
Uncovering the Truth About Range, Charging, Costs, and Performance for Indian Roads and Everyday Use
Electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily becoming mainstream in India, with manufacturers offering a variety of models tailored to consumer needs. However, myths about EVs still persist, discouraging potential buyers. Let’s debunk the top 5 myths surrounding EVs and highlight why they are a great choice for Indian roads.
Myth 1: EVs Don’t Have Enough Range for Indian Roads
This myth is rooted in outdated information, as electric cars in India today are available across a vast price spectrum and come with impressive range capabilities. EVs now cater to a variety of needs, from compact city cars to luxury long-range vehicles. Models like the MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV are affordable and perfect for daily urban commutes, offering ranges of 165–200 km. On the other end of the spectrum, luxury EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS boast ranges exceeding 800 km, rivaling or even surpassing some of the best petrol or diesel vehicles.
What’s more, EVs aren’t just about range—they’re about performance too. Take the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for instance. Equipped with a powerful motor delivering 214 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, it’s not only efficient but also the most powerful Hyundai currently on sale in India. This proves that EVs can cater to enthusiasts who crave thrilling performance while still offering everyday practicality.
Additionally, newer EVs come with innovative battery rental programs, allowing buyers to get an EV starting at just Rs. 5 lakh and pay only for the battery on a per-kilometer basis. For regular buyers, this means EVs are accessible in almost every price segment. Exciting upcoming launches like the Hyundai Creta Electric and Mahindra EVs are further diversifying the market.
It’s important to note that the average daily driving distance for most Indian car users is around 50 km—just a fraction of what even the most affordable EVs on the market can deliver. So, the argument that EVs don’t have enough range doesn’t hold up anymore.
Myth 2: Charging Infrastructure Isn’t Ready
Contrary to popular belief, charging infrastructure in India is rapidly improving. Public charging stations have become commonplace, and most new EVs come with home-charging setups that make daily usage hassle-free. The MyHyundai app, for example, provides access to over 10,000 charging points across the country, simplifying the process for EV owners.
We recently tested this ourselves during a Delhi-to-Chennai road trip, covering 2,500 km in just 2 days and 16 hours with two overnight halts. Throughout the journey, we relied on the existing charging infrastructure and never faced any issues finding chargers. Most public chargers these days are rated at 60 kW, which can charge an EV from 10–90% in under 45 minutes, making long-distance trips smooth and convenient.
Additionally, faster chargers capable of 150 kW, 200 kW, and even 350 kW are becoming increasingly common, further reducing charging times. For context, these high-speed chargers can add significant range to an EV in the time it takes to grab a coffee or enjoy a quick meal.
Myth 3: EVs Charge Too Slowly
While older EV models had slower charging times, technological advancements have significantly improved this aspect. Most modern EVs support fast charging, with chargers rated at 60 kW or more becoming the norm. These chargers can top up a battery from 10% to 90% in under 45 minutes, providing enough juice for most long-distance journeys.
For home charging, overnight options are sufficient for regular users. Plugging in an EV at home ensures it’s ready to go every morning. With the widespread availability of fast chargers at public stations, the concern about slow charging is quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Myth 4: EVs Are Expensive
The notion that EVs are prohibitively expensive is outdated. EVs are now priced at par with or even lower than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles offering similar performance. For instance, the BYD Seal, an electric sedan, boasts a 0–100 km/h time of just 3.8 seconds—performance comparable to high-end sports cars—but costs only a fraction of what an ICE vehicle with similar specs would.
Moreover, the affordability of EVs is further enhanced by state-level tax benefits. States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and several others provide full road tax exemptions and subsidies for EV buyers, significantly reducing the on-road price. When you factor in lower running and maintenance costs, the total cost of ownership for an EV is much lower than that of a comparable ICE vehicle. Enthusiasts and practical buyers alike are finding EVs to be a compelling option.
Myth 5: EVs Aren’t Suitable for Indian Roads
Many believe EVs aren’t built to handle the challenges of Indian roads, such as heat, humidity, and waterlogging. However, our experience proves otherwise. We recently purchased our first EV, and after nearly two months and over 4,500 km of driving, we couldn’t be happier with its performance. EVs are designed with advanced thermal management systems to withstand extreme weather conditions, and their sealed battery packs ensure reliability even in waterlogged areas.
In fact, one of our EVs recently completed a Delhi-to-Chennai trip in just 2 days and 16 hours, covering 2,500 km with ease. Not once did we face charging or infrastructure-related issues. EVs today are engineered to handle diverse terrains, making them perfectly suitable for Indian roads. Their instant torque delivery, smooth acceleration, and lower running costs make them a joy to drive in both urban and rural settings.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles have come a long way, and the myths surrounding them no longer hold true. From extended ranges to improved charging infrastructure, and from lower costs to exceptional performance, EVs are proving to be a game-changer for the Indian automotive market. With more options across every price segment and increasing government support, there’s never been a better time to switch to an electric car. It’s time to embrace the future of mobility and separate fact from fiction.