The Benefits of Owning an Electric Vehicle in India

Cost Savings Over Time

While the initial cost of an EV may be slightly higher than a petrol or diesel vehicle, the overall cost of ownership is significantly lower in the long run.

Lower Running Costs

• The cost of electricity is significantly lower than that of petrol or diesel. Charging an EV typically costs Rs 1.5-2 per kilometre while a petrol car costs Rs 6-8 per kilometre, depending on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

• Example: To drive 1,000 kilometres a month, an EV would cost Rs 1,500-2,000 in electricity. A petrol car might cost Rs 7,000 or more.

Lower Maintenance Costs

• EVs have fewer moving parts. They do not require a comprehensive maintenance cycle like an equivalent ICE car, unless the battery unit deteriorates significantly in the long term.

• Regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brake pads.

• Example: Annual maintenance costs (post-free service schedules) for an EV, such as the Tata Nexon EV, may be around Rs 3,000-5,000, whereas for a comparable petrol SUV, they might exceed Rs 8,000.

Government Incentives and Subsidies

The Indian government, both at the central and state levels, offers several incentives to promote EV adoption.

FAME II Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)

• Offers subsidies of up to Rs 1.5 lakh on electric two-wheelers and up to Rs 3 lakh on electric cars, depending on battery capacity.

State-level Benefits

• Delhi offers additional subsidies of up to Rs 1.5 lakh, as well as a waiver of road tax and registration fees.

• Maharashtra provides benefits on top of FAME II and additional incentives for scrapping old ICE vehicles.

• Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala offer their own subsidies and tax exemptions.

Other Financial Benefits

• Lower road tax or complete exemption in several states.

• Zero registration fee for EVs in some states.

• Income tax deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80EEB on loan interest for EV purchase.

Environmental Impact

EVs significantly reduce urban pollution (a significant issue in Indian cities).

Zero Tailpipe Emissions

EVs do not emit carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides or particulate matter. As a result, EVs help improve urban air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses.

Lower Noise Pollution

EVs are almost silent, especially at low speeds. This dramatically reduces noise pollution in congested cities.

Sustainable Energy Use

When charged from renewable sources such as solar or wind power, EVs contribute to a cleaner energy ecosystem.

Convenience and Ease of Driving

Electric vehicles provide a smooth and effortless driving experience, which is particularly well-suited to Indian road conditions.

Instant Torque and Strong Acceleration

EVs deliver torque instantly, which is helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Based on driving modes, users can adapt to a very efficient yet time-saving driving pattern.

Automatic Transmission

Most EVs come with single-speed transmission. There is no need to shift gears, and this factor alone makes them easier to drive, especially for new or elderly drivers.

Regenerative Braking

By collecting a large portion of braking energy (the brakes act as a generator by reversing the current) and converting it into battery power, EVs significantly improve energy efficiency and extend their driving range. Modern EVs also offer the added benefit of ‘one-pedal driving’.

Expanding Charging Infrastructure

Charging options for EVs are growing steadily in India.

Public Charging Stations

• Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune have hundreds of public EV charging stations.

• Many petrol pumps are being upgraded with EV charging units.

• Example: Tata Power, Ather Energy, and Statiq are rapidly expanding their networks across highways and urban areas.

Home Charging

• EVs can be charged overnight using a standard 15A plug point.

• Smart home chargers enable scheduled charging during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates.

Mobile Charging Units

• Some startups offer mobile charging vans that can come to your location if your battery is low.

Technological Advancements and Smart Features

Infotainment and Connectivity

In addition to the usual touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, navigation, and app-based control, which are commonly available, modern EVs offer remote lock/unlock, live tracking and charging status via an app. Some even cool the cabin ahead of time if needed.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

Software updates can be remotely pushed to the car, adding new features or enhancing performance. Imagine waking up on a random weekday and exploring a new feature in your EV, free of charge and installed directly from your Wi-Fi.

Better Driving Range and Battery Life

Over a decade ago, EVs were criticised for limited range, low supporting infrastructure and uncertain long-term reliability. Today, battery technology has undergone considerable improvement.

Improved Range

• Entry-level EVs now offer a real-world range of 200–250 km.

• Premium EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or BYD Seal, can offer over 500 km of range on a full charge.

Battery Longevity

• Lithium-ion batteries last 7–10 years or more with proper care (healthy ‘slower’ charging cycle; lower DC fast charging cycles).

• Manufacturers often offer warranties up to 8 years or 160,000 km.

Battery Replacement

• Battery replacement costs are decreasing year by year.

• Some manufacturers are exploring battery leasing options to reduce the upfront cost.

Urban and Suburban Use

EVs are especially suitable for Indian cities due to typical commuting patterns and traffic conditions.

Short Commutes

Most Indian EV users (two- or four-wheelers) commute less than 40 km a day, which is easily manageable on a single charge.

Charging While Parked

Overnight charging at home or in office parking is a great convenience to have.

How Can One Justify Buying an EV Over an ICE vehicle?

Owning an electric vehicle in India today is not just about going green; it is often a smart financial and lifestyle decision. The combination of lower running costs, government incentives, technological benefits and reduced environmental impact makes EVs highly desirable. As infrastructure and battery technology continue to evolve, the gap between electric and internal combustion vehicles will only widen further in favour of EVs. Let us expand further:

Environmental Impact

EVs produce no tailpipe emissions while ICE vehicles (and even hybrids) contribute to air pollution and climate change in some form. However, it is worth noting that the production and disposal of EV batteries may have significant environmental impacts if not handled properly.

Operational Costs

Electricity costs far less than petrol or diesel. Additionally, routine maintenance (unless it involves battery or motor replacement) for EVs is simpler and less expensive.

Driving Experience

EVs are quieter (wind/road noise may creep in at higher speeds), smoother and offer instant torque. The single-gear transmission system essentially behaves just like an automatic vehicle. 

Technology and Features

EVs are packed with modern features and software updates, while ICE vehicles often lack connected features at lower price points.

Future-Readiness

Although a complete ban on ICE-powered vehicles is unlikely, the global shift towards large-scale electrification is inevitable. In India, state governments and cities are gradually restricting the sale of ICE vehicles (especially private diesel vehicles).

FAQs

1. Are EVs actually eco-friendly as manufacturers claim?

Although EVs emit zero emissions whilst on the road, Lithium mining and careless battery disposal might have adverse effects on the environment. However, stringent regulations have greatly reduced this concern in recent years.

2. What is one radical advantage of EVs nobody talks about?

OTA updates. Imagine getting a new feature or issue fix in your car through your WiFi at no extra cost.

3. What category of vehicles should be completely electric in India?

Public transport and commercial vehicles. However, due to their larger output demands and higher initial costs, it is not as straightforward a shift as in the case of private, smaller electric vehicles.