An electric vehicle runs on a battery and an electric motor instead of petrol or diesel. You charge it by plugging it in, like a big phone. There is no engine oil, no fuel, and no smoke from the back.

Yes. For most people who drive in the city and nearby areas, an EV is easy to live with. You charge at home at night and start each day with a full battery. For very long trips you plan charging stops on the way.

It depends on the model. Small city EVs give around 150 to 250 km. Bigger cars give 300 to 500 km or more. The real number is a little less than the company claim because of speed, AC use, and traffic.

Most EV batteries are made to last 8 to 15 years or more. Many companies give a battery warranty of about 8 years or 1,60,000 km. The battery slowly loses a small amount of range over the years, which is normal.

Yes, a little. In very cold weather the battery gives less range, and using the AC or heater also uses some power. On normal days you will not notice a big change.

Popular budget choices include the Tata Tiago EV and Tata Punch EV for small cars, and the Tata Nexon EV or MG Windsor EV for compact SUVs. The best one depends on your budget, the range you need, and boot space. Compare them side by side on our compare tool.

Some states give benefits like road tax and registration savings on EVs, and there are central schemes from time to time. The exact benefit changes by state and year, so check our Subsidies page for the latest.

At home on a normal charger it takes several hours, so people charge overnight. On a fast public charger you can go from about 10% to 80% in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the car and charger.

Yes. You can charge from a normal power point or fit a home charger (called a wall box) that charges faster. Most owners charge at home and rarely use public chargers.

Fast charging (DC charging) pushes a lot of power into the battery quickly. It is used on highways and public stations so you can charge in minutes, not hours. Using it sometimes is fine; charging slowly at home is gentler on the battery.

Usually yes. Charging costs much less than buying petrol for the same distance. EVs also have fewer moving parts, so service and repair costs are lower. The buying price can be higher, but you save every month after that.

It depends on your battery size and your electricity rate. As a rough idea, charging at home often costs much less per km than petrol. You can use our charging cost calculator to get a number for your car.

No. There is no engine oil to change and fewer parts that wear out. Service is mostly checking brakes, tyres, coolant and software. This makes EV upkeep simple and cheaper over time.

EVs are built and tested to be safe in rain and normal water on the road. Like any car, you should not drive through deep flood water. The battery and wiring are sealed for safety.