Electric Vehicle FAQs India

Question 1

What is an electric vehicle (EV)?

Accepted Answer

An EV is a vehicle that runs on electric power, stored in the vehicle’s battery that is charged using an EV charger.

Question 2

How do electric vehicles (EVs) work?

Accepted Answer

EVs run using an electric motor which is powered by a battery. Learn more on the top 5 common electric vehicle myths.

Question 3

Do EVs have engines?

Accepted Answer

No, electric vehicles don’t have engines. Instead of fuel tanks & engines, EVs use rechargeable batteries & electric motors. If the question is still bothering you, read more on why electric vehicles don't have engine gears.

Question 4

Is an Electric Vehicle (EV) the same thing as a Hybrid?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly. An EV relies entirely on its battery to run its electric motor, whereas a hybrid vehicle uses a combination of both battery & fuel to power its internal combustion engine.

Question 5

What is Range Anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Range Anxiety refers to a fear of running out of charge while driving an electric vehicle (EV). This fear can be avoided by top-up charging wherever you park throughout the day and en-route charging on longer journeys. If you have an EV, install the EVJoints app to locate your nearest EV charging station. For ways to ease range anxiety, read our extended blog on 10 proven tips to extend your electric vehicles range and ease range anxiety.

Question 6

Does an EV perform as well as a fuel-powered vehicle?

Accepted Answer

They do! The features of an EV or a fuel-powered vehicle may give you a different driving experience. EVs have extraordinary acceleration. On the other hand, fuel-powered cars rank higher when it comes to producing top speeds.

Question 7

What is it like to drive an EV?

Accepted Answer

When most people try an EV for the first time, they prefer the driving experience to that of a petrol or diesel vehicle. This is because EVs are virtually silent, they’re very refined, and they have instantly available torque, which means a strong acceleration. Also, there’s no clutch and in most cases, no gears. And most EVs have their batteries mounted on the floor of the vehicle chassis, resulting in a low centre of gravity, and therefore good handling. In short, people find EVs easier to drive.

Question 8

What is EV range?

Accepted Answer

Like conventional vehicles have ‘mileage’, EVs have ‘range’. Range refers to the distance an EV can travel before its battery needs to be recharged. Read more on 10 proven tips to extend your electric vehicles range and ease range anxiety.

Question 9

What is an onboard charger (OBC) in an EV?

Accepted Answer

On-Board Charger is an electronics system in EVs which converts the AC power from external sources (home charger or public charger) to a DC input which charges the EV battery.

Question 10

What are the different types of EVs?

Accepted Answer

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), also known as ‘pure electric vehicle’ or simply an EV, runs entirely on electricity and does not have a fuel engine. It's powered by a battery. This battery is charged using an EV charger. BEVs are ‘zero-emission’ vehicles. Examples: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Audi e-tron, Kia EV6, etc.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): A Hybrid uses both a fuel engine and a battery. These vehicles are also known as ‘self-charging hybrids’ because the battery is charged via the engine and regenerative braking, and not by an EV charger. Hybrids are not zero-emission vehicles. They are low emission vehicles. Examples: Toyota Prius, Toyota Innova HyCross, etc.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Plug-in hybrids are similar to HEVs but have a larger battery. A PHEV is powered by a combination of fuel and battery. The main difference is that the driver can also recharge the battery externally (via home charging or EV charging station). PHEVs can run purely on battery. When the battery charge goes down, the petrol/diesel engine is brought into use. PHEVs also use regenerative braking to charge the battery. These vehicles produce zero emissions when they are in all-electric mode, but produce tailpipe emissions when using the engine. Examples: Land Rover Defender plug-in hybrid, Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid, etc.

Question 11

How is EV servicing different from fuel-powered vehicle servicing?

Accepted Answer

If you own an EV, you’ll visit the service center less frequently as compared with a regular fuel-powered vehicle. Servicing for EVs primarily involves battery health checks, electric motor maintenance, regenerative brake system checks and software updates. Specialized knowledge & equipment are needed for EV servicing. You cannot visit your local car mechanic for your EV’s maintenance & repair.

Also, adhering to your EV’s recommended service schedule is necessary to maintain your vehicle’s warranty validity.

For a detailed analysis of EV servicing, go through our blog on Are electric cars more expensive to maintain?

Question 12

Are EVs expensive to maintain?

Accepted Answer

No, EVs are relatively cheaper to maintain when compared to a conventional fuel-powered vehicle. For a detailed analysis on EV maintenance, go through our blog on Are electric cars more expensive to maintain?

Question 13

What features in an EV can be controlled via apps?

Accepted Answer

Apps serve a number of functions for EV owners such as real-time battery monitoring, journey planning, navigation, locating & accessing EV charging stations and in premium electric cars, even controlling vehicular functions remotely (like pre-cooling the car, turning on the headlights, etc). These apps also help keep an eye on driving & charging habits. Some apps also come with features like service reminders, EV forums and roadside assistance SOS. For a detailed analysis about such apps, go through our blog on what functionalities are typically controllable through apps in electric cars.

Question 14

How to overcome Electric Vehicle range anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Range anxiety is the fear that the EV will run out of power during a journey and the driver won’t be able to find an EV charging station. EV drivers feel confident when they can foresee the journey ahead. Having resources like EV charging apps that facilitate route planning, show nearby EV charging stations, show types of connectors at the station, etc can help remove psychological barriers around driving an EV. An EV user should follow these points to reduce range anxiety: charge your EV at home (either overnight or a few hours before a journey), use an EV charging app (like EVJoints) & pre-plan the route. Go through our blog for a detailed insight into range anxiety & its remedies.

Question 15

What is the meaning of IP rating in electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

EV components can malfunction if water or dust enter the vehicle. Ingress Protection rating (or IP rating), is an international standard used to rate the degree of protection against intrusion of water or dust. An IP rating will always consist of the letters IP (Ingress Protection) followed by two digits. The first digit following ‘IP’ indicates the level of protection of enclosed equipment against ingress of dust. The second digit following ‘IP’ shows the level of equipment protection inside the enclosure against water ingress. Battery is the most important & expensive part of an EV. This makes it imperative that its casing is well-protected against external agents including dust & water. Not just the EV’s battery, but the EV itself comes with IP rating. Visit our blog for a detailed insight into IP ratings and how they protect your EV's battery from monsoon.

Question 16

How is an EV’s battery capacity measured/What is kWh?

Accepted Answer

Like fuel tanks of petrol/diesel cars are measured in litres, electric car batteries are commonly measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). kWh is a unit of energy equivalent to the energy transferred in one hour by one thousand watts of power.

Question 17

Why are EV batteries expensive?

Accepted Answer

The most significant part of an EV’s cost is its battery. Although battery prices have reduced over the past few years, they still remain the most expensive part of an electric vehicle. Similar to the batteries in our smartphones & laptops, EV batteries are also mainly made of lithium (on a much larger scale of course). Manufacturing an EV battery requires a few other materials as well which are rare. Apart from lithium, EV batteries require metals like nickel, cobalt & manganese, as well as steel or aluminum to enclose the battery pack. The number of materials used and the efforts put in while sourcing them drives up the cost of an EV battery considerably, hence electric vehicles are a little more expensive than fossil-fueled vehicles

Question 18

What are LFP & NMC batteries?

Accepted Answer

Two types of batteries currently used in most electric vehicles are LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) & NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt).

LFP batteries are preferred for their high number of charging cycles, cost-effectiveness & safety. Its disadvantages include its need for more space and less energy density (which means its range with one charge is lesser).

NMC batteries can pack more energy, and this allows them to deliver more power and range for EVs.

NMC & LFP both are lithium-ion batteries, but they differ based on a number of factors. NMC batteries have a higher energy density, making them suitable for long range travel and space-constrained applications. LFP batteries excel in safety and longevity, making them ideal for thermal safety & long-term usage.

Question 19

What is Battery Management System (BMS)?

Accepted Answer

Battery Management System (BMS) is the nerve centre of a battery which monitors & controls its performance. It ensures that any operation out of the battery’s safety limit is prevented. It continuously manages input voltage & temperature, and monitors the battery’s State-of-Charge (SoC), all of which are critical parameters for the safe operation of EV batteries.

Question 20

Why is it advised to charge battery to 80% only?

Accepted Answer

EV batteries degrade faster when regularly charged to their maximum capacity. Most battery & EV manufacturers recommend keeping the charge level between 20% & 80%. When charging, as a battery nears full capacity, the charging process slows down to prevent overheating. Charging to 100% generates more heat than charging to a lower percentage (say 80%). This heat generation can damage the battery, which leads to reduced efficiency & capacity over time.

Question 21

What is the C rating of a battery?

Accepted Answer

In EVs, the C rating is an indicator of its battery’s charging capacity. It represents the rate at which a battery can be charged relative to its capacity. For example, a C rating of 10 implies that the battery can charge 10 times its capacity without overheating. The concept of C rating has caught the eyes of EV enthusiasts in India after Tata Motors announced that its electric car, the Tata Curvv EV, has a 1.2C rating. This implies that the Curvv EV’s battery can be charged 1.2 times its capacity. The Curvv EV comes in 2 battery options: 45 kWh & the long range 55 kWh. If we take the long range one as our subject, its 55 kWh battery can be charged at a speed of 55*1.2, i.e. 66 kW capacity. Visit our blog for a more detailed study of battery capacity & charging capacity.

Question 22

What is the lifespan of an EV battery?

Accepted Answer

Most electric vehicle batteries come with a warranty of 8 years. In general, electric car batteries last 10-15 years, but some factors may reduce their lifespan. For example, regularly charging at DC fast-charging stations may degrade battery life faster.

Question 23

What is battery capacity of an EV?

Accepted Answer

Battery capacity is the total amount of energy an EV’s battery can store, which is measured in kWh. If your EV has a 40 kWh battery, it means it can store 40 kWh of energy. Click to know more details on EV battery capacity.

Question 24

How does the capacity and range of a 10-year-old EV battery typically change?

Accepted Answer

A 10 year old EV battery will exhibit a decrease in battery capacity & range. Modern electric car batteries are designed to last for 8-15 years. You may use your EV’s battery as long as it seems reasonable to you. Once the performance dips below reasonable levels, you may sell it. Many automakers have collaborations with battery recycling & battery repurposing companies. You can sell your EV battery to your car’s manufacturer or directly to any battery recycling company. The battery is then recycled to recover its raw materials which can be used to make new batteries.

Question 25

What is the difference between LFP, Lithium-ion, and Sodium-ion batteries in electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

The main difference lies in their chemistry, which affects safety, cost, range, and performance.

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are safer and longer-lasting but offer less range per charge.

Lithium-ion (like NMC or NCA) batteries pack more energy for longer drives but are costlier and less stable in heat.

Sodium-IonSodium-ion batteries are the newest entrants, promising affordability and safety, but they’re still in early development with lower energy density.

Your choice depends on your driving habits, budget, and what you value more—range, safety, or cost.

Question 26

Why are LFP batteries popular in Indian EVs?

Accepted Answer

LFP batteries are gaining traction in India because they’re well-suited for urban driving and the country’s hot climate. They’re:

Incredibly safe, with a lower risk of fire

Durable, lasting over 2000 charging cycles

Resilient in high temperatures, making them ideal for Indian roads

You’ll find them in EVs like the Tata Nexon EV, Tiago EV, and Ola S1 scooters. They're also used in home and commercial energy storage systems.

Question 27

What are the pros and cons of LFP batteries in EVs?

Accepted Answer

Pros:

High safety rating (low risk of thermal runaway)

Long life cycle

Better performance in warm climates

Cons:

Lower energy density = less range

Bulky size for the same energy compared to other lithium batteries

If you're mostly driving in the city, LFP offers solid value without compromising safety.

Question 28

What is a Lithium-ion battery and why is it used in premium EVs?

Accepted Answer

Lithium-ion—specifically NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) and NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum)—are favored for their high energy density. They deliver:

Longer range per charge

Fast charging times

Compact size and low weight

These are the go-to batteries for premium EVs like Tesla, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6, as well as most smartphones and laptops.

Question 29

Are Lithium-ion batteries safe for Indian conditions?

Accepted Answer

While powerful, Lithium-ion batteries are less stable in high temperatures, which is a concern in hot climates like India. They also:

Have a shorter lifespan compared to LFP

Cost more due to rare metals like cobalt and nickel

They’re best for long-distance drivers who want more range and are okay with the higher price tag.

Question 30

What are Sodium-ion batteries and are they the future of EVs?

Accepted Answer

Sodium-ion batteries are an exciting alternative to lithium-based batteries. Instead of lithium, they use sodium, which is cheaper and more widely available. Benefits include:

Lower costs, great for budget EVs

Improved cold-weather performance

Enhanced safety compared to traditional lithium-ion

However, they’re still in early development and offer lower energy density, so they aren’t mainstream—yet. Companies like CATL and Reliance are betting big on this tech.

Question 31

Are Sodium-ion batteries available in EVs today?

Accepted Answer

Not yet in mass-market vehicles. Sodium-Ion batteries are still in pilot stages, but you may see them in entry-level EVs and energy storage systems in the near future.
They’re promising, but if you’re buying an EV today, you’re more likely choosing between LFP and Lithium-ion.

Question 32

Which EV battery lasts the longest?

Accepted Answer

In terms of cycle life, LFP batteries generally last the longest—often over 2000 full charge cycles. While Lithium-ion offers more range, it tends to degrade faster, especially under extreme heat or fast charging conditions. Sodium-Ion is still too new to have reliable life cycle data.

Question 33

What are solid-state batteries and how are they different?

Accepted Answer

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid one, offering:

Faster charging

Higher energy density

Increased safety

However, they’re still in research and development and haven’t made it to commercial EVs yet.

Question 34

What are the main types of EV batteries used in India?

Accepted Answer

The primary types are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), favoured for cost and safety in India's hot climate, and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), used for high-performance and long-range vehicles.

Question 35

Why do Indian automakers prefer LFP batteries?

Accepted Answer

LFP batteries are safer, cheaper, cobalt-free, and less prone to overheating. This makes them ideal for mass-market, affordable models and for tackling India's typical high temperatures.

Question 36

What makes NMC batteries suitable for long-range and premium EVs?

Accepted Answer

NMC batteries have a higher energy density, providing more driving range and better power-to-weight ratio. They are chosen for premium vehicles seeking maximum performance and range.

Question 37

What is the BYD Blade Battery and what is its main advantage?

Accepted Answer

Blade battery is a specialized LFP battery with a unique, long prismatic cell design. Its main advantage is enhanced safety (reducing thermal risks) and space efficiency by integrating into the chassis.

Question 38

Which popular Indian electric cars use LFP battery technology?

Accepted Answer

All Tata Motors EVs (Nexon EV, Tiago EV, etc.), most MG ZS EV variants, and the Citroen eC3 use LFP batteries. Tata Nexon EV battery, LFP cars India, Affordable EV battery

Question 39

Which Indian electric cars use NMC battery technology?

Accepted Answer

Key models include the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and the long-range variant of the Tesla Model Y. These are typically the high-performance or premium segment vehicles.

Question 40

Who supplies EV batteries to Tata Motors?

Accepted Answer

Tata Motors sources its EV batteries from its group company Tata AutoComp Systems. They also partner with Chinese manufacturers like Gotion (Guoxuan) for cell technology.

Question 41

Who supplies EV batteries to MG Motor in India?

Accepted Answer

MG primarily sources its batteries from the Chinese company CATL through a joint venture established by its parent company, SAIC Motor.

Question 42

Who supplies EV batteries to Hyundai and Kia in India?

Accepted Answer

Hyundai & Kia rely on global suppliers like LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI for cells. They have also announced a strategic partnership with Exide for planned battery localization in India.

Question 43

Where does Mahindra source the batteries for its electric SUVs?

Accepted Answer

Mahindra uses the advanced BYD Blade Battery technology in its electric SUVs like the XEV 9e and BE 6, which are assembled locally in India.

Question 44

Does using an EV cause pollution?

Accepted Answer

No, EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions. Infact, there is no tailpipe in an EV! Therefore, it doesn’t cause pollution.

Question 45

Why are EVs important?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles (EV) have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and this has a direct positive impact on public health. EVs also reduce dependence on oil imports. While transitioning to EVs can be expensive & complex, the long-term benefits are considerable. Here are the top 5 impacts of carbon emissions and how EVs play a vital role in reduction.

Question 46

What is tailpipe emission?

Accepted Answer

A tailpipe is an outlet by which engine exhaust gases are expelled from a vehicle. Tailpipe emissions are the exhaust gases which are discharged from internal combustion engines. ICE vehicles produce carbon emissions, which are expelled via tailpipes. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, don’t produce such emissions, and therefore don’t have tailpipes.

Question 47

Is an electric motor an engine?

Accepted Answer

For an electric vehicle, YES.

An engine converts various forms of fuels into mechanical energy, whereas a motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. An engine uses fuel while a motor uses electrical energy to create motion. The engine typically goes through a more complicated process to get the wheels moving than electric motors do. Although the mechanical energy generation process is totally different in an engine & in a motor, but since both ultimately bring a vehicle in motion, it can be said that for an EV, the motor is its engine.

Question 48

What is a regenerative braking system in electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Regenerative braking system is a mechanism which captures the kinetic energy while pressing the brakes and converts it into the electrical power that charges the EV’s battery. Regenerative braking allows the EV’s electric motor to operate as a generator capable of absorbing vehicular motion energy when the vehicle is slowing down. This system is found in most hybrid & electric vehicles.
In a conventional braking system, this energy goes waste as heat.

Question 49

What is Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) in electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) is a subscription-based model where the electric vehicle (EV) owner rents or leases the battery instead of purchasing it upfront. This model reduces the upfront cost of an electric vehicle, as the battery, which typically makes up around 40% of the vehicle’s cost, is paid for over time through a subscription plan.

Question 50

How does Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) reduce the upfront cost of an electric vehicle?

Accepted Answer

By opting for Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), EV owners can significantly lower the initial cost of the vehicle. Instead of paying for the battery upfront, they rent it through a subscription plan, making electric vehicles more affordable by reducing the upfront cost.

Question 51

Is Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) worth it for long-distance EV travel?

Accepted Answer

For frequent long-distance travelers, BaaS can be highly cost-effective. With MG’s BaaS program, the cost per kilometer is only ₹3.50, much lower than the ₹6-10 per kilometer running cost for petrol or diesel vehicles. This makes Battery-as-a-Service a practical option for drivers who cover a lot of ground.

Question 52

What is the PM E-DRIVE scheme?

Accepted Answer

The PM E-DRIVE scheme is a government initiative aimed at supporting India’s electric vehicle journey. It provides subsidies to lower the upfront cost of EVs and encourages the development of EV infrastructure, with a total budget of Rs 10,900 crore allocated over two years.

Question 53

How does the PM E-DRIVE scheme benefit EV buyers?

Accepted Answer

The PM E-DRIVE scheme offers subsidies to reduce the purchase cost of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other EVs. Consumers can claim these subsidies through Aadhaar-authenticated e-Vouchers, which are submitted to the dealer during purchase, making EV ownership more affordable.

Question 54

What vehicles are covered under the PM E-DRIVE scheme?

Accepted Answer

The PM E-DRIVE scheme supports 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh electric three-wheelers, 14,028 electric buses, and also allocates funds for e-ambulances and electric trucks. These vehicles benefit from varying levels of subsidies based on battery capacity and vehicle type.

Question 55

How much subsidy is available for electric two-wheelers under PM E-DRIVE?

Accepted Answer

In FY2024-25, the PM E-DRIVE scheme offers Rs 5000 per kWh of battery capacity, with a cap of Rs 10,000 per two-wheeler. This subsidy will be halved to Rs 2500 per kWh with a maximum of Rs 5000 per vehicle in FY2025-26.

Question 56

How does the subsidy for electric three-wheelers work?

Accepted Answer

For e-rickshaws and e-carts, the subsidy is Rs 5000 per kWh with a cap of Rs 25,000 per vehicle for FY2024-25, reducing to Rs 2500 per kWh with a cap of Rs 12,500 in FY2025-26. For electric autos, the subsidy is Rs 5000 per kWh, capped at Rs 50,000 per vehicle, and will be halved in the following year.

Question 57

Can you give an example of how much subsidy I can get on an electric two-wheeler?

Accepted Answer

If you purchase an Ather 450S, which has a 2.9 kWh battery and costs Rs 1.57 lakh (ex-showroom), you’ll be eligible for a Rs 10,000 subsidy under PM E-DRIVE Scheme in FY2024-25. From April 2025, this subsidy will be halved.

Question 58

What is the subsidy for an electric three-wheeler like the Mahindra Treo Zor?

Accepted Answer

For the Mahindra Treo Zor cargo electric three-wheeler, which has a 7.37 kWh battery and costs Rs 3.13 lakh, you can get a Rs 35,000 subsidy under PM E-DRIVE in FY2024-25. This amount will be halved in FY2025-26.

Question 59

How long will the PM E-DRIVE scheme be in effect?

Accepted Answer

The PM E-DRIVE scheme runs from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. It follows the temporary Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), which ended on September 30, 2024.

Question 60

How do I claim the subsidy while buying an EV?

Accepted Answer

Subsidies are claimed through Aadhaar-authenticated e-Vouchers generated via the PM E-DRIVE portal. Once signed, these e-Vouchers are submitted to the dealer at the time of purchase to avail the subsidy.

Question 61

How will the PM E-DRIVE scheme impact EV infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

The scheme allocates funds for the installation of 22,100 DC fast-charging stations for cars, 1800 high-capacity chargers for electric buses, and 48,400 public EV chargers for two and three-wheelers, enhancing charging convenience across India.

Question 62

How does the PM E-DRIVE scheme compare to the FAME scheme?

Accepted Answer

PM E-DRIVE is the successor to the FAME scheme, continuing the government’s push for EV adoption with increased focus on public transport, charging infrastructure, and streamlined subsidies for individual consumers.

Question 63

Will the subsidy amounts remain the same throughout the scheme's duration?

Accepted Answer

No, the subsidy amounts will decrease in the scheme’s second year (FY2025-26). For two-wheelers and three-wheelers, the subsidy per kWh will be halved starting April 2025.

Question 64

What is the role of e-Vouchers in the PM E-DRIVE scheme?

Accepted Answer

The e-Voucher system simplifies the process of claiming subsidies for buyers and dealers. The vouchers are Aadhaar-authenticated and must be signed by both the buyer and dealer before being uploaded on the PM E-DRIVE portal to complete the subsidy claim.

How can we help?

Electric Vehicle

Electric Scooter

Charging

Acronyms

Miscellaneous

EV Brands

Can't find your EV answer?