Many around the country are still figuring out the impact, status, and overall presence of electric vehicles in India.
Yes, we definitely have come a long way, when it comes to the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. However, when it comes to the awareness and knowledge about EVs, their functioning, and what makes them the ‘thing of the future’ there still lie a few questions.
So, what do most people want to know about EVs? Let’s find out by answering some of the most asked questions about EVs on Google.
1. Are electric cabs safe?
The straight answer to this is- YES. Electric vehicles have undergone a large degree of research and development in recent years. As manufacturers get ready to cater to the mass production of EVs in India, they have deployed drastic measures to keep the incidents of EV fires under control, and eventually a rare existence.
According to a Fatality Analysis Report in the United States, only 2.6% of electric vehicles caught fire in comparison to 4.4% of internal combustion engine vehicles.
EVs tend to follow the same safety standards as ICE vehicles (even more in some departments) and the same levels of rigorous on-road testing before they are available in the market.
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2. Can electric cars be used as taxis?
Electric vehicles can be used as taxis and cabs in India. As we move beyond a point where electric vehicles are more than just a token from a company’s CSR budget, running a fleet of EVs for cabs is actually profitable for many.
Many operators believe that while the initial barriers to entry for operating EVs as a cab are the high acquisition cost in comparison to ICE vehicles, the savings are way beyond that down the line.
With the right unit economics, running an EV as a cab might as well be better than putting an internal combustion engine to use.
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3. In which cities is BluSmart available?
Yes, that’s one of the top asked questions on Google (and we love that!).
BluSmart Mobility started its operations in Delhi NCR with a fleet of 70 cabs in 2019 and now has increased the number of cabs and geographies too. As of now, BluSmart operates in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru.
As we expand our fleet, make our operations efficient and onboard more driver-partners we’ll be expanding further. In Delhi, for instance, BluSmart cabs were available in Gurugram, Dwarka, and a few locations in South Delhi.
However, with the help of robust charging infrastructure in parts of Delhi, we’ve further expanded to other popular locations like Nehru Place, Central Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, and even more.
4. How many electric taxis are there in India?
While the exact number for the same might not be available at the moment, one thing can be ascertained- the numbers are only going to rise from hereon.
A data shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, there are a total of 13,92,265 electric vehicles in India being used as of 3rd August 2022. Out of which, the total electric four-wheeler taxis in the country might stand somewhere in the range of 5,000 to 10,000.
With the rising investment by institutional investors and a push by state and central governments alike, to make EVs cheaper and more affordable to be plied for commercial use as well.
5. What is the range of an electric taxi?
With the rising demand for electric vehicles in India, and across the world, manufacturers have identified one of the major reasons behind minimal skepticism for EVs is the range.
Although, that concern is being addressed by manufacturers, OEMs, and the government alike. There are electric vehicles that in fact have a range of 400+ kilometers on a single charge. The range of an electric taxi, such as the Tata Xpress-T stands between 165-200 kilometers on a single charge.
Another EV, the MG ZS EV, which BluSmart deploys in their Premium Rentals segment stands at 419 kilometers on a single charge. BluSmart recently added BYD e6 to its fleet which can offer a mileage of up to 500 kilometres in a single charge.
6. How can I book an electric taxi in India?
Electric taxis in India, are gradually becoming mainstream.
The BluSmart app can be downloaded from the App Store and the Play Store easily and can be booked in a similar manner to a normal cab from any other aggregator.
7. Which EV taxi is best in India?
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity, and businesses are taking note of that. Many players have entered the EV ride-hailing market in the last 2-3 years.
BluSmart has been one of the first entrants in the EV ride-hailing market, launched in 2019. We offer zero cab cancellations, zero surge prices, a cleaner and premium ride experience, and the futuristic EV experience.
Not only are we doing our best to ensure that India eventually transitions to electricity, and reduces the overall tailpipe emissions, but also giving our customers the only thing that matters- an exceptional service.
Conclusion: Getting Ready for the #EVolution
Saying EVs are finally here wouldn’t be accurate. Yes, the industry as a whole has made strides in the market, and there’s chatter around town.
However, a collective effort by cab companies, government bodies, and India Inc. can ensure that EVs become more than just a technology for the future and a day-to-day utility that’s solving a problem.
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