The Cost of Charging an Electric Car in India

Switching to an electric car shields you from rising petrol and diesel expenses. But the big question is, are electric cars really convenient when it comes to charging? With modern EV tech, charging at home or public stations is much easier now. If you are eyeing buying an electric car, it is important to know about the Cost of Charging Electric Car in India. Here are the facts on charging convenience and costs in India.

 

How to Charge an Electric Car?

Electric cars can be charged in different ways at home, at public destinations, or in the office. The common ways of charging the electric car include the following:

 

1. Charging at Home

At home, you have the option to use a Type 1 AC charger connected to a standard AC socket or get the manufacturer to install a wall box or Type 2 charger for faster charging convenience. These methods make it convenient for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars in residential settings.

 

 

2. Charging at Public Stations

Charging your electric cars in public places like cinemas and supermarkets has now become a reality. Most public charging station offers a 7kW charging capacity, and this provides an approximate driving range of 30 to 50 kmph for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). 

 

In some Electric Car Charging Stations, you will need to bring the charging cable and may be required to download a specific mobile app for the charging process. In some stations, you can simply plug in the cable and charge your electric cars.

 

 

3. Charging at Workplace

Charging your electric vehicle at your workplace is just as convenient as charging it at home. Usually, workplace charging stations have standard Type 2 sockets, where you simply need to connect your own charging cable to charge your electric cars.

 

According to the company's policies and setup, you can initiate the charging process by either swiping a card or using a smartphone application. This workplace charging option offers a practical and accessible way to keep their electric cars charged during working hours.

 

Charging Cost of Electric Cars

The battery capacity of most electric vehicles in India usually comes within the range of 20 to 40 kWh. When charging your electric cars at home, the cost is influenced by the particular state's electricity rate, which varies from Rs 8 to Rs 10 per unit. 

 

For instance, Electric Car Charging Cost in charging stations in Delhi is, on average, around Rs 4 per kWh, whereas domestic rates can be anywhere between Rs 2 to Rs 9 per unit. This means that charging your electric car at a public station could cost you between Rs 100 and Rs 200, and charging at home may range from Rs 180 to Rs 500. 

 

The time needed to charge an electric car depends on factors like the car model, battery size, and the charging speed of the point. In general, it may take around 60 minutes to reach an 80% charge, but this timeframe can vary. The use of a rapid charger can significantly reduce this charging time, usually by 30 to 40 minutes.

 

Types of Chargers for Electric Cars

In general, there are three charging types, and they are:

1. Rapid Electric Car Chargers

Rapid electric car chargers use high-power AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current) to quickly charge an EV battery. Depending on your EV's model, a rapid charger can charge the battery from 0 to 80% capacity in just 20 minutes. However, certain modern electric cars may take approximately an hour to reach 80%, even when using a rapid charger. 

 

It is important to note that once an EV charges 80%, the charging speed slows down. This change is to safeguard the battery from internal damage and improve overall charging efficiency. Please note that rapid chargers work only with electric cars that support rapid charging technology.

 

 

2. Fast Electric Car Chargers

Fast electric car chargers commonly operate on AC. The charging speed is based on the charger's capacity and the specific vehicle model. Usually, a 7 kW fast charger can efficiently recharge a 40 kW EV battery from 0 to 100% in 4 to 6 hours. A 22 kW fast charger can do the same charge in just 1 to 2 hours.

 

Making sure your electric car's battery compatibility with a 22 kW or 7 kW charging station is important for good performance. While fast electric car chargers are commonly found in public charging, they can also be installed at home for personal use. Both portable and hardwired options are available in the market for various user preferences and needs.

 

3. Regular Electric Car Chargers

Regular electric car chargers are the common choice for Electric Car Home Charging. These chargers have a slower charging speed compared to rapid or fast chargers, so overnight charging is the most suitable approach.

 

With a charging rate ranging from 3 kW to 6 kW, regular electric car chargers usually need 8 to 12 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle from 0 to 100%. Users have the flexibility to select either a portable or hardwired regular EV charger.

 

Conclusion

The cost of Charging an Electric Car in India is influenced by several factors, including the type of charging station. Are you considering buying an electric car? Don't forget to insure it. Shriram General Insurance provides insurance coverage for electric cars. For more detailed information and to find your insurance options for electric cars, visit the Shriram General Insurance website. 

 

FAQs

1. How Often You Must Charge Your Electric Cars?

Charging frequency for electric vehicles varies based on driving habits and battery capacity. Usually, charging between two to three days is sufficient for many electric cars.

 

2. How Can You Find the Nearest Public Charging Station for Electric Cars?

Finding the nearest public electric charging station is made easy through mobile apps, and you can also find the charging stations on online sites and maps.

 

3. How Safe Is It to Charge Electric Cars at Home?

Charging your electric cars at home is secure if you follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer and use appropriate equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult a qualified person for installation and maintenance.