Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their environmental benefits, lower operating costs, and impressive performance. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to combat climate change and air pollution. EVs are much cheaper to “fuel” than gas-powered cars. The average cost to charge an EV at home is about $0.04 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to $2.60 per gallon for gasoline. They offer instant torque and powerful acceleration, making them a lot of fun to drive, and have fewer moving parts than gas-powered cars, which means less maintenance and repair costs. Many governments offer tax credits and rebates for purchasing EVs, making them even more affordable. So before buying an electric vehicle let us know what is happening in our country on this front.
Here are some of the latest Electric Vehicle News headlines in India:
Policy and Market:
- EV policy on the horizon: The Delhi transport minister announced that the revised EV policy will be put up for cabinet approval soon. This is expected to provide clarity on incentives and targets for the sector.
- Subsidy withdrawal worries: Ather Energy CEO warned that withdrawing subsidies could stall EV growth for two years. This highlights the dependence of the industry on government support.
- Focus on software: Auto parts makers are shifting their focus towards software development to cater to the changing needs of the EV industry.
Company and Product News:
- Ola E-bikes: Ola launched an e-bike taxi service in Delhi and Hyderabad, marking its entry into the micromobility segment. Fares start at Rs. 5 per kilometer.
- Ather ExpressCare: Ather Energy introduced a new service initiative called ExpressCare, promising EV servicing in just 60 minutes.
- Porsche Macan Turbo EV: Porsche launched its luxury electric SUV, the Macan Turbo EV, in India at a starting price of Rs. 1.65 crore.
- Omega Seiki Mobility: Omega Seiki Mobility partnered with Kissan Mobility to deploy 500 electric three-wheelers across the country.
- Revolt RV400 BRZ: Revolt Motors launched the RV400 BRZ, an upgraded version of their popular electric motorcycle, for Rs. 1.38 lakh.
- Tata Passenger Electric Mobility: Tata commenced production at its new electric vehicle facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
Other Interesting Developments:
- SUN Mobility & Bounce Infinity: SUN Mobility will provide battery-swapping infrastructure for 30,000 Bounce Infinity electric scooters.
- Pravaig accident: A prototype of Pravaig Dynamic’s electric SUV met with an accident in a tiger reserve, raising concerns about safety and testing procedures.
Some cons to consider before buying an electric vehicle are higher upfront cost, limited range, charging infrastructure challenges, battery degradation, and cold weather impact. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy an EV is a personal one. If you are concerned about the environment, want to save money on fuel, and enjoy the performance benefits of EVs, then they may be a good option for you. However, if you need a car with a long-range or frequently take long road trips, you may want to stick with a gas-powered car for now.