A Day in the Life of an EV Owner in Delhi: Navigating the Charging Network
India is taking the lead in the global shift to electrification by introducing several electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. As of June 2024, Delhi has crossed a significant milestone with over one lakh electric vehicles registered in the city [EV Dashboard - Switch Delhi]. This signifies a positive response from Delhiites to the EV policy.Delhi has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through its Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, launched in August 2020.The Delhi EV Policy offers several incentives for EV buyers, including purchase subsidies on electric cars, two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, and e-cycles. There are also incentives for setting up charging infrastructure.This article will focus on a day in the life of an EV owner in Delhi.
Navigating the charging network involves few things like:
Understanding charger type-There are different levels of chargers, categorised by speed and current.Level 1 chargers are slow,they use standard household outlet.Level 2 chargers are faster and found at public spaces.DC fast chargers are fast and typically found at highways for long trips.
Finding stations-There are several apps and websites available to locate charging stations. Popular navigation apps like Google Maps are integrating features to show charger locations and even provide user reviews with details about a station's specific location within a larger area.
Planning your route-Consider factors like car range,charging speed and destination while planning a trip.Factor in enough charging time based on the charger level you'll be using. Apps designed specifically for EVs can help you optimize your route and charging stops .
A day in a life of Viraj who owns EV
The morning sun filters through Viraj's apartment in Delhi.This morning Viraj woke up, the same as everyday stretching legs off bed and onto the floor, my arms raised up grazing the ceiling.He glances at his phone - the EV charging app shows his Tata Punch EV is topped up and ready for the day.Viraj who lives in Rohini area in Delhi. Rohini is a sub city and a neighbourhood in the North West Delhi district of the Union Territory of Delhi, India.
Viraj gets ready for his office and heads downstairs.Viraj is very well aware that Delhi traffic can be brutal. He glides through slow-moving cars.Reaching his office in Gurgaon, Viraj uses a popular EV app to find the nearest charging station. These apps not only show locations but also real-time availability, a lifesaver in a city with growing EV adoption.He plugs in and gets to work, knowing his car will be fully charged by lunchtime.Over a lunch with colleagues they discuss about EV buzz,Delhi’s improved air quality,growing public charging stations, convenience of overnight home charging.They also discussed about Fast chargers have become increasingly common in Delhi, especially near residential areas, so a quick 30-minute top-up is all he needs for his morning commute.These chargers are very crucial for long trips.
After work, it's time for grocery shopping.Viraj factors in a quick top-up near the store.While driving back to home in the evening.There's a sense of satisfaction - he's saved money, reduced his carbon footprint, and contributed to a cleaner city.
Summing Up
The EV charging network is constantly evolving, so staying informed about new stations and features will make your electric car journeys smoother.Switch Delhi the Open Database is a unified and dynamic database offering historical and real time information for EV charging and swapping stations in the NCT of Delhi.There are Apps designed specifically for EVs can help you optimize your route and charging stops.
