Electric vehicles are broadly considered a substitute for petrol and diesel vehicles in India. There are several reasons why such an opinion has developed. One of the primary reasons is the ever-increasing prices of petrol and diesel. Since India is a developing country, and most of the population depends upon petrol and diesel vehicles for transportation, there is a strong need for a sustainable alternative to these vehicles.
To cater to this need, electric vehicles turned out to be great options. However, technological advancement and innovation still seem difficult for various reasons. Today, we can see that India has overcome many issues restricting us from achieving this progress in electric vehicles. It won’t be wrong to say that focusing on technological development has a solid contribution to the growth of electric vehicles in India.
This article is intended to explain the key role of technological innovation in the growth of electric vehicles in India.
Electric vehicles have been on the road across India for a while now. But there is a long way to go before any significant rise in adoption can be observed. There’s not much buzz about electric vehicles because of various factors, such as the lack of charging infrastructure, the prices and charges associated with the electric car, and the lack of knowledge regarding this technology.
The Progress of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
In 2013, the first all-electric car was launched in India, and since then, the electric vehicle (EV) market has been experiencing growth. In 2019, India’s sales of Electric Vehicles (EVs) reached 1.6% of total passenger vehicle sales. Electric vehicles are gaining much popularity in India for various reasons. One of them is that they provide a much more cost-effective and cleaner substitute for petrol and diesel vehicles. Another reason is the Indian government is providing subsidies and incentives to encourage people to switch to Electric Vehicles.
Future of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Various trends indicate that EV sales will keep growing in India over the upcoming years.
1. With rapidly falling battery prices, Electric Vehicles have become more affordable.
2. Numerous large-scale automakers have plans to launch new Electric Vehicle models in India in the next few years.
3. With rapidly developing charging infrastructure, it has become easier for people in India to own and operate Electric Vehicles.
These trends highlight one common thing – electric vehicles will stay in India and will become more popular in the upcoming years.
Prospects of Electric Vehicles in India
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining ever-increasing popularity in India since people are learning more about their benefits. The Indian government is also very supportive of adopting Electric Vehicles and has introduced different policies and incentives to promote their use. There are several reasons why Electric Vehicles are considered a positive development for India.
Firstly, they are helping to tackle a major problem in various Indian cities by reducing air pollution. Electric vehicles can also reduce dependence on imported oil since they can be powered by electricity produced from local renewable energy sources. The prospects for Electric Vehicles in India seem to be very promising, and likely, they will significantly contribute to the country’s future development.
Role of Technology in Building Trust in Electric Vehicles
This section of the article looks at how various aspects of technology contribute to developing and growing public trust in electric vehicles. The Government of India is supporting electric vehicles since they help reduce emissions. Since the country’s grid is slowly improving, soon, it will be able to accommodate EVs. However, multiple problems obstruct the way of mass adoption, such as range anxiety, infrastructure, and price.
Technology has started mitigating a few of these problems by reducing the weight and size of batteries. The attempts are going on to increase their range and charging speed. Also, companies are developing autonomous driving features, particularly to enhance the safety and efficiency of electric vehicles. Lastly, different brands and startups are trying to bring innovative new business models to make it more affordable and convenient for people to own an electric vehicle.
In this way, technology is crucial in building trust in electric vehicles. It also makes them a more suitable choice for the future.
How Technology is Improving the Market for EVs in India
Technology contributes in various ways to enhance India’s electric vehicle market. Some of them are –
1. Electrification of Public Transport
Technology promotes electric public transport, which will help increase the market for Electric Vehicles in India. Since 2014, attempts have been going on in India to electrify the public transport system. This will significantly affect the number of people who can drive electric vehicles. The Government of India plans to replace all diesel buses with electric buses by 2030. This will make it easier for businesses and people to switch their cars to electric power or public transportation.
The Government of India has also decided to electrify all its broad-gauge route trains by December 2023. This isn’t possible without a considerable investment; however, it will enhance the quality of life for millions of Indians by reducing pollution. It’s also expected to reduce costs for manufacturers and users, making it easier for them to participate in this new market.
2. Charging Infrastructure Improvement
The credit for dramatically improved charging infrastructure in recent years must be given to the efforts of Tesla and other companies. These companies worked hard to provide fast charging options at stations across the country successfully. Because of their actions, people who want to buy a new electric vehicle and those who already own an EV find it easier to use their vehicles more frequently without worrying about running out of charge during their journey to various destinations.
A large number of charging stations are now serving cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc., for promoting electric vehicles. These stations allow free usage of electric vehicles for a specific period. It also provides necessary information regarding the use and maintenance of Electric Vehicles on the website www.evelinevehicle.com, which assists in growing awareness of Electric Vehicles among people. Thus it allows people to easily understand the difference between Electric Vehicles and other vehicles on the road today and how they can help people reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on fuel expenses.
3. Innovation with Improved Protection Features
The Government of India has worked hard to ensure that all new vehicles sold should have some type of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) built-in, like blind spot detection systems and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). These technologies help drivers avoid accidents, thus making driving safer for them.
Things to Know about EVs
Although electric vehicles have become increasingly prevalent, there is still a need for proper information about them. Electric Vehicles are not just meant for wealthy people. These vehicles are more affordable today than ever, partially due to government incentives. Also, these vehicles are not slow and weak; several Electric Vehicles today have similar or better performance than gasoline vehicles. If you are planning to buy an Electric Vehicle, here are some things you must know:
Prices have reduced considerably in recent years.
When Electric Vehicles initially came on the market, they were highly expensive compared to gasoline vehicles. But, prices have significantly come down with technological advancements and economies of scale. Also, several countries provide government subsidies or tax breaks on EV purchases, which can further decrease the cost.
EVs are now available in various shapes and sizes.
Today, a wide variety of Electric Vehicles are available on the market, from small cars to large SUVs. Several large automakers today offer at least one Electric Vehicle model, so you can definitely find something that suits your criteria.
Significant performance improvements.
Initial Electric Vehicles were frequently criticized for their slow speed and less powerful performance. But, Electric Vehicles have evolved quickly, with considerable enhancements in performance and speed.
Battery technology has developed exponentially.
There was so much skepticism regarding how long an electric vehicle battery would last before it had to be replaced that many users expected their batteries to last a few years and not more. Today, several options are available with tremendous leaps forward in battery technology, indicating better range and efficiency.
Level 1 charging is universal with no installation required.
Level 1 charging has become extremely easy: plug your EV into your AC outlet overnight. The time taken for charging varies with the voltage of your outlet and the type of vehicle. A Tesla can charge faster on a 240V outlet than a Leaf, which can charge faster than a Leaf out.
Are you planning to buy an EV? If yes, you might find this article useful!
