In India and around the globe, electric vehicles, or EVs, are increasingly gaining popularity. Large numbers of people are switching to electric vehicles (EVs) due to increasing gasoline prices, increased concern about climate change, and advancements in green technology. But many potential buyers remain wary, largely due to long-standing misconceptions regarding EVs.
Let’s set the record straight and debunk the top 10 myths surrounding electric vehicles:
1. EVs don’t have enough range for long trips
Busted: The notion that EVs can’t go far between charges is one of the most common myths. In reality, EV range has improved significantly.
The Tata Nexon EV Long Range, for example, boasts an ARAI-certified range of more than 465 kilometers between charges. Global versions like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can travel over 600 kilometers between charges.
Most EVs already have well over enough range for ordinary use, typically less than 50 km per day. Further, long detours are also now more practical because of the rapid evolution of fast-charging points. New cities like Delhi and Bengaluru add charging stations each year to ensure that owners of EVs can easily top up their vehicles on longer trips.
2. EV charging is too slow
Busted: Fast-charging technology is rapidly evolving, even as traditional charging at home takes hours.
For instance, the MG ZS EV can go from 0% to 80% in about 60 minutes when charged using a DC fast charger. Ultra-fast chargers from Tata Power, Statiq, and Ather Grid are being installed on India’s highways and cities.
For most people, overnight charging at home—just charging your phone—is more than adequate. To further speed up the process, some companies are introducing charging apps that allow users to locate charging stations in an instant.
3. EVs cost more than automobiles that run on gasoline or diesel
Busted: EVs have a significantly cheaper total cost of ownership, despite sometimes having a greater initial cost.
EVs require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts.
Compared to gasoline or diesel, electricity is less expensive.
The purchase price is greatly lowered by government incentives like FAME-II subsidies, state-level tax exemptions, and registration fee waivers.
For instance, customers in Maharashtra are eligible for EV incentives of up to ₹1.5 lakh. The state of Delhi offers electric two-wheelers up to ₹30,000 off and electric four-wheelers up to ₹1.5 lakh off. The reduced fuel and maintenance costs add up to substantial savings over time.
4. There are not sufficient EV charging points
Busted: Previously, there were not enough charging stations for EVs, but that is now a thing of the past. There were over 12,000 public EV charging stations in India as of early 2024, as stated by the Ministry of Power.
Urban areas that have robust charging infrastructure are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Based on the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (2025), there are actually over 4,600 public charging points in Bengaluru alone.
Public EV charging points are now mandatory in most new residential and commercial complexes. Even locations with limited infrastructure for electric vehicle charging are reaping the benefits of the rapid progress by the government.
5. EVs cannot be used on Indian roads
Busted: Most of the EVs available for purchase in India have been made to suit the country’s road conditions. High-ground-clearance vehicles like Tata Tigor EV, Mahindra XUV400, and Nexon EV are tested under Indian traffic, climate, and road conditions.
In addition, electric two-wheelers like the Ather 450X and TVS iQube have shown their mettle on both steep hills and urban potholes. Because EVs don’t need to shift gears, they’re smoother to drive and easier to handle in stop-and-go traffic, making them ideal for India’s roads.
6. It is challenging to replace EV batteries, and they don’t last long
Busted: Electric vehicle batteries are built to endure. Most producers offer guarantees between 1,60,000 kilometers or eight years, whichever occurs first.
EVs employ battery management systems (BMS) in order to enhance performance, and lithium-ion batteries used today experience a slow depreciation. Most automobiles continue to work optimally well even after a decade of service, based on reports from key EV marketplaces.
As technology gets better and local production (like Tata’s Giga factory in Gujarat) grows, battery replacement expenses should also fall significantly. Recycling battery programs are also being established, which will make it easier and cheaper to replace or reuse old batteries.
7. EVs are not really green
Busted: Critics say coal is often used to generate the electricity required to charge EVs. While that is true to some extent, EVs remain cleaner in the long run.
Even when charged with fossil fuels, EVs emit 60% less CO₂ during their lifetime compared to gasoline-powered cars, a 2021 study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found.
India aims to increase renewable energy by 500 GW by 2030, making EVs even greener. Moreover, EV production methods are evolving to use more eco-friendly materials and energy sources.
8. EVs are dull and slow to drive
Busted: Because of its instant torque, electric vehicles can accelerate quicker than numerous gasoline or diesel vehicles.
The Ather 450X can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 3.3 seconds, while the Tata Nexon EV will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds.
Moreover, EVs offer a smoother, quieter, and more refined driving experience, which makes them perfect for urban traffic. In fact, the performance and luxury of EVs such as the Audi e-tron and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have earned them widespread acclaim.
9. Long journeys and highways are off limits to EVs
Busted: Charging points are now placed every 25 to 50 kilometers along several Indian highways, notably on significant corridors like the Bengaluru–Chennai, Delhi–Jaipur, and Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
Intercity electric taxis and buses are run by fleet operators like BluSmart and EKA Mobility, which prove the usability of EVs for long-distance travel. Long-distance EV travel is more convenient than ever due to the explosive growth in Tesla’s Supercharger network and other private charging networks.
Long EV journeys are now the norm due to apps such as Recharge India and PlugShare and planning routes meticulously.
10. There are not as many EV models to select from
Busted: India will have over 100 electric two-wheelers and over 30 electric car models by 2025 to meet every requirement and budget.
Some of the most popular electric cars are:
- The Tata Nexon EV
- The Mahindra XUV400
- MG ZS EV
- Atto 3 by BYD
- The Hyundai IONIQ 5
Popular electric two-wheelers:
- Ola S1 Pro
- The Ather 450X
- TVS iQube
- Chetak Bajaj
With new players like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and international players like Tesla and BYD entering the market, it is expanding rapidly. Based on their preferences for range, price, and design, customers can now pick and choose from a vast array of options.
To summarize, electric cars (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular and are no longer a niche vehicle. More and more people are converting to electric mobility as the myths are uncovered and the truth comes to light.
EVs hold some inherent advantage for India’s future going green, be it in the way of decreased operating costs, environmental benefits, or enhanced driving experiences.
Go for a test drive or talk to existing EV owners if you’re still hesitant. Chances are, the experience will exceed your expectations.