Electric vehicles (EVs) have arrived in India as a popular choice among commoners; there is no denying that.
Just as many people are taking the plunge and opting for electric cars over traditional combustion engine options, some are hesitant to let go of their comfort zone. There are many reasons for that such as uncertainty about something new as well as the high cost of an EV.
A 2022 EY report stated that the cost of an electric car is 2X times the cost of an ICE variant. And, in the case of two-wheelers, you will have to pay 15% more money for an electric model compared to an ICE variant.
In addition to the initial high cost, battery-related fire mishaps and the high cost of repair and maintenance are other reasons why many people are unsure about purchasing EVs.
Keeping this in mind, Bengaluru-based startup SWYTCHD is offering customers an option to try and test electric vehicles before purchasing them. They let you rent an electric vehicle on a monthly basis. Their subscription benefits include the EV’s maintenance, servicing, charging refunds, vehicle insurance, and breakdown support.
Founded in 2021 by Sameer Arif, SWYTCHD offers a wide range of electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers to its customers.
Monthly Rental EV Subscription Charges
SWYTCHD offers subscriptions within the range of Rs 4000 and Rs 6000 for two-wheeler electric vehicles. As far as four-wheeler EVs go, the monthly rental subscriptions start at Rs 30,000 and can go up to Rs 60,000.
Among two-wheeler EVs, the company offers the choice of four models—Ather 450X, Hero Photon Hx, Revolt RV400, and OLS S1 Pro.
TATA Nexon EV XZ+ Lux, MG ZS EV Exclusive, TATA Tigor XZ+, and Hyundai Kona Premium are some four-wheeler EV rental options offered by the company.
Moreover, customers can avail of the option of switching their electric vehicles every month. SWYTCHD makes your ride safe as it offers bike insurance when renting an electric two-wheeler.
EV Charging Stations
As part of SWYTCHD services, customers can enjoy the benefit of free recharge of the rental electric vehicles. You can charge the EV at home or using a public charging port, and claim a refund of the charging amount from the company at the end of the given rental period.
Additionally, if your EV runs out of battery on the road, you can access several public charging stations including the charging ports for Tata Power, BESCOM, Bolt, Kazam, and Ather.
As per media reports, SWYTCHD aims to have 1000 electric vehicles in its fleet by 2023. Also, the company is developing an app to store customer subscription details and guide them to the nearest charging ports.
SWYTCHD provides insurance when you rent an electric two-wheeler or four-wheeler from them. However, on your part, check all available online car insurance plans and their features to ensure you are getting a good deal.
Electric Vehicles And The Indian Market
The EY report cited a considerable jump in electric two-wheeler sales, with numbers breaching the 110K mark in Q1 2022. The number is expected to touch 535K by the end of the year.
The Central government is aiming for 80% EV penetration by 2030. Even so, considering the recent battery fire mishaps, the EY report says a 45-50% EV penetration by 2030 is more realistic.
During a recent media event, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, said that his ministry is working to make the prices of EVs at par with the costs of ICE vehicles within a year.
He also said that the Government is directing its efforts to promote ethanol produced from crop residue rather than relying on diesel or petrol. He predicts that these government-driven initiatives will help to save the money that the country spends on importing fossil fuels.
In addition, Nitin Gadkari urged the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to devise strategies for reducing the country’s dependence on imports. The Ministry is also looking for ways to expand the EV business and raise the production of buses, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers.
He even said that he was making efforts toward making India the top producer of alternative fuel vehicles and inaugurating an electric highway. He opines that alternative fuels must be given priority to reduce the sale of petrol and diesel cars and reduce pollution levels across the country.
Conclusion
EV is the new buzzword in the Indian automobile industry. Going by the catastrophic effects of climate change, the time has come to opt for eco-friendly options. And, promoting the use of EVs is a welcome step in this direction.
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