Electric vehicles (EV) have come to be regarded as the next generation of vehicles, and have gained quite a bit of popularity over the last few years. Across the world, governments are more motivated than ever before to encourage e–mobility due to its apparent advantages, most notably its eco-friendliness. However, the average car buyer also weighs up the overall benefits while finalising a car. Thanks to technological and infrastructural advancements in the EV segment, customers are keen on going electric with their next buy. 

Find out why!

1. Better than refuelling 

With an EV, you are in control of the recharging. You don’t need to drive to a gas station to refuel your car. You can plug it into a charger when you see fit and in the meantime, go about your day as usual – carry out chores or catch a movie. It’s like having your very own fuel pump at home, but without the high costs. Additionally, the charging options and times are better than ever and constantly improving. For instance, take the MG ZS EV, which includes three charging options.

• The AC fast charger fully charges the car in around six to eight hours.
• The DC charger – that can be found at MG dealerships – is even faster, taking only 50 minutes for an 80% charge.
• If you are neither at home nor at an MG dealer, you can rely on the portable charger that fits into any 15A socket. 

2. Great cars to drive around

Today’s EVs come with a driving range beyond which you need to halt and recharge the car repeatedly. And short commutes tend to make up most of the driving time in most Indian urban regions. An average person drives about 59.5 km a day, making the EV driving range perfect for the usual home to office trips or shopping mall and eating out sprees. With an overall driving range of 419 kilometres, you can even embark on a day trips and weekend getaways in your MG ZS EV 2021. 

3. Growing number of charging stations 

It wasn’t surprising that prospective car buyers were previously sceptical about the availability of charging options. However, charging stations in India are increasing in number with each passing day. And if the government’s impetus on e-mobility is any indication of what is to come, the availability of EV charging stations is bound to get better. And locating these stations is just as smooth as driving an EV. This is because plenty of apps can tell you the exact location of the nearest charging station, making it easy for you to charge on the go. For instance, MG’s iSmart 2.0 app offers you anytime, anywhere connectivity, making your driving experience more convenient. In a matter of seconds, the iSmart app can pull up information about the next charging station, the route to reach there, and the time it will take to charge your MG ZS EV. 

4. Innovation in battery technology

With each passing day, modern EVs are being equipped with superior battery technology and performance. From the lead-acid batteries used in the smaller EVs in the late 90s to the modern-day high-tech lithium-ion batteries, the power behind electric cars has evolved significantly. Even battery safety has been amped up in today’s EVs. For instance, the battery pack of the MG ZS EV meets the UL2580 standard for safety, which means that has passed eight rigorous tests against short circuits, fire, collision, smoke, drops (falling), soaking in water, dust, and extrusion. Additionally, the MG ZS EV has a 5-star NCAP rating for crash safety, making drivers happy to get behind the wheels of an EV without having to worry about safety or battery life.

5. Buying an EV can earn you tax savings

Making its pro-electric future clear, the Indian government has also started to incentivise EV purchases with tax benefits. Under section 80EEB of the Indian Income Tax, an EV buyer can claim a deduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakhs on the interest portion of a car loan. This benefit is available for car loans availed before the 31st of March 2023. In case the EV is purchased for business purposes, an interest paid of more than Rs 1.5 lakhs can be claimed as a business expense. 

Apart from these reasons, there are several other well-documented benefits of owning an EV. Not only is this type of car completely noiseless, but it is also an eco-friendly choice that can leave a long-lasting impact on the future. With fewer mechanical parts, EVs are simpler and easier to maintain. Besides, you don’t have to worry about rising fuel prices. And with no gear shifts involved, EVs ensure you enjoy a smooth and simple driving experience.

EVs like the MG ZS 2021 have enhanced ground clearance and machined alloys to add to the driving experience. It’s no wonder then that EV sales saw a 20% increase between 2019 and 2020. The understandable pandemic blip in 2020 aside, more and more Indians are expected to drive into the future in a sleek EV. What about you?