Electric vehicles: Invest in the idea

The surge in fuel prices has proved to be the perfect catalyst in the discourse surrounding electric vehicles and future of mobility in the country. The response generated by Ola’s electric scooter and its CEO Bhavish Aggarwal’s confirmation that the company is also looking to launch an electric car by 2023 shows the confidence level of companies about the future of electric vehicles.

Car owners need to understand that short-term monetary pinch will be offset by long-term gains and it will also be a win-win situation for every stakeholder. If they want permanent respite from the burden of rising fuel prices, then they also need to accept the fact that electric vehicle is the viable option.

The current wave of enthusiasm needs to be converted into actionable results.

Electric vehicles also take care of the environment and don’t emit greenhouse games reducing the carbon footprint. A country like India is precariously placed on pollution levels and the faster we realise the gravity of the situation, the better it will be for future generations.

The government too needs to walk the talk on infrastructure upgrade needed for the electric vehicle ecosystem. It should also incorporate lessons from the CNG experience. A major doubt among car owners is the lack of charging infrastructure and after-sales service points across the country. The faster the adoption, the better it will be for everyone. Any vehicle owner rightfully dreads the serpentine queues at the charging stations. He also needs garages for repair and proper maintenance of his or her vehicle.

The electric vehicle revolution can only see light of the day with firm decisions. The leap of faith needs to be supported by on-ground measures.