The Real Truth of Using EV After 2 Years!

Summary

This video explores the hidden costs and essential factors to consider when owning an electric vehicle (EV) in India. The host compares popular models like the Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, and others, highlighting the challenges of battery degradation, maintenance costs, and service networks. EVs offer savings in fuel but can have significant upfront costs, especially in battery replacement. The video provides insights into the real-world range of EVs, charging expenses, and the importance of battery health, all while helping viewers decide which EV offers the best value based on their needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 EV ownership involves hidden costs, with the battery being the most expensive component, accounting for about 40% of the scooter’s price.
• 😀 The range of an EV is highly dependent on the riding mode, with eco modes offering maximum range but not being practical for daily use. The second mode is usually a more realistic range for most riders.
• 😀 EV service costs are relatively low compared to traditional scooters, with annual service charges averaging around 1,000 to 1,500 rupees for most popular models.
• 😀 Home charging for EVs typically requires 4-5 units of electricity to fully charge, and in some locations, there are benefits like free electricity up to a certain limit.
• 😀 The charging infrastructure for EVs is still developing, and while Ather has a relatively reliable and expanding network, brands like Ola have fewer charging points, especially in remote areas.
• 😀 Battery degradation affects the EV’s range, top speed, and acceleration over time. A degraded battery can reduce the range from 100 km to 80 km after 5 years of use.
• 😀 Battery warranties are crucial in EV ownership. While Bajaj and TVS offer 3-year or 50,000 km warranties, Ather offers the best with a 5-year or 50,000 km warranty by default, which can be extended to 8 years.
• 😀 The warranty terms vary by brand, with Ather offering more flexibility in extending warranties. Ola, however, lacks clear battery health checks and warranty terms.
• 😀 Deep discharge of an EV battery (leaving it uncharged for an extended period) is a rare but critical issue, and while Ather offers coverage for it, Ola does not.
• 😀 Ather stands out for offering a comprehensive battery health check via its app and providing clear information on battery health, unlike Ola, where service centers lack access to battery health data.

Q & A

What are the key hidden costs associated with owning an EV in India?

The key hidden costs of owning an EV in India include the battery replacement cost, charging expenses, and the cost of servicing. Batteries can be a significant portion of the cost of an EV, with battery replacements potentially costing up to 40-50% of the scooter's total price. Additionally, while charging at home might be cheap, the network for public charging stations can vary, and servicing can be costly, depending on the brand.

How does the battery replacement cost impact the overall cost of owning an EV?

The battery replacement cost can significantly impact the overall cost of owning an EV, often accounting for about 40% of the vehicle's price. For example, replacing the battery of an Ather 450X can cost around ₹60,000, which can be a substantial expense if the battery doesn't last beyond 3-5 years. In contrast, traditional petrol scooters typically have lower long-term replacement costs.

What is the difference between the various riding modes on EVs?

EVs come with multiple riding modes that affect the scooter's range, speed, and overall performance. For example, the Ather Rista offers two modes: Smart Eco and Zip mode. In Smart Eco mode, the top speed is capped at 50 km/h to maximize efficiency, whereas Zip mode allows the scooter to reach higher speeds (up to 80 km/h). The range of the scooter also changes depending on the mode you are riding in.

Which EV offers the most reliable charging network in India?

Based on the review, Ather is seen as having the most reliable charging network in India. It has a growing number of charging stations across the country, and the charging stations are generally well-maintained. In contrast, other brands like Ola and TVS lack a robust, widespread charging infrastructure, with some offering limited or no dedicated charging points.

How does the battery health of an EV affect its performance over time?

Battery health plays a crucial role in the performance of an EV. As the battery degrades over time, its capacity to hold charge reduces, leading to a decrease in range, top speed, and acceleration. In some cases, the scooter's performance may be intentionally reduced (through algorithms) to preserve the battery's health, similar to how smartphones limit performance as the battery ages.

What is the typical battery warranty for the major EV brands in India?

The major EV brands in India offer varying warranty periods for their batteries. Bajaj and TVS offer 3-year warranties or 50,000 km. Ola provides a similar 3-year warranty but allows users to extend it to 5 or 8 years for an additional cost. Ather, on the other hand, offers the longest default warranty of 5 years or 50,000 km, with an option to extend it to 8 years or 80,000 km.

What is the real-world range of the Ather Rista and Ola S1 Pro?

In real-world conditions, the Ather Rista offers a range of around 100-105 km per charge, which matches the range displayed on the scooter's dashboard. However, the range on the Ola S1 Pro tends to be 10-20% lower than what is shown on its dashboard, indicating that the actual performance is slightly less than advertised.

How do the service costs compare between different EV brands in India?

Service costs for EVs vary depending on the brand. For example, Ather's service cost is around ₹1,100 for a year, with some minor charges for things like handle grips replacement. Other brands, such as Ola, have similar service costs, but customers often face difficulties with service availability due to high demand. Bajaj and TVS also offer yearly service costs in the range of ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.

What happens if you leave an EV uncharged for a long period?

If you leave an EV uncharged for a long period, its battery can enter a deep discharge state, which is very rare but serious. In this state, the battery voltage drops below the safe limit, and the scooter might not turn on or charge. While Ather provides some assurance against deep discharge, Ola does not, which could potentially be a concern for owners who leave their EVs unused for extended periods.

Which EV is recommended for family use in India?

The Ather Rista is recommended for family use due to its larger size, which allows for more comfortable seating and the ability to carry occasional luggage. It is a good choice for family-oriented needs. However, the Ather 450X is suggested for those looking for a sportier, more agile scooter with better handling and acceleration, making it ideal for quick commutes and overtaking in traffic.