Electric Scooters Gaining Traction on Indian Roads
Electric scooters are replacing petrol scooters on the roads, with companies like Ola, Ather, TVS, Bajaj, and Royal Infinity creating electric versions. The electric market is evolving rapidly, but concerns remain about safety, affordability, and battery replacement costs.
Electric Scooters: Lower Running Costs, But Battery Concerns Remain
The running cost of electric is lower than petrol scooters, but the cost of batteries may need to be replaced after five years. However, lithium-ion batteries are more durable and cost-effective than lead-acid batteries. The battery management system (BMS) is responsible for charging and discharging the battery, ensuring long-lasting battery life. Companies like Ola, Ather, and Rivoa have introduced extended warranties and extended battery life, with some offering up to ten years of warranty and 80,000 kilometers.
Fire Safety and Electric Scooters: Addressing the Myths
Lithium-ion batteries do not degrade as fast as they are used, so regular use and home charging can prevent battery degradation. The battery’s lifespan can be extended by up to 85%, with a range of 90-85% after 5-7 years.
Electric Scooters Safer Than Petrol Scooters? Debunking Misconceptions
Fire incidents are another significant concern for electric. Many people believe that batteries cause fires in electric, but in 2024, the standard of batteries has improved, resulting in a low probability of battery fires. Most fire incidents are caused by short circuits, which usually occur in the front or back of the scooter. Short circuits can occur due to various factors, such as improper installation, accidents, or wire cuts.
NMC vs LFP Batteries: Understanding the Differences
In conclusion, electric are becoming more popular than petrol scooters due to their safety, affordability, and long-lasting battery life. While there are concerns about safety, battery replacement, and battery fires, electric offer a safer alternative to traditional vehicles.
Electric Scooters: Enjoy Subsidies Now, Prices May Drop Later
Electric scooters are replacing petrol scooters due to their safety features, which prevent accidents and wire cuts. However, the battery cells used in electric scooters are designed to be disabled completely if there is a short circuit or electrical issue. The heating caused by the motor is due to the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy, leading to heat loss. To address this issue, companies like Ather have installed dedicated fans to cool the motor, not the battery.
Home Charging vs Fast Charging: Optimizing Battery Life
There is a common misconception regarding NMC vs LFP batteries. NMC batteries are small, can store more charge, and are perfect for scooters and bikes. LFP batteries are used because they have to run for a long time, while LFP batteries are used for long-distance use. NMC batteries are safe and designed for scooters, and they will continue to run well in the future.
Advanced Features Drive Electric Scooter Popularity
Electric scooters are currently offering discounts due to subsidies until March 31st. After April 1st, these subsidies will stop, reducing prices and allowing companies to reduce manufacturing costs. Manufacturing of cells will also start in India, leading to reduced prices. Cabling is another important factor for electric scooter users. It is recommended to charge at home as much as possible, as extended periods can lead to significant battery degradation.
Fast charging is recommended for urgent needs or overnight charging, but four-wheelers have a larger battery size and slower charging times. This may not lead to a revolution in the electric four-wheeler industry until charging technology improves. Electric two-wheelers have no problem with charging, making it essential to consider the benefits of electric scooters.
Service Woes: A Hurdle for Electric Scooters?
Electric scooters in India are becoming increasingly popular due to their advanced features such as Android OS, navigation, automatic hill hold, reverse mode, and cruise control. New products like Ather’s Rista scooter and Hero’s Vida for apartment users are expected to continue running in the market. Traditional automobile companies, such as TVS, have also started embracing electric scooters, indicating that they are aware of the future of electric vehicles.
Innovation Ahead: Electric Scooters Poised for Growth
However, there is a major issue with electric scooters compared to petrol scooters: service. Many companies provide poor service due to the lack of technology in the electric two-wheeler industry. As these vehicles are not old traditional petrol vehicles, service engineers must train additional to handle the technology. This delay in service expansion is due to the need for trained engineers and service teams, who may not know exactly what is inside the vehicle.
Conclusion
The problem of service issues will likely persist for the next few years, but it is expected to be resolved slowly as electric scooters become more common. While many companies are working on improving service, it takes time to create results. In India, there is a significant reduction in electric two-wheeler R&D, with new products and innovations expected to emerge this year. Electric scooters are expected to be in vogue in 2024 and 2025, and exports from India are expected to increase, leading to electric scooters being made globally.