It’s no secret that more and more people today are becoming eco-conscious and minding their overall carbon footprint. With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, many individuals are contemplating making the switch to an electric vehicle.
In fact, reports indicate that by 2023, EVs might potentially account for 40% of the automotive market in India. But what does this mean for you, and is it truly a wise move to switch to an electric vehicle?
We’ve compiled a detailed Q&A guide addressing some of the most pressing questions that potential electric 2-wheeler owners may have. So, read on-
1. Are Electric Scooters A Good Investment?
The short answer is yes, but with a caveat – it depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here’s why:
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Cost-Efficiency: Electric scooters are extremely cost-efficient in the long run. While the initial purchase price might be higher than traditional scooters, the lifetime ownership cost of buying a electric 2-wheeler is significantly lower.
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Sustainability: With zero emissions, electric scooters are environmentally friendly. They contribute significantly towards reducing air pollution and promoting greener urban mobility.
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Convenience: Electric scooters offer many tech features like smartphone connectivity and app based controls, GPS tracking, anti-theft features, etc., that increase riding convenience for the user.
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2. How Much Should You Spend On An Electric Scooter?
The amount you should spend on an electric scooter largely depends on your usage and budget:
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Regular Commute: If you plan on using an electric 2-wheeler for everyday commuting, there are many options in the market with different price ranges and features that you can check out. Typically, many of these scooters will cost between Rs1-1.5 lakh or even more, depending on their technical specifications.
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Delivery Work: For delivery executives or businesses that need to move cargo over short-distance, the cost of renting delivery two wheelers — like the immensely popular Yulu DeX — is very reasonable. The flexible rental plans not only help in maximising the savings of delivery executives but also free them from the additional charges that come with buying an EV like battery maintenance and replacement.
- Family EV: Even owning an electric two wheeler can be pretty affordable. You can get a sophisticated model like the Yulu Wynn for less than ₹60,000.
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3. What Are The Risk Factors Of Electric Scooters?
Just like any other vehicle, electric scooters come with their own set of risks:
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Battery Life: Over time, the performance of batteries can deteriorate and the replacement cost can be quite high. However, with the right steps you can enhance the performance of your EV battery.
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Range Anxiety: The availability of public electric vehicle charging ports in India is a concern. However, it’s less of an issue for light EVs like electric scooters as they can be easily charged at home. Besides, battery-swapping can eliminate the need for charging in the first place.
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4. Which Is Better: Electric Scooter or Non-Electric?
While both have their pros and cons, electric scooters edge out conventional ones due to several factors:
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Environmentally Friendly: Electric scooters produce zero tailpipe emissions, and are better for improving urban air quality.
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Lower Running Costs: With battery charging being cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel, electric scooters are cheaper to run.
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Less Maintenance: With their smart design and fewer moving parts, electric scooters require less maintenance.
5. Why Are Electric Scooters Better Than Cars?
Several reasons make electric scooters a better choice than cars:
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Easier Charging: An electric two-wheeler can be charged much more quickly than an electric car.
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Lower Costs: Electric scooters are significantly cheaper to purchase, run, and maintain than cars.
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Traffic Congestion: In crowded cities, scooters can navigate traffic much more efficiently than cars.
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6. What Is The Life-span Of An Electric Scooter?
An electric scooter can last anywhere over 3-5 years, depending on the vehicle quality and battery life. Some of the factors that effect the life of an EV are:
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Usage: Regular use without overstraining the vehicle can prolong the life of an electric scooter.
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Maintenance: Timely servicing and care can ensure a longer lifespan for your EV.
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Quality: High-quality models tend to last longer due to their robust build and quality components.
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Going Green: Make an Informed Decision
Switching to electric vehicles is a significant decision that can have far-reaching impacts on your daily life, your finances, and the environment. It requires careful thought and consideration of various factors such as cost, usage, maintenance, benefits, and lifespan. However, given the numerous societal and individual benefits they offer, making the switch could be one of the best decisions you make towards a greener future.
FAQs
1. Is it expensive to switch to an electric vehicle?
A: While the upfront cost might be higher, the long-term savings in terms of running costs and maintenance expenses make it a very cost-effective choice.
2. How does switching to an electric vehicle benefit the environment?
Switching to an electric vehicle reduces air pollution as it emits zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.
3. Is it convenient to switch to an electric vehicle?
Yes, with advancements in technology and infrastructure, using electric vehicles has become easier. Moreover, mobility solutions like Yulu support complete app-based controls, affordable rental plans, and easy battery swaps that make riding EVs a pleasure.
This article was originally published by Yulu.
