Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years on the world stage. They have gained significant traction in the Indian markets as well. With every passing day, EVs are getting more technologically prone to consumers, and what we were used to saying was impossible for the markets is now becoming a basic niche in the realm of Indian automotive. The Indian automotive giants are also showing similar trends toward the electrification of cars, despite the possibility that it is not up to the same level as that of European markets.
With the first release of the Nexon EV, the auto giants are trying to ingrain our minds with the reliance and revolution in EV transportation. According to the latest reports from the 2024 IEA’s Global EV Outlook, the rise in electric car adoption will increase by over 50% compared to previous years. This signifies that electric cars will be the future of the automobile sector. Electric cars are good and we can see the future ahead but there are a few roadblocks that need to be cleared. Let us delve into the challenges and problems faced by electric cars.
The problem faced by electric cars
The interest in electric cars is expanding more and more throughout the nation. They will somehow replace the internal combustion engine in the distant future. However, some problems with electric cars need to be put on the table. In this post, we will discuss some of the most pressing disadvantages of electric cars before you choose to own one.
- It Requires More Time Than At A Regular Pump Station
One of the biggest problems with electric cars is that it takes a lot of time to get a full charge. This charging capacity depends on the capacity of the batteries as well. But as a consumer and owner of an IC vehicle, pouring liquid or gas into the tank is easy and more convenient than charging an electric vehicle. Although electric car companies are making fast-charging stations,. However, these aspects mainly depend on the source, voltage, and type of battery vehicle used in EVs.
- Lack Of Charging Infrastructure
Another major problem with electric cars in our nation is the availability of charging infrastructure. Inadequate and well-equipped charging stations for electric cars are still growing in our country. Major Tier 1 cities are building advanced charging stations rapidly. But when compared with the Tier 2 cities, we are behind by immense numbers, and talking about Tier 3 cities is slower than the rest. As per the Minister of Road Transportation and Highways, four-wheelers and two-wheelers tend to rise by 25% in the upcoming 5 years. The Ministry of Road and Transportation has also proposed a plan to have at least one charging station available every 5 km but it’s a long way to be fully executed.
- Still Offers A Limited Driving Range
Whenever a person buys an electric car, the very first thing that hits the customer’s mind is the battery capacity and the driving range it offers. This is one of the few classical problems that electric cars face in India. Although changes have been made to the battery configuration, the limited driving range is still a major concern in our nation. If we consider one of the cheapest electric cars sold in India, the MG Comet EV, the range it provides is estimated to be about 230 km with a battery capacity of 17.3 kWh. However, due to insufficient charging stations, it’s a risk to travel such long distances through states. Whereas bringing the costlier electric car like the BMW I7 EV will give you a range of 400+ KM, it will cost you a hefty tag.
- Electric Cars Are More Expensive Than Regular IC Engines Road keepers
We Indians are too price-sensitive and owning a car is still considered one of the biggest and most challenging assets to own. At present, electric cars are costlier than regular internal combustion road cars. The government is making plans to reduce the budget gap year by year but the production and manufacturing of batteries are still costly. Under the make-in-India scheme, the Indian government is making plans to set up a manufacturing unit for batteries and semiconductor chips but it is still in the hallway. We believe that in the future, under the FAME 2 scheme, the price figures of electric cars will be lower, making electric cars more affordable.
- Electric Cars Have A Roadblock in Terms Of Safety Concerns
In recent years, electric cars have raised an issue with some safety concerns. The biggest problem nowadays consumers are facing is that the lithium-ion battery caught fire while driving. These batteries are common in electronic equipment but if a car catches fire while driving, there is still a chance of risk to consumers. India has a hot and humid climate, and this type of risk can only be exacerbated.
Brands are making improvements in the battery department but still, it requires a lot of research and development and a long process. However, our government is making plans to promote safer and more well-versed safety standards while testing electric cars in India.
- Maintaining An Electric Car Is More Costly Than Petrol Cars
With few movable parts under the chassis, the cost of repairing and maintaining an electric car may look lower but that’s in the long run. If compared with gasoline engines, the cost to upkeep the magnificent drive will be a burden on your pocket. Replacing a battery is not a child’s play that your roadside mechanic would replace easily. This electrification of cars is a new drivetrain technology that only experienced workers and mechanics would have the hands-on skill to repair, and the hefty pricing will ultimately allow you to get a higher insurance package. Moreover, the insurance market is too shackled up with high premium packages for petrol cars themselves.
Electric cars may be one of the most promising solutions to make our environment clean and will also help us with the degradation of fossil fuels. But these machines may not act as a silver bullet remedy what IC engines did. Modifications made in the battery capacity and improved driving range can only result in the road revolution or can be a technological mirage. It depends on the owner whether his preference is for an electric car or a petrol car, as these cars might be the future but can’t make the future.
What are your thoughts regarding the problems with electric cars? If there are any more problems you might encounter with it, tell us in the comment below.
Read More: The 10 Upcoming Electric Cars In 2024