While the mainstream media and social media continue to castigate EVs, it’s time to see through the smoke and mirrors and take a moment to appreciate the revolution happening on our roads.
06 Oct 2024 | 235 Views | By Sandeep Bangia
Oh, electric vehicles (EVs)—those new machines that seem to have taken over every conversation, news headline, and social media feed. It’s almost as if they’re the new villains in a blockbuster movie, plotting world domination when really, they’re just trying to save our planet. Hah!
Sure, there’s a problem ...
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Oh, electric vehicles (EVs)—those new machines that seem to have taken over every conversation, news headline, and social media feed. It’s almost as if they’re the new villains in a blockbuster movie, plotting world domination when really, they’re just trying to save our planet. Hah!
Sure, there’s a problem with EVs. Wait, scratch that—it’s not the vehicles themselves. It’s the media that just can’t get enough of them. Every day, it feels like EVs are everywhere: in living room debates, trending on social media, and splashed across every significant news column in the Mainstream Media. This relentless exposure for a key solution to our pollution problem is fantastic, but not when it smacks of negativity.
Headlines like “EV Owner Regrets Switching to ICE” or “Electric Vehicle Sales Slowdown” seem to pop up overnight. And why is this happening? Simple. Negative publicity sells. The Mainstream Media loves a good crisis, and the algorithms on social media are all too happy to amplify the drama.
Let’s be honest—EVs are often hailed as the future of transportation for good reason. They’re user-friendly, energy-efficient, and packed with advanced technology. Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance requirements. No more oil changes or frequent mechanic visits, translating to fewer expenses over time. Who wouldn’t want that?
And the driving experience? Absolutely thrilling. EVs offer a smooth, quiet ride, free from the annoying vibrations and noise of internal combustion engines. The instant torque from electric motors delivers rapid acceleration that can make any driver feel like they’re piloting a spaceship. With a lower centre of gravity thanks to battery placement, these cars are more stable, safer, and handle corners like a dream. Throw the car around bends without breaking a sweat? Yes, please. Plus, single-pedal drive modes with high regenerative braking not only add convenience but also reduce brake wear. All this is not just a gimmick; it’s for real. Ask any owner or, better still, take a test drive yourself.
But wait, there’s more—let’s talk about the so-called "lack of charging infrastructure." The naysayers and media love to highlight the insufficient number of charging stations and the dreaded range anxiety. Yet, this criticism overlooks one of EVs' greatest advantages: convenience.
Unlike traditional vehicles that require trips to gas stations, EVs can be charged right at your parking spot. Imagine waking up each day with a full "tank" without the hassle of visiting a petrol pump.
Fun fact: almost 80% of EVs worldwide charge at home, and most of these have never needed to use a public charger. For intercity travel, there are a lot of rapid charging stations along key highways, and the network is ever-expanding. But sure, let’s ignore that for the sake of a ‘Juicy’ headline.
Of course, no discussion about EVs is complete without mentioning the environmental and ethical issues tied to battery production. Yes, mining for lithium, cobalt, and nickel has its environmental and ethical implications. But let’s not pretend this is unique to EVs. The fossil fuel industry isn’t exactly known for its clean hands, either.
Critics argue that government subsidies for EVs create an uneven playing field and strain public resources. But in the quest for another scathing headline, the sceptics often overlook the fact that the fossil fuel industry has been heavily subsidized for decades. How convenient! Considering the long-term benefits of sustainable mobility, these incentives are a strategic investment rather than a burden. After all, maintaining the status quo with fossil fuels comes at an even higher environmental and economic cost. Government incentives for EVs are hence part of a necessary shift towards sustainable energy solutions, aiming to level the playing field and promote a greener future.
Resistance to change is another hurdle. People cling to misconceptions about EVs, often fuelled by skewed media portrayals. Stories and memes about EV 2 wheelers (there are hardly any episodes relating to cars) bursting into flames spread like wildfire (pun intended) on social media, even though petrol and diesel cars are over ten times more likely to catch fire.
It’s almost laughable to think that we’re worried about EVs when we’ve been driving around with tanks of highly inflammable fuel for so long. According to Niti Aayog’s E-Amrit portal, quoting an NFPA study, “Are thoughts of fire-risks from flammable batteries doing rounds in your mind? Breathe a sigh of relief. The frequency and severity of fires from electric vehicles are comparable or slightly lesser than conventional vehicles. Only about 0.006% of electric vehicles have caught fire compared to 0.07% of internal combustion engine vehicles.”
And those surveys claiming that over half of EV owners want to revert to petrol cars? Please. These surveys might be driven by specific agendas and don’t represent the majority experience. Personally, I haven’t met a single person who regrets switching to an EV, and I have met many owners. Sure, there are minor issues like software glitches and occasional charging inconveniences, but these are mere bumps on the road of adopting any new technology. EV owners are pioneers in the innovators and early adopters’ categories, working through initial challenges as any tech enthusiasts do. But why focus on that when we can spin a sensational story of discontent?
Whenever an EV encounters a problem—no matter how small or isolated—it makes the news. But thousands of fossil fuel cars meeting accidents due to poor body roll or catching fire on the roadside? That’s just everyday life.
And let’s not forget the zero tailpipe emissions—a critical factor in our severely polluted urban areas. But don’t buy EVs solely for the zero emissions or lofty climate goals. See them for what they truly are: extraordinarily reliable machines that are incredibly safe, a thrill to drive, and supremely convenient to own and maintain. That, my friends, is reason enough.
The transition to electric mobility is inevitable. India’s climate goals hinge on this shift, making it clear that the question isn’t “if” but “when” we embrace electric vehicles. While the Mainstream Media and social media continue to castigate EVs, it’s time to see through the smoke and mirrors and take a moment to appreciate the silent (literally) revolution happening on our roads.
The author is a senior professional in the corporate sector, the views expressed are his own.