Electric Cars: How to Buy the Right Electric Car for You

Electric vehicles (EVs) have had a huge impact in recent years and many have rightly called them the future of mobility. Electric cars not only offer significant benefits for their users, they are also good for the environment. To further motivate people to buy e-cars, the Indian government is offering various subsidies as part of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) Scheme.

For ordinary users, this looks like a win-win in many ways as you can do your bit for the environment while commuting to the office. But remember, electric cars are not like gasoline or diesel cars, and before you rush to buy one, these factors should be considered.


Choose the right driving range: Range is the most important factor to consider before buying an electric vehicle. Your electric vehicle would cover as much distance as its battery allows – in a single charge. With conventional vehicles, you do not need to worry about it, because you can easily refuel at the nearest petrol station. But that’s not the case with charging stations. Their numbers are gradually increasing across India, but it will still be difficult to find them near you.

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

Automakers also provide specified driving range numbers, but to get a clearer idea, look for real-world reviews. Typically, an electric car with a range of 100 km should be enough for your commute, but if you’re looking for interstate travel there are some high-end cars that can offer over 400 km.

Price and tax advantages: E-cars come at a high price. Thanks to complex technology and expensive batteries, electric cars are significantly more expensive than conventional ones. A small electric hatchback can cost you more than Rs. 7 lakh.

To ease the burden, you can take advantage of government benefits and incentives and reduce the overall cost of your car. Review all incentive schemes and benefits, such as B. Reduced GST. You can also discuss these aspects in detail with car dealers to get a fair picture. Remember that electric cars have not yet been able to attract many customers due to their high prices. Efforts are being made to replace cobalt batteries with nickel batteries, but it could take a few years for this to happen.

Specifications & software updates: You need to follow the specifications to choose an EV that will suit your needs as it comes in a wide variety of batteries and electric motors. An underpowered electric car can ruin your ambitions and cause you a lot of trouble.

Things that ensure a smooth electric car ride are in the technical details – go through them carefully. When you have the car, keep an eye out for software updates. Because of their complex and advanced technology, manufacturers regularly release software updates or patches to improve performance. Usually these updates are offered for free to owners, but in some cases manufacturers charge a fee for them. They are a must to keep your car 100% efficient.

Charging infrastructure and battery life: E-cars may dominate the passenger car market in the coming years, but the charging infrastructure in the country is currently inadequate. There are charging stations in major cities, but you won’t find any in rural India. Take this fact into account before making the final decision.

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

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

Manufacturers also offer maintenance services, but that would cost you a lot. Depending on the charging infrastructure in your city, the additional costs can also skyrocket as you have to spend extra money on installing home chargers or charging stations. There are also maintenance costs for the charging station.


Brands and e-car models: When it comes to electric cars, India is not spoiled for choice. There are few options available right now, and you can choose the most suitable one based on affordability. According to the CarDekho website, 9 electric cars are currently being sold in India. Among 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 electric cars in India include the Audi e-tron GT, Mercedes-Benz EQA and Renault Zoe.

(Source: CarDekho.com)