When it comes to adopting electric vehicles, Delhi has always been one of the states, which is at the forefront.
The city state’s policies, consumer sentiment and infrastructure tend to be at an ‘almost there’ stage, with progress being made at each step.
Considering almost 42% of Delhi’s PM2.5 emissions are from fuel-based vehicles, it makes sense to fast-track EV adoption in the city, for the overall well-being of its citizens.
So, if you are someone living in Delhi, and are comprehending buying an EV in Delhi, then here are some reasons you might go for it. Here are seven reasons why you should buy an electric vehicle in Delhi.
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1. EV-friendly policies
Delhi’s EV policies have always been in the news for being consumer-centric and yet addressing concerns of manufacturers, ticking both the boxes at once.
To start with, there’s a purchase incentive of ₹10,000 per kWh of battery capacity on an EV four-wheeler bought in Delhi, with a maximum incentive of ₹1,50,000. Moreover, road tax and registration fees are to be waived off for all battery-operated vehicles in the city.
2. Charging infrastructure
Delhi’s EV policies have always been in the news for being consumer-centric and yet addressing concerns of manufacturers, ticking both the boxes at once.
To start with, there’s a purchase incentive of ₹10,000 per kWh of battery capacity on an EV four-wheeler bought in Delhi, with a maximum incentive of ₹1,50,000. Moreover, road tax and registration fees are to be waived off for all battery-operated vehicles in the city.
Charging infrastructure is the key to holistic EV adoption in any city, as has been the case in various cities across the world.
At the moment, as per Switch Delhi, there are 597 charging stations in the city at present, along with 825 charging points and 165 battery swapping stations. This makes Delhi, the state with one of the highest number of charging stations.
This is certainly going to be a key step in expediting the process of installation of EV charging stations across the city. To make sure that the process is streamlined further, the city’s government has constituted a Working Group for Accelerated Roll-out of Charging Infrastructure in Delhi.
This includes members from various bodies to develop strategies and execute the creation of a network of charging infrastructure in the city.
3. Solution for the Delhi traffic?
The Delhi traffic is infamous for its long and tedious jams. Moreover, as the rainy season knocks on the city’s doors there’s a chance that these traffic jams get worse.
Driving in traffic jams takes a toll on fuel-based cars. The constant clutch & brake combination also affects the mileage of any internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. This is where if you buy an EV in Delhi, it might pay off.
As a fuel-based vehicle consistently brakes, starts and changes gears, an EV can sail through a traffic jam. Since there’s no involvement of a clutch or fuel, you won’t be running out of extra juice in a traffic jam either.
Adding on, you’ll instead be adding some juice to your battery pack through regenerative braking.
A win-win then?
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4. Cleaner air
Delhi has consistently been on the list of one of the most polluted cities in the world, according to various studies conducted. According to a study by Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s transport sector contributes the majority of Nitrogen Oxide and 42% of PM2.5 particles.
Adding to that, the economic loss due to pollution is evident too. An ASSOCHAM study further concluded that Delhi’s smog and poor air quality will lead to a loss of ₹100 crore/day.
So, when a majority of the vehicles plying Delhi’s roads turn electric, there’s an evident chance that it’ll make a noticeable difference in the city’s air quality.
5. Tax savings
You won’t just be saving the city from polluted air, but also your pockets from a hefty tax on vehicles, when you buy an EV in Delhi.
This rule is applicable all over India and can be availed by consumers of electric vehicles. The recently added section 80EEB, allows customers to opt for loans which will be eligible for tax deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs on interest paid on the loan amount.
This rule is applicable for a four-wheeler and two-wheeler EVs.
You might as well be saving some extra bucks on the GST on EVs. The government has decided to reduce the GST on EVs from the earlier 12% to 5%.
6. Better upgrades coming
Many customers had inhibitions around the functionalities of an EV and what’s involved when it comes to their features. There was a time when many used to look at an electric vehicle with awe and surprise.
Gone are the days when EVs used to be oddly shaped, low range or low on features.
With many prominent manufacturers entering the EV bandwagon, things are changing. EV makers are ensuring that an EV looks and functions similar to any other vehicle of the same kind on road.
As equally enticing and practical features make their entry into upcoming EVs, customers are lining up to buy electric vehicles with similar enthusiasm, as they’d buy any other fuel-based vehicle.
7. Overall savings
When you run the math for the overall savings that an EV brings for you, there’s a clear winner. The price of electricity for domestic connections currently stands at around ₹3 per kWh. For up to 200 units.
This is a bargain when it comes to the fuel prices at the moment, (₹96.72 per litre at the time of publishing). While the power tariff may vary from one state to another, it will anyhow be lower than the fuel prices prevailing around the country.
Experience Electric Mobility in Delhi
While you make up your mind about buying an EV in Delhi, there’s another way you can experience an electric vehicle in Delhi.
Book your BluSmart ride and move around town in 100% electric vehicles. Apart from that you also get additional benefits such as zero cab cancellations, no peak-hour surge prices and on-time arrival of your cabs.
So, the next time you want to go for an ‘electrifying’ ride, book a BluSmart.