Electric Cars - A Rapidly Emerging Alternative To Petrol Cars In 2022



The electric automobile market in India is growing exponentially and is expected to be the third-largest in the world by 2026. It is also predicted that the electric car market would constitute 12% of the overall passenger car market by FY 2026. Incidentally, the CAGR of the electric car market is estimated to grow by a whopping 153 per cent between FY21 and FY26.

Between October 2019 and October 2021, petrol prices have increased by an astounding 46% in India. Due to the rising prices of conventional fuel as well as environmental concerns, Indian car owners have started to seriously concur ownersng electric cars. Leading automobile manufacturers like Tata, Volvo, MG and BMW have unveiled stunning electric, cars.

So will electric cars in India garner a higher fan following than petrol vehicles?

Let us begin by looking at the pros of Electric Cars in India

Less Pollution

Electric vehicles emit zero carbon on the go, which reduces air pollution. As more people switch to owning electric cars, the environment keeps getting cleaner. Some emissions might occur at the power plant to produce electricity, but it is far lesser than general fuel.

Better Efficiency

Traditional cars cannot convert more than 40% of energy to move the vehicle, while electric cars usually convert about 85%. Not only this, but it is also smooth to operate and quieter compared to other cars. This results in greater efficiency and an overall delightful driving experience.

Government Benefits

The Indian government incentivizes you when you decide to buy an electric car instead of a petrol car. According to section 80EEB, you are entitled to a deduction of Rs. 1.5 lakhs for interest paid on an electric vehicle loan. In fact, the budget 2021 proposal says that personal vehicles will have to pay 'green tax' for which electric vehicles will be exempt. In addition to this, electric cars in India can get away with road tax and registration expenses in some states.

Lower Maintenance Cost

Owning a car comes with recurring maintenance, which is not cheap. This is because traditional cars have many moving parts, which results in higher chances of the car needing repairs. On average, it costs about Rs. 7000-10000 to maintain your petrol/diesel car. On the other hand, electric cars do not have many moving parts and thus require less maintenance. It costs about half the money to maintain electric cars in India compared to petrol cars.

Lower Fuel Cost

The rates of petrol and diesel are rising exponentially with time to the point where it has become a significant expense for a lot of Indian households. Electric vehicles use electricity as a fuel which is much cheaper than conventional fuels. The cost reduces even further if you charge it at one of the public charging stations.

Now that we know owning electric cars requires lower maintenance, has a lower fuel cost, and also cleans up the environment, should you go for it? Well, you haven't looked at the other side yet.

Let us discuss some of the cons of owning electric cars in India:

Cons of Electric Cars in India

Lack of Charging Stations

The number of electric vehicle charging stations across the country is less than 500. While it may seem like a decent number, it is far lesser than about 60,799 petrol pumps. Though the government aims to set up more than 20,000 EV charging stations across the country, it will take a few years to have enough stations so that you never have to worry about your battery draining. If you decide to get one now, your home is the only reliable place where you can charge your vehicle. You might be able to make an outstation trip depending on your city.

Longer Charging Cycles

Unlike petrol/diesel, which takes 2-5 minutes to fill your tank, charging electric cars in India can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to charge fully. Even with speedy charging and large batteries, it can take up to an hour to charge your battery significantly. This will require you to follow a rigid charging schedule if you want to use it on a regular basis. Realizing that regularly charge at the last minute can leave you frustrated and affect your plans.

Higher Upfront Cost

Although using electric cars in India comes with a lower fuel cost, they are generally more expensive compared to similar petrol/diesel cars. While it is still more affordable in the long run, some people prefer getting a bigger petrol car than a smaller electric car.

Fewer Choices

Unlike petrol/diesel cars, there are only a handful of electric cars to choose from in 2021. Although the government is encouraging companies to produce more models, it will take some time for you to have a good number of options to choose from.

The Future of Electric Cars in India

It is projected that by 2030, electric vehicles will help save over $60 billion of conventional fuel costs and reduce over 1 gigatonne of carbon emissions thus creating an energy-efficient transportation sector. Electric cars are not only safe for the environment but also pocket-friendly and comfortable to drive in the long run. Considering this, the hype is totally justified. It is not far when most vehicles you see on the road will be powered by electricity.

Should you buy an electric automobile in 2022?

It's not a simple yes or no question. You need to factor in a lot of things like your budget, state of residence, use case, etc. For example, if you live in a place with enough charging stations and would like to enjoy government incentives, buying an electric automobile in 2021 might be worth it for now. However, if you are someone who likes to choose from several different companies and car models, you might want to get a petrol/diesel car instead. Analyze your situation and needs, and make a sound decision.