The Challenges of Owning an Electric Two-Wheeler in India: Range Anxiety, Charging Woes, and Battery Costs

Owning an electric two-wheeler in India comes with several challenges that can make the experience less convenient compared to traditional petrol vehicles.

1. Range Anxiety:
The most common issue faced by EV owners is range anxiety—the constant worry about running out of charge before reaching the destination. Electric two-wheelers typically offer a limited range on a single charge, and this range can be drastically affected by real-world conditions like traffic jams. For instance, I've personally experienced this problem multiple times, where my scooter ran out of charge before I could reach my destination. On two occasions, I had to pay around ₹100 to charge my vehicle from a roadside garden owner's outlet. This uncertainty creates a lot of stress, as you are always trying to estimate whether your vehicle has enough power to complete the trip.

2. Lack of EV Charging Infrastructure:
Another major issue is the lack of charging stations along the roads, especially outside major urban areas. Even in cities like Delhi, there are very few places that offer EV charging facilities. If you're stuck with a low battery, finding a place to charge your two-wheeler is often a challenge. Moreover, many people are hesitant to allow EV owners to use their electrical outlets for charging, and those who do allow it often charge exorbitant fees. In areas like Delhi and Noida, it's not uncommon to encounter people asking for very high prices for a simple charge, which adds to the frustration of owning an EV.

3. Declining Battery Life and High Replacement Costs:
Battery degradation is another serious concern. When I first bought my scooter, it offered a range of 120 km per charge. However, after just a few months, the range dropped to 100 km. By the end of the first year, it was down to 80 km, and now, after two years, I’m only getting 40-50 km on a single charge. The decline in battery performance makes it harder to rely on the scooter for longer trips. On top of that, the cost of replacing the battery is almost prohibitive. When I initially bought the bike for ₹82,000, it seemed like a good deal, but now, after two years, a new battery costs around ₹45,000.

Conclusion:
Considering the high cost of battery replacement, limited mobility, and constant range anxiety, the benefits of owning an electric scooter over a petrol one become questionable. With petrol bikes, you can refuel easily and ride without stress, knowing you won’t be stranded due to lack of charging options or declining battery capacity. The convenience and ease of use still favor traditional petrol-powered vehicles over EVs, at least until these issues are addressed.