[aviator47]

An EV makes complete sense for city usage both in terms of taxes paid and operational costs. Instant torque at lower speeds is also super useful in city b2b traffic. But in cities like Bangalore where a big chunk of folks are living in apartments, charging of such EVs is a big issue. There’s no provision to charge in the parking area and for folks who want to install one, there’s always an argument about who’s going to bear the cost as parking area comes under common area and electricity usage is divided equally (or more precisely proportional to sqft of the flat). Until this issue is sorted and apartment societies start adopting EV charging points, sadly EVs would be considered only by people living in standalone houses.

While we are on EVs, I have another question. Why is the insurance on EVs so much costly when compared to similar prices ICE cars? Just couldn’t figure it out. Adding two similar ex-showroom cars for comparison (ICE and EV).

[GS300]

Originally Posted by aviator47

While we are on EVs, I have another question. Why is the insurance on EVs so much costly when compared to similar prices ICE cars? Just couldn’t figure it out. Adding two similar ex-showroom cars for comparison (ICE and EV).

While I am no expert on the business of insurance, what I understand is that the underwriting process - the method of determining the premium - depends on the quality and quantity of historical data available.

In the case of EVs, I would think they do not yet have sufficient data to forecast the number of claims that are likely, and the average claim amounts etc. In such case, they might 'err on the safe side' for them, hence increase the premium amount. Hopefully, as the data becomes available, this should reach a more reasonable level.

Having said that, my premium for Nexon EV XZ+ is Rs. 52k. This is from royal sundaram. I took it through an insurance agent I know, and not from the dealership.

[linuxmanju]

Originally Posted by SKC-auto

Please see below calculation, I have placed EVs at a disadvantage, did not include maintenance costs, still Nexon EV costs less.

Attachment 2283533

The batteries need to be replaced every 3/5 years and that cost is not accomodated anywhere?. From what I heard so-far, those aren't cheap.

[SKC-auto]

Originally Posted by linuxmanju

The batteries need to be replaced every 3/5 years and that cost is not accomodated anywhere?. From what I heard so-far, those aren't cheap.

Nexon EV has a battery warranty of 8 years, Tata has enough confidence that they do not have to give a free battery for every customer they have sold. Usually, most EV owners do not see any degradation in the first 3 years due to the battery buffer, after which the degradation is 1-2% every year.

Nexon EV has LFP batteries which have the least degradation, I believe Nexon EV will still have 25-27kwh(original 30.2kwh) after 10years or ~2lakh kms. If the usage is more, like 2 lakh kms, the Nexon ICE will be unusable, where as the Nexon EV will still be smooth and usable.

Battery replacement after 3/5 years for cars(different story for 2 Wheelers) is a myth, largely due to our own experience with lithium batteries in our gadgets.

[pram_ind]

Originally Posted by linuxmanju

The batteries need to be replaced every 3/5 years and that cost is not accomodated anywhere?. From what I heard so-far, those aren't cheap.

As batteries in EV cars are thermal controlled, which increases the lifespan, and less degradation over years. You can expect at least 10 to 12 years before it degrades by 10%.

As mentioned above pls do not compare EV cars with EV bikes, as there is no proper cooling mechanism in EV bikes.

[shankarbn]

If the total cost of ownership is the ONLY metric, a used car with low insurance cost, low purchase cost and super low depreciation effects will always come out on top regardless of running costs and repair.

The other reasons of comfort, reliability, ease of service, never having to go to a fuel pump etc should be why you buy an EV.

If you are buying EV just to save money, you're probably misleading yourself. At least in the short term.

[Guna]

Originally Posted by androdev

If you take the total cost of owning a vehicle for 10 years and 1L km usage, ICE car will be cheaper overall. I am not against EVs but cost of ownership argument doesn't have merit IMHO.

Wonder what would be the cost of the eventual battery replacement and how soon/later one needs to go for it. This has to be factored in even if you are selling your car before it requires a new battery as the buyer would bargain hard if it is due for a replacement in the near future.

[Lobogris]

Originally Posted by linuxmanju

The batteries need to be replaced every 3/5 years and that cost is not accomodated anywhere?. From what I heard so-far, those aren't cheap.

What do you base this claim on? All 4 wheel EVs sold in India have a battery warranty of 8 years. Even after that, there would be no need to change the battery.

[shortbread]

Brilliant useful thread GS300.

The scepticism on this thread is understandable, the transition from traditional petrol/diesel cars and fuel pumps TO EVs with one's own fuel generated from rooftop solar panels is massive! It will take time for people to digest such a big change.

We are about to take our own baby steps. A sizeable solar installation is up and running, our electric scooter is due to be delivered anytime this week. The next big step is switching the ford for an EV. I am hoping in a couple of years we'll have more EV choices and faster availability.

A relative who is certainly not short of funds was looking for a new car purchase in the recent past. I recommend downsizing the car and spending the money on a solar rooftop instead. He declined, said the installation is expensive and nobody notices these things! I had no counter to that. All I said was you'll spend nothing in generating your own electricity going forward.

All this fell to deaf ears and he went ahead with his dream purchase. Fast forward to today, his newish petrol Thar will hit OLX anytime soon.