As India drives toward a cleaner, greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming part of our everyday conversations. With rising fuel costs, growing concerns around air pollution, and supportive government policies, the EV ecosystem in India is evolving rapidly. Yet, many potential buyers remain hesitant, often due to persistent myths that cloud their decision-making. In this article, we address two of the most common myths about EVs in India and lay down the facts to help you make an informed choice.

Myth 1: EVs are too expensive

 
It is a common belief that EVs are unaffordable for the average Indian consumer. With the upfront prices of many EVs appearing significantly higher than those of their petrol, diesel, or CNG counterparts, this perception continues to discourage buyers. Many popular electric cars and scooters can cost substantially more upfront compared to similar petrol or diesel models. For instance, mass-market EVs such as the Tata Nexon EV and the Honda Activa Electric are typically priced higher than their internal combustion engine counterparts. This price gap — often considered without accounting for long-term savings — creates sticker shock for many buyers.

However, this perception changes when we consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes not only the purchase price but also operational expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and servicing over the vehicle’s lifetime. Charging an EV at home can be four to eight times cheaper than refuelling a petrol vehicle based on electricity and petrol prices across India, with smaller vehicle categories typically saving more. EVs also require significantly less upkeep as they have no engine, no clutch, and fewer moving parts, overall resulting in 40%–60% lower maintenance costs over time.¹

In addition, both central and select state governments offer a mix of financial and non-financial incentives. These may include upfront subsidies under PM E-DRIVE and various state EV policies, as well as road tax and registration fee waivers, interest subvention on loans, and access to priority lanes and zero-emission zones.While not uniformly applied across all states, such measures are increasingly being adopted to make EV ownership more accessible and appealing. For instance, Delhi waives registration fees and road tax for all EVs, and Maharashtra’s proposed EV Policy offers upfront purchase incentives for two- and three-wheelers, further reducing the effective price for consumers. Taken together, these measures make EV ownership more viable than it may initially appear. Shoonya tools — such as the EV Calculator and the Policy Map — can help users compare the lifetime costs of EVs and ICE vehicles and identify relevant incentives at the national and state levels.

Myth 2: EVs have limited range and take too long to charge

One of the most persistent misconceptions about EVs in India is that they require 10–12 hours to recharge every time and cannot be topped up quickly when needed. Many consumers imagine long queues at charging stations or worry that even after investing time to top up, the vehicle will run out of power. These concerns — combined with the ingrained habit of refuelling petrol or diesel vehicles in minutes — create barriers that discourage buyers from considering EVs as a practical alternative. In most cases, these concerns stem from outdated information about early EV models and limited awareness of how rapidly battery technology and infrastructure have advanced in India.

In reality, technological advancements have significantly enhanced the convenience of EV ownership. Most electric cars and two-wheelers now support fast charging, reducing wait times to as little as 30 to 40 minutes at public fast chargers and two to five hours with compatible home chargers, for up to 80% of the battery capacity.^2,3 For most users whose daily commute averages 30–40 km in a car and 15–25 km on a scooter, a charge of up to 80% is sufficient to cover several days of driving.⁴ Even in high-demand scenarios, such as delivery fleets or intercity travel, planning a weekly fast charge or regular overnight top-ups at home is typically enough to meet usage needs.

Home charging, in particular, has become increasingly popular, with a significant percentage of EV users choosing to charge their EVs overnight.⁵ The Indian government supports this trend by offering tools such as the E-Amrit Home Charging Calculator, which helps consumers estimate electricity costs and charging times. When combined with workplace charging during the day, and destination charging at shopping centres or along highways, EV ownership today can be as convenient — or even more so — than that of conventional petrol or diesel vehicles.

India’s public charging infrastructure is also expanding at a record pace. PM E-Drive scheme will support the installation of approximately 72,000 EV public charging stations across the country in the coming years.⁶ Several states — including Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu — have introduced policies requiring chargers in residential complexes and commercial spaces. Meanwhile, EV users can access real-time charging availability through widely used apps, making route planning and energy management simpler than ever.

By combining faster charging, improved range, supportive policies, and a growing infrastructure network, today’s EVs are more than capable of meeting the needs of daily life in India – disproving long-held concerns about range and charging. However, like any new technology, EV ownership does require a behavioural shift. Unlike the quick refuelling stops we’re used to with petrol or diesel vehicles, EV charging works best when it’s folded into your routine. With minor adjustments — such as plugging in overnight, topping up at work, or charging while shopping or dining — it shifts from a constraint to a straightforward habit. This change in mindset from reactive refuelling to proactive charging is key to unlocking the full convenience and cost benefits of EV ownership, disproving long-held concerns about range and recharging.

As India’s EV ecosystem continues to mature, staying informed and open to evidence-based comparisons will empower you to choose the vehicle that best meets your needs — without being influenced by misconceptions.