s why this guide will help you make an informed decision, so that you can choose the best EV according to your budget and needs.
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 need
To choose the right electric vehicle, it is important to first understand the purpose for which you need the vehicle. Do you travel short distances like office or school every day, or do you need a powerful vehicle for long trips? Suppose if you live in the city, then vehicles like Tata Curvv EV, Tata Nexon EV, or MG ZS EV, which have a range of 300-400 km, can be right for you.
On the other hand, if you need a bike just to travel around the area, then options like Ola S1 or Ather 450X will be better. Take a decision after considering how you drive and how many people are in your house.
- Battery range and charging facility
The battery range of an EV is a very important thing. That is, how far your vehicle can run after a single full charge. Most EVs in India have a range of between 200 and 500 km. For example, the Tata Tiago EV, which runs up to 250 km for those with a low budget, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gives a range of about 450 km.
But not only the range, it is also important to see whether there is a charging station near your home or office or not. Fast charging vehicles get charged up to 80% in 30 to 60 minutes, which saves a lot of time.
- Budget and government subsidies
The initial price of EVs may be slightly higher than petrol-diesel vehicles, but their cost is lower in the long run. The price of electric vehicles in India ranges from about Rs 5 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. The good thing is that the government provides subsidies on these under schemes like FAME-II, which can reduce the price of the vehicle.
For example, in Delhi, you can get a discount of up to Rs 1.5 lakh on an electric car. Apart from this, the maintenance and electricity cost of EVs is much less than that of petrol-diesel vehicles. So, look at the options according to your budget and also check whether you will get a subsidy or not.
- Features and Safety
Electric vehicles of today have become very smart and advanced. Things like touchscreen display, reverse camera, and automatic driving mode have become common now. But at the same time, it is also very important to take care of safety.
Always buy a car that has safety features like ABS, airbags, and hill assist. In India, companies like Tata and MG make safe cars and have also received good safety scores from NCAP. Apart from this, also check the warranty of the car, especially that of the battery, which is usually 5 to 8 years.
- Test drive and read reviews
Before buying any EV, take a test drive once. This will help you understand the performance, comfort, and driving experience of the vehicle. Also, read online reviews and expert opinions. A lot of reliable information is available on websites like YouTube or Autocar India. Experiences of other people can also be helpful for you.
- Plan for the future
Buying an EV is a long-term decision, so think about what lies ahead. Are charging stations increasing in your city? Will your vehicle model get updates and support in the coming years? It is also important to check how easily the brand’s service and spare parts are available. Companies like Tata and Mahindra have a good service network in India, which will not let you face any problems later.
So overall, choosing the right electric vehicle is not a hasty decision. Make a well-thought-out decision, keeping in mind your needs, budget, and charging facilities. The future of EVs in India is bright, and with the right information, you too can be a part of this change.
If you are still confused, consult an expert or visit the nearest showroom and see the vehicles. Choose an electric vehicle for yourself today that is not only economical but also good for the environment and meets all your needs.
