More and more people are recognizing the need for electric vehicles (EVs) because pollution is getting worse and affecting the air we breathe. Electric cars don’t need fuel, don’t produce emissions, and don’t make much noise, which makes them a great option for sustainable transportation. However, some people wonder if they need insurance like regular cars or bikes. The truth is, even though EVs have unique features, they still share the road with other vehicles and are subject to the same risks, so they do need insurance as required by the law.
As EVs become more popular, there are many false ideas going around about them. To set the record straight, let’s debunk some common myths about electric vehicles and give you the real facts.
Myth #1 – Electric cars have excessively long charging times
Reality: Contrary to earlier generations, modern electric cars in India can be charged rapidly, minimizing the time required for a full charge. Initially, the charging process for first-generation EVs was time-consuming and inconvenient for users. However, technological advancements have significantly improved charging speeds. Depending on various factors, such as the charging station and battery strength, an electric car can now achieve a full charge in as little as one hour. This is even quicker than the time it takes to purchase online bike or car insurance.
Myth #2 – Electric vehicle batteries are unsafe
Reality: Electric vehicle manufacturers adhere to strict standards of ingress protection (IP) to safeguard the vehicle against damage from dust and water. Additionally, the electrical components of EVs are well-protected.
It should be noted that the safety of an EV’s battery depends on multiple variables, including the manufacturer. To ensure safety for yourself and your vehicle, it is advisable to purchase an electric car from a reliable and established manufacturer. Moreover, it is essential to select a battery equipped with weather-resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof technologies.
It is also important to take necessary precautions on your part, such as avoiding overcharging or putting excessive strain on the battery.
Myth #3 – India lacks a sufficient number of EV charging stations
Reality: According to NITI Aayog, the government’s resource center, there are currently approximately 934 electric vehicle charging stations spread across India. Moreover, both public and private entities are actively working to increase this number and introduce more charging stations at a rapid pace. Plans are underway to establish an EV charging station every 25 kilometers on both sides of highways and roads.
As the acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles continue to grow, the necessary infrastructure to support these vehicles will expand accordingly.
Myth #4 – Switching to an electric vehicle will result in the same amount of pollution as the electricity generation
Reality: EV cars in india emit significantly less carbon dioxide pollution compared to internal combustion engine cars, considering the entire “well to wheels” analysis. With the lowest energy conversion losses and high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles are nearly three times more efficient than traditional cars. As utility companies embrace renewable energy, the efficiency of electric vehicles will further improve, surpassing internal combustion technology.
Myth #5 – India’s electricity grid is not suited for electric vehicles
Reality: India’s electricity grid is well-suited for electric vehicles (EVs) due to its ongoing transition towards renewable energy sources. The country has set ambitious targets of achieving 175 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2022 and up to 450 GW by 2030. Despite a current average emission factor of 0.82 tCO2/MWh, slightly better than Poland’s coal-dependent grid, EVs charged with India’s electricity emit lower lifecycle emissions compared to diesel and petrol vehicles.
As India’s coal power capacity decreases and the share of renewables increases, the grid’s emission factor is expected to further decrease, resulting in a gradual reduction in overall EV emissions. Additionally, the proposed framework by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) emphasizes market-based economic dispatch of electricity, prioritizing the dispatch of the cheapest power first. This will facilitate increased procurement of renewable energy, further enhancing the green credentials of EVs. Instead of waiting for a fully green grid, policy and market interventions should focus on accelerating EV adoption in India.
Conclusion
The environmental impact of EV cars is often misunderstood, leading to various myths. However, the reality is that electric vehicles have significantly shorter charging times, feature safe battery technology, and are supported by an increasing number of EV charging stations in India.
Moreover, electric cars emit far less pollution than traditional vehicles, and India’s transitioning grid, with a focus on renewable energy, is well-suited to power electric vehicles. It is important to separate fact from fiction and recognize the positive environmental potential of electric cars as we strive for a sustainable future.
