A new era of transportation is dawning as electric vehicles (EVs) take over the automotive industry. The growing cost of gasoline can be mitigated by purchasing an electric vehicle. Moreover, these eco-friendly automobiles are beneficial for the planet. A program called FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India) offers various subsidies to encourage consumers to choose electric vehicles over conventional ones.
What to look out for when purchasing an electric vehicle
Even so, automobile insurance is essential to safeguard your electric vehicle from damage in the event of an accident. Here are a few more things to think about before making the switch to electric vehicles, besides the cost of insurance.
Driving Range
An electric vehicle is not the best option when looking for a car that you can use to get around town. Any EV will only go as far as its battery life will allow it to go. While refueling a conventional vehicle is simple, finding a charging station for an electric vehicle might be more complex.
Price
The cost of an electric vehicle is expensive, as is the cost of insurance. Due primarily to the vehicle’s battery, this is the case. Manufacturers are attempting to cut the ultimate cost of an EV by substituting nickel for cobalt, but significant progress won’t be seen for several years.
Variants
When it comes to selecting an electric vehicle, you have several choices. For those concerned about the environment, a zero-emissions car is an option. On the other hand, a hybrid vehicle allows you to preserve some conventionality while doing minor damage to the environment. Cars that run on both electricity and gasoline are called hybrids.
Maintenance
Electrical equipment is notoriously difficult to keep in working order. The same holds for electric vehicles. In an electric vehicle, the most expensive component is the battery. The cost of repairing or replacing the battery will be high if it is damaged. The cost of repairing or replacing any of the vehicle’s other components is likewise increased.
Tax benefits
Section 80EEB of the Income Tax Act allows for interest payments on auto loans taken out to purchase electric vehicles to be deducted from taxable income up to a maximum of 1,50,000. This tax break is a great incentive to switch to a more environmentally friendly vehicle option.
Specifications of electric vehicles:
Charge Specifications
Standard, also known as Level 1, and rapid, sometimes known as Level 2, chargers are available for all types of electric vehicles. There are just a few EVs that can use DC fast chargers or Level 3 chargers. Standard chargers can be used at home, but quick and DC rapid chargers are not. The manufacturer’s recommended charging methods should thus be inquired about. The type of connector, the length of time it takes to charge, and the cabling needs are essential factors.
Battery Life
Batteries with 4-15 kWh can be used in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) EVs. When it comes to PHEVS and BEVs (battery electric vehicles), even batteries with a modest capacity can power them. However, if you acquire larger electric vehicles, you’ll require batteries with 40 to 100 kWh.
Utilization of Energy
There are three ways to measure how much energy an electric vehicle consumes: eGallon, miles per gallon (MPGe), and kWh per mile. Per mile, the amount of electricity needed is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). MPGe measures an electric vehicle’s ability to run on one gallon of gasoline. Electric cars are compared to conventional vehicles in terms of cost per mile.
Regenerative brakes
A hybrid or electric car loses energy during braking or deceleration. Regenerative brakes aid in recharging the battery pack by reversing the flow of energy. By doing this, you’re ensuring that your electric vehicle has enough charge left to function smoothly.
Acceleration-related terms
The ability of electric vehicles to accelerate is critical. EVs can exceed the established bar for testing a vehicle’s acceleration power. When shopping for an electric car, keep an eye out for this feature.
SOC – State of Charge
The instrument panel of an electric vehicle has a meter like this one. It shows how much battery power your car has at the moment. The percentage is used to convey the message.
Conclusion:
The future of transportation relies heavily on electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are better for the environment and the future of transportation. In the current state of affairs, buying an electric car can be a challenge because the charging Infrastructure is still in its infancy. It is, however, possible to enjoy the benefits of having an electric car both for yourself and the environment if you make the right decision.