We are in the 2020s. The times are changing, and anyone who is looking towards the future, will tell you that we are running out of oil, and Internal Combustion Engines (Petrol, Diesel, CNG, ethanol, etc.) might not be sustainable. Looking at all the other alternative energy options for cars, EVs currently look like the best alternative. If you look at the current Indian luxury car market, you will see many electric options. Some notable examples include the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX, Volvo XC40 recharge, and many other amazing options. By the way, there is a high probability that even an electric G-Wagon coming! Surprised?
So, are these luxury EVs any good? In my opinion, yes. The reason why luxury EVs as a segment in India is because for EVs, sky is the limit as to what can be done. Let me explain. When you imagine your run-of-the-mill ICE car, petrol or diesel, you have a fixed idea as to how it is going to function, what your requirements are, and what it is going to do. But, this is not true for EVs because there is no fixed definition of what an EV must be. This is why manufacturers have more liberty to do whatever they want to do with their EV. The result is, we get more of everything. More performance, more features, more uniqueness, more ease of driving, more of everything! EVs have a few advantages of their own, by the way. First of all, the instant torque, which can make most EVs accelerate faster than most sports cars, including the ones in India now. You think a luxury diesel SUV has torque? Wait till you experience the punch of an EV. Not just acceleration, EVs can get good top speeds as well. Second, less moving parts make them more simple systems and there is no engine so the front hood can also be used for storage, and also as a crumple zone for more impact absorption in a crash, so better safety. Third, EVs have most of their weight in the battery pack and the motor, which sits very low, thus lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle, which gives lesser body-roll. This is one of the reasons why most EV SUVs have lesser body-roll as compared to an ICE SUV. Now, I know you will say that-But, EV’s don’t have range! Don’t panic my friend, now even most luxury EVs have survivable range. Speaking of charging networks, it is still low but it is a problem that is being worked on. Another reason why you would want a luxury EV in India now, is because the Government of India wants you to have one. Yes, the Government of India is really creating an environment where you would want to buy an EV. Not only have they given subsidies from 2019 to 2022, but they promise to do so in 2024, and they are also promising to increase charging stations in the near future. So, your luxury grand-tourer can also be an EV. The Government not only might reduce direct purchase cost, but also might make the licensing process for EVs more seamless for your convenience like they had in the near past for many consumers. They also might lower the taxes for an EV. Not only that, but the cost of charging an EV might also prove to be affordable, if you do the calculations.
