The revolution of electric vehicles (EV) is picking up speed in India. With an increase in awareness of environmental sustainability, positive government policies and an expanding range of exciting electric vehicles on offer, 2025 is looking like a turning point for EV uptake. If you are keen on joining the electric mobility bandwagon, here are the top 10 factors you need to seriously investigate before you buy:
1. Understanding Your Needs and Usage Patterns:
Step back before getting into the nitty-gritty of particular models and observe your daily driving patterns.
Daily Commute Distance: How many kilometers do you drive every day? This will significantly determine what battery range you need. For mostly city driving, a range of 200-300 km (real-world) may be enough. For regular out-of-city travel, look for models with 400+ km real-world range.
Example: If your work journey is about 50 km and you take occasional weekend trips not more than 200 km from home, an EV with a reported range of 300-350 km might be a good fit.
Accessibility: Where will you charge your EV most? Do you have home charging (reserved parking space with a charging point) available? Will you depend on public charging points at your workplace, shopping centers, or highways? It is important to know your charging options.
As of early 2025, India has seen considerable growth in public charging infrastructure, with different players such as Tata Power, Statiq, and EESL installing charging stations in key cities and highways. Still, availability and reliability may fluctuate.
Passenger and Cargo Needs: How many passengers do you normally need to seat? What is your typical cargo capacity? This will enable you to limit the body style (sedan, hatchback, SUV) and size of the EV.
2. Budget and Total Cost of Ownership:
The upfront price of EVs in India is, in most cases, higher compared to similar internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Think about the cost of ownership over the long term.
Upfront Price: Look up the on-road prices of various EV models that suit your requirements. Prices may differ depending on location, variant, and incentives available.
In 2025, the pricing for mass electric vehicles in India begins at about ₹10 lakh and extends well over ₹50 lakh for top-end models.
Government Incentives: Understand the incentives offered by the central and state governments on buying EVs, which can lead to a reduction in the cost of purchase upfront.
Example: The government’s FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme of the central government still provides subsidies on the procurement of electric vehicles based on their battery capacity. Some states provide extra incentives such as waiver of registration fees and tax concession.
Running Costs: EVs have far lower running costs than ICE vehicles because electricity is cheaper than petrol/diesel and EVs have fewer moving parts needing maintenance.
The cost per kilometer of an EV in India may be as little as ₹1-₹2, as opposed to ₹7-₹10 or more for a petrol/diesel vehicle, depending on fuel prices and electricity tariffs.
Maintenance Costs: EVs tend to need less maintenance because they lack engine oil, filters, spark plugs, etc. Nevertheless, battery health and replacement costs (after 5-8 years or a certain mileage) are key considerations.
3. Battery Range and Performance:
The battery is the soul of an EV. Familiarize yourself with its capacity and the actual range it provides.
Battery Capacity (kWh): A greater kWh rating tends to mean a longer range. Yet, actual range may differ depending on driving conditions, terrain, and driving habits.
Certified Range vs. Real-World Range: Notice both the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) certified range and user reviews that show the actual achievable range in real-world driving conditions.
Motor Power and Torque: This will define the acceleration and overall performance of the EV. Think about your driving style – do you want quick acceleration or a less hurried driving style?
Example: Models such as the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV provide an optimal range and performance balance for their class, while premium EVs such as the BMW i4 and Kia EV6 provide higher power and longer ranges.
4. Charging Options and Infrastructure:
It is important to know how and where you charge your EV.
Home Charging: Having a home charging point (AC charger) installed is the most convenient option to charge your EV overnight. Take into consideration the installation cost and charging speed it provides.
Public Charging Infrastructure: Learn about the availability of public charging points in your city and along your regular travel routes. Observe the charger types installed (AC slow/fast, DC fast chargers) and charging speeds.
The government of India is actively pushing the establishment of public charging infrastructure through schemes and inviting private sector involvement. Mobile applications from charging service providers enable finding available charging points.
Charging Time: Learn the charging times for various types of charging. DC fast chargers will charge much faster than AC chargers.
Portable Chargers: Portable charging cable is usually provided with most EVs and can be charged from a regular household socket, giving an optional slow charging in case of need.
5. Features and Technology:
New EVs are equipped with various features and technologies.
Infotainment System: Check for such features as touchscreen screens, smartphone integration (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), navigation, and connected car tech.
Safety Features: Give preference to EVs with exhaustive safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill assist, and parking sensors with cameras. Some high-end variants also feature ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
Comfort and Convenience: Look for features such as automatic climate control, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry, and comfortable seats.
Battery Management System: A high-tech battery management system (BMS) is essential for maximizing battery life, performance, and safety.
6. After-Sales Service and Warranty:
Look for the after-sales service network and warranty terms provided by the manufacturer.
Service Centers: Find out if authorized service centers are available in your city and the surrounding areas.
Warranty on Battery and Vehicle: Find out the warranty term provided on the battery pack as well as on the vehicle. Warranties on batteries range from 5 to 8 years or a particular mileage.
Extended Warranty Options: Ask for extended warranty options to provide further peace of mind.
Customer Reviews and Reliability: Check online reviews and forums to learn about the ownership experience and reliability of the EV model you are researching.
7. Government Policies and Incentives (Revisited):
Keep yourself informed about current government policies and incentives, as they keep changing.
Central and State Subsidies: Verify the up-to-date subsidy rates and eligibility parameters.
Registration and Road Tax Benefits: Verify if there are any exemption or concessions on registration charges and road tax for EVs in your state.
Tax Benefits: Investigate possible income tax benefits or other financial gains related to EV ownership.
Future Policy Outlook: Monitor possible future policy releases that will further encourage EV uptake or affect charging infrastructure growth.
8. Vehicle Design and Aesthetics:
Although functionality is essential, the EV design and styling also contribute to your buying decision.
Exterior Styling: Reflect on the general appearance and styling of the EV and whether it is to your taste.
Interior Design and Space: Consider the interior design, material quality, and the level of cabin and boot capacity.
Aerodynamics: EVs are frequently designed with aerodynamics in consideration to ensure maximum efficiency and range.
9. Test Drive and Ownership Reviews:
Prior to making your decision, a test drive is imperative.
Driving Experience: Evaluate the EV’s acceleration, handling, braking, and overall driving comfort in real-world conditions.
Range Test (if possible): Attempt to gauge the real-world range during your test drive.
Owner Reviews: Read reviews from existing owners of the specific EV model you are considering to gain insights into their long-term ownership experiences, upsides, and downsides.
10. Future-Proofing and Resale Value:
Look to the future: Consider the long-term future of EV technology as well as the resale value of your vehicle.
Advances in Technology: The EV segment is evolving continuously. Check the technology roadmap of the manufacturer and the scope for future enhancement or upgrades.
Battery Technology: Stay current with advances in battery technology like increased energy density and rapid charging capability, which might affect the worth of older EVs.
Resale Value Trends: Although the Indian EV market is still in its nascent stage, knowing the early resale value trends of various models can be useful.
By well-analyzing these top ten categories and thorough research, you can make an informed choice and confidently adopt the electric mobility of the future in India in 2025. The shift towards electric vehicles is full of benefits, and by proper preparation, you can easily get an EV that best meets your requirements and helps create a greener tomorrow.