India has the most electric vehicle purchasers in the entire globe. The expanding Indian economy and domestic consumption have propelled this global market, further backed by the government’s progressive initiatives. Here are the advantages and challenges of Electric Motorcycles in India.
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Since India imports all of its crude oil needs, India’s dependence on conventional energy sources will not be a sustainable solution as rising consumer aspirations and purchasing power, in turn, drive demand for vehicles. Accordingly, evolving pro-EV regulations like FAME II and succeeding state EV regulations have sped consumer adoption of EV two-wheelers.
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Advantages of Electric Motorcycles in India
The need of the hour is the increasing need for green energy and the relevance of electronic motorcycles. Electric scooters and bikes have several benefits. Some of them are:
Environmental benefits
Electric bikes‘ environmental commitment is one of their main selling features. They don’t emit smoke or burn fossil fuels, reducing air pollution. This is debatable, though, as most of the electricity needed to charge these scooters comes from burning coal, which is the main source of electricity in the nation.
Economic Benefits
While the upfront cost of electric bikes and scooters is slightly higher than that of standard two-wheelers, the money you will save on fuel over time makes this a cost-effective choice. Many people are steadily shifting towards using electric vehicles owing to their easy-to-use and optimum operating expenses.
Performance Benefits
The absence of intricate machinery is one of the main advantages of electric scooters. As a result, compared to ordinary cars, the maintenance costs of such motorcycles are significantly lower.
Social benefits
We had more jobs, better machinery, and new processes that led to the development of new goods and markets because of the electric motor. We had just entered the industrial era.
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Challenges to Adopting Electric Motorcycles in India
Despite the environmental benefits and cost savings, several obstacles hinder the acceptance of electric motorcycles in India. These include high upfront costs, lack of infrastructure, low awareness and understanding, and limited battery range. Other possible challenges are listed in detail below.
Infrastructure
There are charging facilities every few kilometres in many affluent nations where electric vehicles are the norm. People can pause and charge their electric vehicles or bicycles at the charging stations. However, India hardly has such infrastructure, making long-distance driving in your electric vehicle challenging.
Cost
E-bike repairs can be a concern as there are so few repair shops or dealers for replacement parts for this new mode of transit. However, as e-bikes become more and more popular, repair facilities will multiply and become more widely dispersed.
Range Anxiety
The distance an electric scooter can travel on a single charge is called its range. India’s top electric scooter models typically range around 100 kilometres.
Besides, the range gets shorter as battery life gets longer. Long-distance travel might not be the best use because it takes roughly 5 hours to recharge the battery.
Public Awareness
There is a knowledge gap between the producer and consumers. People need to be educated regarding green energy and the role of electric vehicles in sustainable energy consumption.
Government Initiatives and Policies to Promote Electric Motorcycles in India
The Government of India has created a few policies and projects to encourage the production and usage of electric motor vehicles. Here are a few important programs:
FAME India Scheme
In April 2015, the National Electric Mobility Mission launched the FAME scheme to encourage acquiring electric and hybrid vehicles by providing financial assistance.
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
By offering financial incentives, the NEMMP aims to sell 6-7 million hybrid and electric vehicles annually starting in 2020. The “Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles” (FAME) scheme is the principal policy to meet the goals outlined in the NEMMP.
Tax Incentives
A part of the Income Tax Act called 80EEB was created for people who use car loans to buy electric vehicles. According to this clause, a taxpayer may deduct up to 1.5 lakhs from the interest paid on a car loan used to buy an electric vehicle (EV).
Subsidies and Grants
Many states across India provide state-wide subsidies and grants to encourage the usage of electric motorcycles and reduce carbon footprints.
Key Players in the Electric Motorcycle Market in India
As the market for electric vehicles keeps increasing daily, there are three important aspects concerning the electric vehicle market space.
Star-Ups
EV startups provide the general public and other organizations with various services, including sustainable mobility, energy infrastructure, commercial mobility, and battery management systems. Additionally, EV startups serve as a growth engine for industries like FMCG and logistics.
Major Manufacturers
Mahindra, Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech, and Hero Electric are considered major electric motorcycles in India.
Market Share
Although India’s electrification of mobility is still in its infancy, there is significant room for growth, according to the reports. As of 2022, the country’s overall EV penetration, including 2W, is at 3%.
Future of Electric Motorcycles in India
The future of electric motorcycles in India seems promising as more and more people are becoming environmentally conscious. With the government offering subsidies and incentives for electric vehicle purchases, the demand for electric motorcycles is expected to rise.
The lower maintenance and fuel cost makes them an attractive option for traditional gasoline-powered motorcycles. Below are the possible future outcomes of electric motorcycles in India.
Growth Prospects
Electric motor vehicles are becoming more popular in India. In the past few years, several businesses associated with electric motor vehicles have entered the market. Since there is increasing competition in the market, consumers will benefit from better products at affordable costs.
Technological Developments
The adoption of EVs, particularly battery electric vehicles, is seen as a remedy for the energy crisis and environmental problems. The technical advancement of EVs and new technologies for use in the future are thoroughly reviewed in this study.
The key technologies for batteries, charging, electric motors, and control, as well as the infrastructure for charging EVs, are outlined. As a further addition, this study also addresses the technical difficulties and cutting-edge technologies for future advancements in EVs’ reliability, safety, and efficiency.
Opportunities
EVs may also help India become less reliant on foreign oil, increasing energy security and decreasing its trade deficit. Besides, expanding the EV market in India may open new employment prospects in the manufacturing, infrastructure, and R&D sectors.
Way Forward!!
India must focus on developing a strong manufacturing base for electric motor vehicles. The Government should provide tax benefits and incentives for manufacturers and suppliers to encourage the growth of the electric vehicle market. This will create healthy competition among manufacturers and make it easier for consumers to access these vehicles.