Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in India as a sustainable mobility solution. With rising fuel prices and pollution levels, more people are considering switching to electric cars based on recommendations from leading online platforms like ACKO Drive. However, the transition has several valid concerns regarding EV charging and range. This blog addresses such queries by explaining all you need to know about charging electric cars in India.
What is Electric Vehicle Charging?
An electric vehicle runs on electricity stored in its battery pack instead of petrol or diesel-like conventional cars. It requires regular charging by plugging into an electric power source to replenish the battery. Electric vehicle charging is the process of transferring electric energy to an EV’s battery pack.
To charge your electric car, you need compatible charging station hardware and cables. The time it takes depends on the charger’s capacity, your EV battery’s specs, and the charging level.
How Does EV Charging Work?
Below are the basics of how charging an electric vehicle works:
- An electric car must be physically connected to a power source via cables.
- The compatible charger converts AC power to DC power, suitable for EV batteries.
- The rate of energy transfer depends on the charger capacity and the car’s battery specs.
- Smart chargers can regulate electric current flow to prevent overcharging.
- Charging stops automatically when the EV battery reaches total capacity.
Types of Electric Car Chargers
There are three primary levels of electric vehicle chargers in India:
Level 1 Charging
- It uses a regular 3-pin (12 to 16 Amps) socket to connect the EV for charging
- Offers low charging speed
- It needs 8-12 hours for a 0-100% charge
- Useful for overnight charging at home
Level 2 Charging
- Requires installation of specific EVSE hardware
- Offers faster charging speed
- It takes about 4-6 hours for a full charge
- Widely used for home and public charging
Level 3 Charging
- Super-fast DC chargers with 50kW capacity
- Offers quick charging speed
- 0-80% charge in 30-60 minutes
- Currently, very few public stations in India
Ways to Charge an Electric Car
EV owners can charge their vehicles in three convenient ways:
Home Charging
- The dedicated charger will be installed at your residence
- Handy for regular overnight charging
- Choose charger level based on the car’s battery
- Home electricity rates apply for charging cost
Public Charging
- Fast charging stations located across cities
- Applicable for quick top-ups while on the go
- Charging rates and time limits may apply
- Locate nearest stations via apps
Workplace Charging
- Your office parking may offer EV charging
- Employers sometimes provide this as an employee perk
- Registration and authentication may be needed
- Saves time over public charging trips
Types of Charging Based on Speed
Slow Charging
- Typically 2-3kW chargers
- 8-12 hours for full battery replenish
- Low costs, suitable for home use
Fast Charging
- 7-25kW chargers provide faster speed
- Around 60-100 km per hour rate
- 3-6 hours for 0-100% charge
Rapid Charging
- High-capacity 50kW DC fast chargers
- Up to 125 km range per hour
- 80% charge in 40-60 minutes
Electric Car Charging Costs in India
Charging expenses for an electric vehicle in India depend on several factors:
Electricity Tariffs
- The cost per unit of electricity varies widely across different states and cities
- Residential tariffs range from ₹5 to ₹10 per kWh
- Commercial electricity rates are usually higher at ₹8 to ₹15 per kWh
- Applicable home electricity slab rates influence EV charging costs
Public Charging Rates
- Public EV charging stations have different pricing for AC and DC chargers
- AC charging at public stations costs approx ₹8 to ₹12 per unit
- DC fast charging rates range from ₹14-18 per kWh based on charger capacity
- Additional fees in some places for parking, service charges, etc.
Battery Capacity
- EVs with higher battery capacity take longer to charge fully
- Bigger battery packs require more units of electricity per charge
- Hence, higher battery EVs have slightly higher per-charge costs
Charging Duration
- The cost per charging session depends on how long you charge
- Total 0-100% battery charge costs more than a 20-80% quick top-up
- Typical slow AC home charging costs ₹100-150 for full charge
- Fast DC public charging can cost ₹250-500 for 20-80% quick charging
Critical Specs for an Electric Car Buyer in India
Here are the top electric vehicle specifications to check as a potential buyer in India:
Driving Range Per Charge
- Indicates maximum distance covered per full charge
- At least 200 km minimum range is advisable
- Higher range reduces range anxiety
Battery Capacity
- Determines range as well as charging time
- 25-40 kWh typical for small city EVs
- 60-80 kWh for premium long-range EVs
Charging System
- Compatible charging connector type
- Support for AC, DC fast charging
- Time required for 0-80% charging
Motors and Power Output
- Electric motors provide instant torque
- Power output from 50 bhp to over 300 bhp
- Affects acceleration and driving performance
Warranty Coverage
- Typically, eight years or 1.6 lakh km for battery
- Necessary for expensive lithium-ion packs
- Protects against early performance deterioration
Are EVs Economical Over Petrol Cars?
Electric cars have:
- Lower running costs – Recharging batteries cheaper than fuel costs
- Higher upfront price – EV tech adds to new car prices
- Lower maintenance – Fewer mechanical parts, longer service intervals
Total cost of ownership is lower for EVs over 5-7 years despite higher purchasing costs. Additionally, Government subsidies help offset high EV prices.
Do EVs Need Insurance In India?
Yes, insuring electric vehicles is recommended considering:
- High ownership and repair costs
- Risk of battery or electrical component damage
- Limited vehicle coverage under warranties
- Third-party liability arising from accidents
Comprehensive car insurance is best suited to protect your EV investment in the long run. Compare premiums across providers to find the optimal coverage for your electric car.
Conclusion
With rising awareness about eco-friendly transport, electric vehicles are steadily gaining traction among Indian car buyers seeking a sustainable future. However, range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain key deterrents for large-scale EV adoption. This guide has helped demystify all the basic concepts around charging electric cars – the various charging levels and connectors, installation costs, public charging networks, impact on running costs, insurance needs, etc.
