EV Reliability in India: A Challenge or an Opportunity? | Jothi Viknesh | TEDxGoodShepherdIntlSchool

Summary

Joti VES, a life coach and sustainable travel advocate, shares her transformative journey of traveling across India in an electric auto named 'Hope.' From her beginnings as a Zumba instructor to becoming the first to scale Bumla Pass and Kungla in an electric auto, Joti emphasizes the importance of sustainable transportation. Through her yearlong adventure, she highlights the challenges of using EVs in diverse terrains and climates, while advocating for better EV infrastructure and eco-conscious practices. Joti’s journey aims to inspire a cleaner, greener future, urging society to embrace electric vehicles and sustainability in everyday life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joti VES, a life coach and advocate for sustainable travel, transitioned from a career in immunology and microbiology to Zumba and travel content creation.
• 😀 Joti's journey included three major trips across India: solo on a KTM Duke 390, with friends in a car, and finally in an electric Mahindra auto named 'Hope'.
• 😀 The electric vehicle (EV) journey spanned over 28,000 km in a year, creating a world record for the longest journey in an electric auto in 2022.
• 😀 The purpose of the trip was to spread awareness about pollution-free travel and the potential of EVs to reduce carbon footprints.
• 😀 Joti faced significant challenges during the journey, including limited charging infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and health complications.
• 😀 Humility was key during the trip, as Joti often had to seek help to charge the vehicle, highlighting the importance of community support.
• 😀 EVs provide a sustainable alternative for travel, as they reduce noise pollution and offer a cleaner, quieter way to explore scenic locations.
• 😀 Tourism and vlogging culture can negatively impact serene locations due to waste dumping and noise pollution, emphasizing the need for eco-conscious practices.
• 😀 The Indian government and car manufacturers are increasingly investing in EV infrastructure and technology, with EV car sales growing significantly in 2023.
• 😀 Joti envisions a nationwide EV charging network integrated into existing infrastructure, making EV adoption more accessible and reducing range anxiety.
• 😀 Education on sustainable practices and EVs is crucial for nurturing a generation of eco-conscious citizens and accelerating the transition to a greener India.

Q & A

What inspired Joti VES to switch from cancer research to becoming a Zumba instructor and a traveler?

Joti VES realized there was more to life than just working in a lab and library during her time as a cancer researcher. This led her to pursue a more fulfilling life as a Zumba instructor and move to Bangalore, which opened up the opportunity to travel.

How did Joti fund her travels across India?

Joti raised funds for her travels through workshops where she taught about different Indian art forms and festivals. She also minimized her travel expenses by staying in local homes, dining with locals, and reducing her dependence on hotels.

What was the significance of Joti's journey in the Mahindra electric auto, Hope?

Joti's journey in the Mahindra electric auto, Hope, was significant as it marked the creation of a world record for the longest journey in an electric auto. It also served as a demonstration of the possibilities and potential of sustainable travel across India.

What were some of the challenges Joti faced during her journey in the electric auto?

Joti faced several challenges, including limited charging stations in rural areas, the difficulty of finding consistent voltage for charging, and overcoming skepticism from people when asking to charge her electric auto. Additionally, extreme weather conditions and health complications also posed obstacles.

How did Joti manage to charge her electric auto during her travels?

Joti charged her electric auto, Hope, in a variety of unconventional places such as homes, restaurants, hotels, pawn shops, and even army camps. She once had to charge it in a generator attached to a tunnel while scaling the Bumla Pass.

What impact did aggressive tourism and vlogging culture have on serene locations?

Joti noticed that aggressive tourism and vlogging culture had a negative impact on serene locations, especially in terms of noise pollution and waste dumping. She emphasized the importance of promoting eco-conscious practices and proper waste disposal to protect these areas.

What role can electric vehicles (EVs) play in reducing pollution in sensitive locations?

Electric vehicles (EVs) can play a crucial role in reducing pollution in sensitive locations by being silent and pollution-free. Their adoption in tourist destinations can help decrease noise pollution and minimize the carbon footprint, making these areas more sustainable.

How did Joti overcome the challenge of charging her EV in remote areas?

Joti overcame the challenge of charging her EV in remote areas by consistently seeking help from locals and explaining her need to charge. Despite the skepticism she faced, her persistence allowed her to find charging opportunities, even in army camps or unexpected locations.

What is Joti’s vision for the future of electric vehicles in India?

Joti envisions a nationwide network of fast charging stations at every street corner, shopping mall, parking lot, and petrol pump. This infrastructure would enable seamless EV adoption and significantly reduce the carbon footprint, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

How can education contribute to a more sustainable future, according to Joti?

Joti believes that integrating sustainable practices, such as the use of electric vehicles, into the education system can help nurture future generations of conscious citizens. Teaching children about eco-consciousness and green living can create a ripple effect, transforming entire communities and fostering a greener India.