Here are some myths about EVs that should stop now!

 

The pandemic had awful effects everywhere. As a result, we were forced to stay in and there was minimal human interaction and during this time beautiful clear skies, the breath of fresh air and even some species of animals returned to our world. The restrictions contributed to the reduction of polluting vehicles on our roads and this is a major factor which helped our nature's revival. Even though our country is home to the six most polluted cities, India's strong commitment to achieving its Paris Agreement targets and that too before 2030. This is quite a herculean task and electric vehicles play a key role in minimising the efforts. The concept of vehicle lease gaining popularity at this point will be helpful for us to adapt to the EV wave easily. But like with any new technology, electric vehicles have been facing the hurdles of innumerable myths, doubts and misconceptions. As the country is preparing to welcome the electric mobility wave, it is important to clear many of the roadblocks ahead and make the path to widespread adoption of EVs as clear as possible. Let us now take a look at the many myths that plague EVs and compare the facts.

 

 

●     EVs are unaffordable: The most popular myth associated with EVs is the myth of their price tag. Yes, they do fall under the luxury market segment but that has changed a while back and we can see the change in the trend. The government incentives and subsidies have thankfully made it possible to access and afford EVs on the Indian roads and another fortunate thing is the widespread acceptance of vehicle leasing and it is greatly helpful to balance the initial costs of EVs. Electric vehicle leasing completely rules out the possibility of large down payments and you only pay for as much as you pay in the form of monthly lease rentals. It makes EVs an affordable affair for enterprises and individuals alike who are making the switch. Significant tax relaxations, stress-free maintenance and repair, and lower running costs are benefits you can experience with vehicle leasing.

 

●     Charging electric vehicles is time-consuming: We are used to taking a turn to reach the gas station whenever we need to refuel, and most people believe that charging an EV is not that easy. Even though the argument seems fair the truth is far from it because most EV users charge their vehicles overnight at home using a 240V power outlet. This means you rarely will have to charge it during the day, and the average shortest EV range is about 135 km and a normal average of 313 km; it must be noted that the range is improving with technological advancements. Besides, several governments have partnered with leading electric vehicle manufacturers and have installed supercharging stations already. This helps EV users to charge their vehicles in just 30-60 minutes, which you can complete in an average lunch break time on your trip. Apart from that, many organisations and enterprises have already begun to install charging stations and necessary infrastructure in their parking lots to support their employees to have no trouble in their daily commute.

 

●     The batteries of EVS are dangerous: While EVs are considered one of the greatest technological developments, many have concerns about the safety of the battery of these vehicles and have associated the word 'danger' with it way too often. The doubt of impact leading to fire has been under discussion for a while now and recent findings have indicated that lithium-ion batteries are safe as diesel or petrol-powered engines. For example, a stable lithium-ion battery is used in Tata Nexon EV which adjusts its working mechanism according to the device temperature. Also, it makes certain the safety is at the maximum as it uses an IP67 all-weather, waterproof, shockproof and dustproof technology. In addition, newer batteries have increased shelf life because they are made of recyclable and valuable metals. The guidelines of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are a hurdle every battery cell has to go through. This strict testing process helps to avoid short circuits, overcharging or any technical malfunctions and this makes sure all EV battery cells on Indian roads will meet the AIS 048 standards specified by the ARAI. In short, the constantly progressing technology and safety standards make certain that you receive the highest quality batteries on your EVs.

 

●     EVs will be a burden on the Indian electricity grid: In a highly populated country like, is it possible for the national electricity grid to sustain itself if everyone switches to EVs? Yes. Will there be increased electricity usage and will it lead to more fossil fuel burning if there are more EVs? Not necessarily. By the end of 2022, India is predicted to have 175 GW of renewable energy capacity and expects an additional increase up to 450 GW by the end of 2030. Economists predict that oil import is the answer for 93% of the crude oil requirements and hence leads to inflated oil prices. This is prompting the country to go 100% EV by 2030. Emissions from the national electricity grid will be cut down and with renewable infrastructure increasing, it will be even more eco-friendly to power EVs. Also, the system is prioritising providing the cheapest power to consumers as per the recent framework recommended by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). As a result, this will highlight renewable energy procurement and the authorities will promise more hybrid RE stations across the country. Moreover, a committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Power and they are currently working on tariff Tariff Restructuring reforms. This incentivises the charging of EVs during off-peak hours by taking into consideration the load curve for various consumer categories. So, contrary to the myth we are journeying towards more renewable and reliable electricity to power our EVs.

 

 

●     Inadequate charging infrastructure: You can simply charge your EVs at your home, this will be enough to sustain your daily commute, local trips and properly planning your stops can even make long-distance travel easily possible. On the other hand, strong public charging networks using DC or fast charging will make matters easy and provide an efficient EV commute. The society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) reports around 1,300 charging stations have been set up till now. The country is expecting an even more robust charging infrastructure in the country in 5-6 years. Several states like Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have impressive targets to deploy public charging infrastructure. In addition, solar power is also available in the market to charge EVs. Mahindra is offering the Sun2Car option also.

 

●     EVs are unfit for long-distance travel: Technological advancements have helped to provide a range of over 300 km in EVs. On one full charge, electric SUVs similar to MG ZS EV provide a range of 340 km. The lithium-ion batteries have better higher energy density than lead-acid batteries and have a better lifespan. The top five EVs in the Indian market have an average range of 300 km, which is more than enough for any normal user. If you plan your stops right you can easily travel long distances with this range.

 

●     EVs have lower speeds: EVs can generate maximum torque with a push of a pedal as they are powered by electric motors. They can rapidly accelerate by converting the whole torque they supply. The Tesla Model S can reach 100 km/hr in just 2.4 seconds and even the consumer vehicles can reach 0-94 in 2.5 seconds. The Indian market has electric cars with top speeds between 80-170 km/h from manufacturers like Tata, Hyundai, MG, and Mahindra. Moreover, the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors System will soon be used by EV manufacturers which will help to utilise energy economically with no compromise on speed. Simply put, EVs don't have lower speeds.

 

 

The myths surrounding EVs are creating unnecessary concern over their adoption and it must be dealt with because they are our hope for a safer and greener future. The EV ambitions of India will soon be achieved as vehicle manufacturers are constantly working on optimising the performance and design of EVs. Also, the government has been encouraging EV adoption by providing incentives and supporting the building of needed infrastructure. ALD Automotive believes in the country's dream and we strive to provide the best electric mobility experience with our diverse range of car lease options.