Breaking Barriers: Making Electric Vehicles Affordable and Accessible with Innovative Approach
Gurgaon (Haryana) (India) July 17 : The adoption of electric scooters in India is a solution that contributes to the country’s growing environmental concerns. For example, limiting the dependence on fossil fuels by eliminating ICE vehicle rides. However, despite the emergence of electric mobility, there are some barriers that have impeded the adoption of EVs, such as battery cost and maintenance concerns.
Industrial leaders are currently focusing on breaking the barriers with innovative approaches and cost efficiency to grab the attention of new age consumers. Top industrial EV leaders in the market like Lectrix have shifted their focus to affordability, innovative battery solutions, and easy accessibility. They have come up with a ground-breaking approach like the battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model.
In today’s post, we will focus on barriers and breaking them with the adoption of opportunities by innovative approaches.
Tackling Battery Issues with Affordable and Advanced Battery-as-a Service Model
One of the major barriers to EV adoption is its battery. The upfront cost of electric scooters with batteries is quite high. Conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines are cheaper in comparison to the upfront cost of electric vehicles. Traditional vehicles are cheaper to purchase than their electric counterparts. Also, the consumers of India are price-sensitive and rely on cost-effective options. With the higher upfront cost, the EVs have turned out to be a deterrent.
To tackle this issue, the prominent leader in the EV market has come up with an “electric scooter with a battery subscription” model. Lectrix EV has delinked the battery from its electric scooter to provide more affordable and flexible service to customers. This innovative approach lets customers follow a cost-effective subscription model. The company’s new electric scooter model starts at Rs 49,999/-. It comes with a unique monthly battery subscription plan of Rs 1499/-. This is a BaaS – battery-as-a-service model that reduces the upfront cost of EV purchases. Consumers can save up to Rs. 1.5 lakh with the battery subscription model for over 5 years. The total cost of ownership will cost around Rs. 1.82 lakhs with LXS 2.0 with subscription. On the other hand, the TCO with petrol will cost around Rs. 3.39 lakhs which is much more expensive. This is why buying an electric scooter with battery subscription has become an economical model for young riders, family man and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Customers just have to pay a subscription fee every month for battery usage and get rid of the traditional upfront cost. It will allow them to save nearly 40% upfront cost compared to petrol-based scooters. Therefore, the cost efficiency brought into the battery technology has made electric vehicles more affordable.
As the battery-related costs continue to fall, the overall TCO of electric vehicles, including initial cost, maintenance expenses, repair and replacement costs, will eventually be reduced. So, the purchase of EVs with battery subscription is a more cost effective and economical model than traditional ICE vehicles.
Lack of Charging Infrastructure Acting As A Barrier
Another potential obstacle to electric vehicle adoption in the country is the lack of accessibility to adequate charging infrastructure. EVs are unlike conventional fuel-based vehicles. The fuel pump network is very extensive, and traditional vehicles have easy access to fuel stations anywhere at any time without much hassle. Also, extra fuel can be carried to meet the needs during emergency situations.
EVs also need reliable access to charging networks, but unfortunately, they are not vast enough to meet the rising needs of Indian consumers. Moreover, installing electric charging stations is a complex and daunting task. This is because it involves installing charging stations in public areas, for example, on highways. Due to the lack of a convenient and extensive charging network, EV buyers are getting discouraged from making a purchase. The fear of running out of electric power in the middle of the way is a major concern.
In order to solve this issue, EV category leaders Lectrix have come up with a battery swap model. The battery-swapping solution is an innovative approach. While riding the best EV scooter, you do not have to worry about finding charging stations. You simply need to swap your battery with a fully charged battery at a swap station.
It promises the users an unlimited mileage. The battery swap model aims to offer consumers unlimited charging access and extensive battery life. It will break the barrier of challenges faced with daily charging and battery issues faced by EV owners. By subscribing to the battery swap model, you will enjoy an unlimited mileage.
Lack of Consumer Awareness and Education
Lack of awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles and education awareness has become a major barrier. Potential buyers usually do not get well informed about the benefits and the vehicle’s working mechanism. In addition, there are many misconceptions regarding electric vehicle technology in consumer’s minds.
The misconceptions are related to charging times and battery life. Consumers are still not aware of the latest approaches and innovations available in the market, such as battery subscription and swap models. In order to address this barrier and issues, manufacturers, non-profit organisations, and government agencies are launching awareness campaigns. The educational programs should explain the misconceptions and bring the reality to the consumers.
These efforts can dispel the myths about electric vehicles and educate the buyers about their facts and benefits. It will teach them about eco-friendliness, lower operational costs, and lower carbon emissions. A good education can help them make a well-informed decision while buying the best electric scooter in India.
Final Thoughts
The above barriers, such as the upfront cost, charging issues, and lack of education, were hindering the sales of electric scooters. However, the leading category player, Lectrix EV, has come up with innovative solutions, such as vehicles with battery subscription models and end-to-end swap solutions to offer electric scooter owners a smoother driving experience. The Lectrix mobile app is another smart approach that will provide the users information about their battery status and level. Consumers are advised to take advantage of the latest innovations and enjoy EV rides.
Disclaimer: This article is part of sponsored content programme. The Tribune is not responsible for the content including the data in the text and has no role in its selection.