The Future of Electric Vehicles in India
India is yet to catch up with other western countries in the field of Electric Cars.
Advancement in technology has not left the vehicle industry unattended. The internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle is not the only option remaining for driving on the streets. There are electric vehicles, hybrids, and even hydrogen-powered vehicles for you to choose from.
Electric vehicles seem to be the next evolution for human beings as everyone around the world is trying to switch the use of average fuel-powered vehicles. Governments around the world have taken the task of transforming the vehicle industry by replacing ‘the hazard to environment’ vehicles with electrical ones.
In the latter kind of vehicles, the electrically powered motor replaces the internal combustion engine, and the power stored in the battery is utilized to run the vehicle. The battery needs to be recharged after a certain use. The electric vehicle batteries could be charged by solar energy or electrically.
There also exist vehicles that work on a combination of both fuel and electricity that have been in demand as well.
Benefits of electric vehicles
If every nation is on the lines of transforming the vehicle industry, there must be some grounds for it. Practically, who would go through so much for just upgrading the technology?
Here are some of the major benefits of electric vehicles that back up the reasoning of switching combustion engines with electric motors.
- Reduced emissions
Electric vehicles are a boon to nature as they barely produce any emissions. This leads to a significant contribution to the prevention of the climatic changes that are occurring due to the increased air pollution.
Climate itself is a huge issue but the dangers of air pollution are not only limited to the climate but are also the culprits of our deteriorating health. Electric vehicles can control emissions leading to a cleaner and better environment.
- Pocket-friendly
It is not a surprise that electricity costs lesser than fuels, hence, electric vehicles are cost-effective. Even the initial purchase price is dropping with each passing year.
- Lower maintenance cost
The maintenance of electrically powered vehicles is easier. It does not require immense attention for smooth running making it a trouble-free job. Unlike the traditional petrol/diesel cars where hundreds of parts move in a synchronized way and hence are more prone to wear and tear, electric cars have much simpler mechanics that require less maintenance and hence reduces the lifetime costs.
- Better performance
Many people find electric vehicles to perform better than fuel-powered vehicles. Because of their simpler mechanics, electric cars tend to provide optimal performance. It is still in its early stages of the development process but certainly looking one for the future.
Why would consumers still opt for normal vehicles?
Even after these immensely impressive benefits, we see a major fraction of people opting for fuel-powered vehicles. Why would that be the case when an electric vehicle provides you with so many amazing features?
Truth is, even though it should be the ideal case, it is not. There are some cons of electric vehicles as well.
- Short Range and battery performance
The mileage of the electric vehicles is not at par with the fuel-powered vehicles. The batteries have short ranges and are not ideal for long drives or drives in adverse conditions. A lot of factors suppress the performance of the battery which might be the greatest reason for people not opting for electric vehicles. With each passing year, new models are increasingly capable of greater mileage through better battery capacity and regenerative braking (conversion of kinetic energy into its electrical counterparts).
- Unavailability of enough charge stations
There are petrol pumps everywhere but not charging stations. When you run out of gas, it is really easy to find a gas station nearby. Well, is it as easy to get your electrical vehicles recharged? Sadly, the answer is a big NO. There aren’t as many charge stations available. Moreover, the rural areas witness a total absence of the same.
- Huge import costs
At present, India has to import the units to meet the needs of producing a high-end vehicle. Unless production starts in the country itself, the import is a real hassle.
- Laws for electric vehicles
We have great policies regarding fuel-powered vehicles, however, that is not the case with electric vehicles. The government needs to work upon the tax laws on electric vehicles to make it more feasible for the public.
The government’s plan for electric vehicles
The Indian Government is all set to transform the vehicle industry. Back in the year 2017, Nitin Gadkari expressed his intentions of removing all the fuel-powered vehicles and replacing them with electric vehicles on roads by hook or crook.
While the question ‘whether such a huge transition is possible in a decade or not’ stays afloat, the ruling party, Bhartiya Janata Party or BJP has been in complete support with the usage of electric vehicles over the fuel-powered ones.
Eventually, after judging the entire scenario, the dramatic goal of 100% was toned down to 30% which is not a piece of cakewalk considering the huge population of the country.
The government figured out that the sales were higher for two-wheelers and three-wheelers than four-wheelers.
The streets of bigger cities have witnessed a surge in electrically powered three-wheelers. Recently, these vehicles have also entered the smaller cities and rural areas which firms the belief that the goal of achieving a 30% transition by 2030 is not entirely impossible.
The government has also done its part in launching various benefits for people who wish to switch their vehicles. The GST for electric vehicles was cut down to 5% while for fuel-powered vehicles, it remained at 28%. People loaning out money for electrical vehicles were exempted from paying a huge amount of 1.5 lakhs INR.
What do the average consumers think about it?
When a survey was conducted by Castrol, it was found that most of the survey takers confessed to thinking of approaching electric vehicles by 2022. Also, the majority of the consumers also admitted to ‘wait and see’ before making the final call regarding the switch.
The consumers in the country expect a lesser price of electric vehicles with better mileage. Some of the biggest doubts over switching the cars were about the same. The consumers believe that if this problem could be solved, India would witness a steep rise in the usage of electric vehicles.
While it is true that the consumers seem hesitant over making the switch, yet it should be noted that they are willing to broaden their expectation criteria and making a real change.
Challenges to be dealt with by the government
The biggest challenge that the government has to face with the transition of electric vehicles is maintaining the cycle of supply and demand.
It is true that at present, India does not have much demand to begin with. Everything in the talks is about future happenings. The government has to makes plans on how they will be creating the demand for the supply of vehicles while making the supply worthy of the demands.
The expenses and the mileage also need to be brought to a level where the consumers wouldn’t hesitate about approaching the change.
Conclusion
The Indian market is a huge one but the most unique as well. Even though there are a large number of consumers, their needs can be volatile. Therefore, in order to attain stability in the hearts of the consumers, the manufacturers along with the government will have to offer ‘a catch’.
That would be the exact occasion when the real transformation would begin. Eventually, the demand will increase but it could take years for it to happen. This when a catalyst needs to step in and speed up the process.
With producing the parts in India, the cost of electric vehicles could be cut down significantly, making it easier for the average people of India to switch their vehicles. This would definitely take India at a great level of electric mobility.
