Electric Vehicle

What is an Electric Vehicle? A Beginner’s Guide

• Written by -

Hedhvick Hirav

Hedhvick Hirav is a dedicated EV researcher and editor with over 4 years of experience in India’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem. Their contributions have been recognized in leading sustainability publications and automotive journals.

• Last Updated: Sep 08, 2025, 11:22:09 PM IST
What is an Electric Vehicle? A Beginner’s Guide

Petrol Price Shock

It is a hot afternoon and you are at a red light. You look at the fuel gauge–empty.

Didn t I fill the tank yesterday?

At the petrol pump you make a reluctant turn. The line is long and people are shaking their heads at the display board.

The price of petrol at the moment: 110 per liter
Full tank =5,500 wasted rupees in a few seconds

You see a quiet electrical car go by in silence No engine, no fumes no pump waiting.

Your friend chucks, That is an EV! Zero stress, 300 km and one charge!

You hesitate a moment. “EV? What?s that?


CENE 2: What is an Electric Vehicle?

An electric car is a car that does not require petrol or diesel. Rather, it operates on a battery- just like your smartphone. You may charge it anywhere such as home or charging station to recharge.

How Does It Work?

Think of your cell phone

  • You recharge it at the night
  • It does not require a recharge and it runs throughout the day
  • There is no smoke, no fuel, no noise.

That is exactly how an EV does work It has instead of an engine:

  • A storage of electricity that is power by a battery pack.
  • An electric motor that transforms battery power into motion–no gears, no clutch.
  • Either a charging port so you can plug it in at home, or a charging station.
  • A control system is fitted to control the battery power to drive effectively.

Not only are the EVs economical, but driving is also easier and futuristic.


CENE 3: The Different Types Of EVs In India

It is not all the same EV Some are purely electric powered, and some have a petrol backup.

Type of EVThe Mechanics of It AllIndia examples
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)No petrol, fully electric, charges like a phone.Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV
Plug-in Hybrid electric Vehicle (PHEV)Uses electricity and petrol, and can alternate between them.No significant models in India as yet
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)Small battery assist petrol engine.Honda City Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid

What will fit you?

  • Wish to have a 100 percent petrol free experience? Buy a BEV.
  • Travelling long distance and require petrol reserve? A PHEV could be used

What is Driving the Popularity of Electric Vehicles in India?

A half-decade ago, EVs were uncommon. Now they are ubiquitous. Why?

  • There is an increase in petrol prices. The rates of petrol and diesel are erratic, but they are more constant and predictable with EV charging.
  • Government incentives. Under the FAME II scheme, buyers can avail subsidies of 1-2 lakh.
  • Charging points are increasing. There are more EV charging points being installed in India at malls, offices, petrol pumps and highways.
  • EVs are green. Zero emissions mean a pollution-free and cleaner air.
  • The technology of EV is getting better. Faster charging, the longer range, and lower prices make EVs more practical than ever.

Therefore, in case you are fed up with the increasing fuel prices, an EV is a wise change.


CENE 5: Prices of EVs in India - How Affordable is an EV?

Electric cars used to be expensive, but there are quite a few inexpensive models.

EV ModelRange (KM)Price (Lakhs)
Tata Tiago EV250 km8.49 L
Comet EV230 km7.98 L
Citroën eC3320 km9.99 L
Tata Nexon EV400 kmRs.14.74 L

With subsidies by the government, the prices are allowed to become even lower.


Where and How to charge an EV in India?

One of the most common questions that people have before purchasing an EV:
What shall I bill it on Who shall I bill it?”

Option 1: Home Charging

  • The most convenient one- simply charge your EV at night.
  • Full charge in 6-8 hours.

Option 2: Public Charging Stations

  • Available at malls, petrol pumps and metro stations.
  • Apps like Tata Power EZ Charge will help you with this.

Option 3: Fast charging (DC Chargers)

  • It takes 40-60 minutes to charge 80 percent of the battery.
  • They are mostly located in highways and premium charging stations.

The majority of EV drivers charge at home overnight- just like a smartphone.


Who are the Potential EV Buyers in India?

EVs are ideal to:

  • Daily commuters in the city- No petrol expense, just charge at home.
  • Home parking people -Best to charge easily.
  • Technology lovers- Sleek, futuristic.
  • Environment-friendly consumers - Assists in curbing air pollution.

Who ought to wait to purchase?

  • You drive 500+ km a day and do not have access to charging.
  • You do not have parking to install a home charger.

Final Thoughts Is it Worth Buying an EV?

You stand in a junction.

Are you a petrol car person or are you a future of mobility person?

An EV is your most optimal choice in order to save money, drive smoothly and go green.
A petrol car can still be suitable to you in case you make frequent long trips without charging access.

EVs are not only the future, but the present. The question is are you ready to switch?

Discover the Top EVs in India Now.


What’s Next? More About EVs in India

  • Top 10 EVs in India (2025) below 10 Lakh
  • The way to charge an EV at home? Complete Guide
  • EV or Petrol Which Car is cheaper to use in the Long-Run?

EVBlogs.in is making EV content come alive in a way it has never been before. Watch out in our next post.


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This content is enabled by HumanFirst AI, where human expertise is in the lead, and AI is used to achieve accuracy, speed, and optimization. All the articles are written by humans and augmented with AI-powered insights to provide the most optimal content experience.

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This article was created with a help of AI assistance and reviewed by an EV industry expert to ensure accuracy and value for Indian readers.

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