A big concern for current and potential EV owners is charging. The strange thing is that many of these worries are misconceptions that just aren’t true. With India now set for an electric future on the roads, it’s time to address these myths and encourage more people to make the switch.

You must’ve read a few articles on myths about EVs. Here’s one which deals with misconceptions surrounding EV charging stations.

Misconception 1: It takes A LONG TIME to charge an EV.

Yes, it does take longer to charge an EV than to fill a tank. At present, an EV can charge from 20% to 80% in 20 to 45 minutes using fast charging. This time could drop significantly in the next few years, but it will still take longer than refuelling a petrol or diesel car. All that said, there is an important point to keep in mind. When you refuel a car, you have to drive to a petrol station, use the pump, make payment and then drive on to wherever you need to be. With an electric car, you can plug it in at work when you get there, or at home in the evening, and then just unplug it when the battery is fully charged.

Misconception 2: EVs only work for people who can charge at home or work.

Home and work charging definitely makes EV ownership easier, but other charging options are also there. There are dedicated commercial charging stations. Also, charging points are being installed at malls, restaurants and supermarket parking. It takes a bit more time, but you’re doing something else while your EV is being charged. Charging points are also being installed at petrol pumps in city limits and on highways. For a detailed view on this, refer to this blog: Where can we charge an electric vehicle in India?  

Misconception 3: An EV Charger is hard to use.

Yes, recharging is not as easy as refuelling, but once a driver understands the EV’s needs and specifications, charging is a seamless process. There are different types of charging and different types of chargers. Once you figure out these easy-to-understand details including locating the desired charging point, the process becomes as simple as refuelling at a petrol pump. Moreover, there are apps that help you locate the nearest charging station and they include other technical details as well.

Misconception 4: EV drivers have to wait in long queues at charging stations.

Most charging stations have more than one charging point, and as the number of EVs in India is very less at present, most charging stations don’t have queues. Besides, there are charging station locator apps which not only tell the location of the nearest charging station but also the number of charging points, types of sockets, number of vacant sockets & charging rates.

Misconception 5: An abundance of fast-charging stations are needed.

Some potential EV buyers come across this misconception that the lack of fast-charging stations will not allow them to get a quick replenishment for their EVs. One has to understand that 80% of EV charging takes place at home. And for those who need a quick fill-up on the way, the number of public charging stations available at present is enough. You don’t necessarily need fast-charging points along the way. This misconception stems from range anxiety, which is explained in detail in the next point.

Misconception 6: We need charging stations everywhere just like petrol pumps.

From a convenience point of view, such a desire is reasonable but practically, it’s not needed. It is important to understand that electricity can be available everywhere as compared to petrol/diesel. This misconception is closely tied to the fear of getting stranded, also known as "range anxiety". While public charging infrastructure is important and continues to improve, it’s not an absolute requirement.

Misconception 7: EVs require daily & extensive charging.

For people who travel relatively shorter distances every day, daily charging is not needed. A full charge can last for more than a day if the daily travel is not much. Yes for commercial electric vehicles, like e-carriers & e-rickshaws, this might hold true, but for passenger e-cars, everyday lengthy charging is not needed.

Misconception 8: Installing an EV charger at home, shop, the workplace is inconvenient & expensive.

The easiest, most convenient and most cost-effective way to charge an EV is at home. And most people don’t know the fact that Level 1 charging can be done using your basic socket at home. If you still want to install a charging point for your home, the process is simple, not as expensive as thought and less time-consuming. Kazam provides 2 charging solutions. The ‘Kazam Mini’ for home installations and ‘Kazam 3.3’ for shops, societies, workplaces, restaurants, etc. Visit us at Kazam .

Misconception 9: Charging an EV is expensive.

The cost of charging an EV is significantly cheaper than refuelling a car with petrol or diesel. EV car charger manufacturers are constantly debunking this myth and far too many people worry about the cost of using an electric vehicle charger. Many find that charging their car at home is actually much cheaper than paying for fuel in a standard car. Not just at home, charging at commercial charging stations is relatively cheaper than refuelling a car. When a driver fully charges his EV and compares it with fully refilling his conventional car, the cost difference is evident.

Misconception 10: You cannot charge an EV when it’s raining.

The advances in EV charging technology and safety protocols has made EV charging absolutely safe during various weather conditions. The fear of an electric shock when the charging point is wet is basic human instinct. Visit this link to watch Kazam’s safety test regarding wet conditions: Safety Test- Water Resistant Electric Vehicle Charging Station
 

Conclusion:

Misconceptions will always surround evolving technologies.

With refuelling a vehicle at a petrol pump is second nature for many drivers, having built the habit since they first began driving, the process and requirements for charging an EV are unfamiliar.

Whilst there are lots of positives to investing in an EV, there are also many negative points that may be brought to your attention.  Unfortunately, when coming across the ‘negative’ points about EVs, the vast majority of these points are simply not true, especially as far as EV charging is concerned.

Electric car charging is simple, cost-effective and convenient!