Electric Vehicle Myths Debunked: Facts Every Indian Buyer Should Know

Introduction

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accelerating across India, yet it’s still clouded by misinformation and persistent myths that prevent many potential buyers from making the switch. From exaggerated fears about battery explosions to misconceptions about range and charging infrastructure, these myths create unnecessary “range anxiety” and doubt. However, the reality of EV ownership in 2025 is far more positive and practical than these outdated beliefs suggest.

This article tackles the most common electric vehicle myths head-on, separating fiction from fact. We’ll use current data, technological advancements, and the real-world experiences of Indian EV owners to provide clarity and confidence. If you’re considering an EV but feel held back by what you’ve heard, this myth-busting guide is your essential read.

Myth 1: EVs Don’t Have Enough Range for Indian Driving Needs The Myth: “An EV will run out of charge on the highway and leave me stranded. It can’t handle my daily commute and occasional long trips.” The Fact: The average daily commute for an Indian driver is under 50 km. Most new-generation EVs in India, like the Tata Nexon EV (465 km range) and MG ZS EV (461 km range), offer a real-world range of 250-350 km on a single charge—more than enough for a week of typical city use. For longer trips, the fast-charging network is expanding rapidly along major highways, allowing you to add 100-200 km of range in just 15-30 minutes.

Myth 2: EV Batteries Die Quickly and are Too Costly to Replace The Myth: “The battery will be useless in 3-4 years, and replacing it will cost more than the car itself.” The Fact: Modern EV batteries are designed to last the life of the car. Manufacturers like Tata and MG offer extensive battery warranties, typically 8 years or 1,60,000 km, guaranteeing that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity. Data shows these batteries often last 12-15 years. While replacement is expensive today (₹4-8 lakhs), costs are falling by ~10% annually, and by the time a replacement might be needed, it will be more affordable.

Myth 3: Charging an EV is Inconvenient and Takes Too Long The Myth: “I’ll have to wait for hours at a charging station. It’s easier to just fill up petrol.” The Fact: The most convenient place to charge an EV is at home or your workplace. You plug in overnight, just like your phone, and wake up to a “full tank” every morning. This eliminates 90% of trips to a fuel station. For long journeys, DC fast chargers can charge a battery from 10% to 80% in under an hour—a perfect break for a meal or coffee.

Myth 4: EVs are Not Safe and Catch Fire Easily The Myth: “I see news reports of EVs catching fire. They are more dangerous than petrol cars.” The Fact: While highly publicized, EV fires are statistically much rarer than fires in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. All mass-market EVs sold in India undergo rigorous safety testing and are equipped with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) to monitor temperature and prevent thermal runaway. They also meet the same crash safety standards as petrol/diesel cars, with models like the Nexon EV achieving a 5-star Global NCAP rating.

Myth 5: EVs are Too Expensive to Buy The Myth: “Only the wealthy can afford electric cars.” The Fact: While the upfront cost is higher, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is significantly lower. You save massively on:

•       Fuel: Electricity is much cheaper than petrol/diesel (₹1-2/km vs ₹7-10/km).
•       Maintenance: No engine oil changes, spark plugs, or fuel filters mean service costs are 30-40% lower.
•       Subsidies: State and central government FAME subsidies can reduce the purchase price. Over a 5-year period, an EV often becomes cheaper than an equivalent petrol car.

Myth 6: The Indian Grid Can’t Handle Widespread EV Adoption The Myth: “If everyone switches to EVs, the electricity grid will collapse.” The Fact: Studies indicate that even if all of India’s cars were electric, the grid load would only increase by about 10-15%. The bigger opportunity is smart charging, where EVs are charged during off-peak hours (at night), which actually helps balance the grid. Furthermore, the rapid growth of solar energy will provide clean power for charging.

Myth 7: There Are No Good EV Options in India The Myth: “I don’t like the limited EV models available.” The Fact: The Indian EV market has exploded. In 2025, buyers can choose from:

•       Mass-Market SUVs: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400.
•       Luxury Cars: BMW i4, Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQB.
•       Upcoming Models: Hyundai Creta EV, Maruti Suzuki eVX, Tata Curvv EV. There is now an EV for nearly every segment and budget.

Myth 8: EVs are Slow and Boring to Drive The Myth: “Electric cars are just glorified golf carts with no power.” The Fact: The opposite is true. Electric motors deliver instant torque, meaning immediate and silent acceleration from a standstill. Many affordable EVs can outperform their petrol counterparts in 0-60 km/h times, making them incredibly fun and responsive in city traffic.

Conclusion

The myths surrounding electric vehicles are being dismantled by technology, infrastructure development, and the positive experiences of a growing number of Indian EV owners. While EVs are not a perfect solution for every single use case (e.g., those with no home charging), they are a practical, economical, and environmentally superior choice for the vast majority of urban and suburban drivers. It’s time to base your decision on facts, not fear. We encourage you to take a test drive and experience the quiet, smooth, and powerful performance of an EV for yourself.

FAQs

1. What is the real-world range of an EV in Indian conditions? You can expect a real-world range of approximately 70-80% of the claimed MIDC range. For an EV rated at 400 km, expect 280-320 km in mixed city/highway driving, with air conditioning on. This is still ample for most needs.
2. How much does it actually cost to charge an EV at home? The cost depends on your electricity tariff. For example, with a tariff of ₹8/unit, charging a 40 kWh battery pack from 0-100% would cost about ₹320, giving you over 300 km of range. This is significantly cheaper than a petrol car.
3. Are EVs really better for the environment in India, given coal-powered electricity? Yes. Even when charged from a coal-dominated grid, EVs have a lower carbon footprint over their entire lifecycle (manufacturing + driving) compared to petrol/diesel cars because electric motors are far more efficient than internal combustion engines. As India’s grid adds more renewables, EVs become even cleaner.
4. Can I install a charger in my apartment parking spot? Yes, this is becoming increasingly common. The government has issued guidelines supporting the installation of EV chargers in residential societies. You typically need permission from the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) and may need to hire an electrician to run a dedicated line from your meter.
5. What happens if my EV runs out of charge on the road? Most EV manufacturers and insurance companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance, which includes a flatbed towing service to the nearest charging station. Some services are also starting to offer mobile charging vans that can provide a quick boost to get you to a charger.

Tags: EV Myths, Electric Vehicle Facts, EV Range Anxiety, EV Battery Life, EV Charging India, EV Safety, EV Cost of Ownership, Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, EV Benefits.