With an objective of achieving zero emission and cutting down oil import bill, the government wants only electric vehicles by 2030. This may seem like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, but the day is not too far when petrol and diesel become a nylon wheels thing of the past as the policymakers intend to go fully electric. “We need plenty of charging stations across the country, that too efficient systems. The car will feature both slow AC charging and fast DC charging, with a range of 350 km on a single charge.The spectacular line-up of cars gave a glimpse into the future and also underlined the growing interest in EVs. The car uses same electric motor that Renault uses in its Formula E car to deliver 350 hp and 380 Nm torque.  The car uses two batteries and a brake-operated energy recovery system.

A swanky car pulls in to a ‘charging station’ on a highway and parks on top of a magnetic pad for about 10 minutes while the driver enjoys a cup of coffee. It may accommodate a second row of seats as it reaches production form in India around 2020. (The spokesperson doesn’t want to be identified as the company’s government tender result is awaited) In countries where EVs have already made a penetration, manufacturers have made huge investments in developing wireless charging systems.. It has got a set of four in-wheel electric motors that controls the four wheels independently. Wonder why? Sample this: There are two black screens at the front and rear to display messages to other drivers and also show the electric charge status! The smartness doesn’t end there. It boasts a range of over 140 km per charge, and optional fast charging which can extend its range by 80% in less than an hour. The countries that have successfully achieved significant EV penetration (such as Norway and China) have provided sizeable and tangible incentives to the end customers as well as their respective OEMs over a considerable period.  Spotting an electric vehicle on India roads is a rare sight.Renault TrezorIt goes from 0 to 100 km in less than four seconds! The two-seater electric car with autonomous capabilities remains one of the highly-anticipated products from the French manufacturers stable. It has a clamshell-style roof which opens up like a single canopy, hinging forward, is a spectacle. However, with the revision of the GST slabs last year that put hybrids in the highest tax bracket, the Korean carmaker decided to pull the plug on that plan. Mercedes-Benz India managing director, Roland Folger, is one such who felt the all-electric move would be more counter-productive in terms of additional power demand.2sec, with a top speed of 165kph. Tata E-VisionThe all-electric sedan turned many a petrolhead including former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone at the 88th International Geneva Motor Show in March for its futuristic concept, attractive exteriors and luxurious interiors.

THE ASIAN AGE.  A fleet of EVs that various manufacturers showcased during the Delhi Auto Expo 2018 has raised hopes. The niche segment would get a much-needed push when Tesla, which has been closely monitoring the Indian market, makes it’s entry. Smartphones and a variety of other electronic devices can be connected to the vehicle to display information on the topography, nearby vehicles, weather, and more. As the  future is not only electric but also connected, the e-KUV100 boasts smart phone connectivity, remote diagnostics, cabin pre-cooling, location tracking.  Another in-built feature is capable of monitoring the driver’s emotional well-being and make choices and recommendations such as music. Resembling the open-top Gypsy, the quirky-looking e-Survivor is a compact electric SUV with four-wheel drive and designed with a two-seater configuration. “To compensate this, government incentives are key to drive EV adoption in the country.  While the Indian auto makers including Maruti started investing big on latest electric technologies in an effort to meet the government’s vision, a few critics suggested that hydrogen would be the future and not electricity. Hyundai had plans to launch the hybrid version of the Ioniq in India. The car is expected to hit the roads globally in 2020.

The American company is the manufacturer of the world’s best-selling plug-in EVs.According to Grand Thornton CII report, India lags in the availability of infrastructure with only 353 charging stations spread across the country and concentrated mostly in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Nagpur and Mumbai. In India, another key factor is the cost of EVs which are higher as compared to conventional engine primarily due to the higher battery cost. “While the availability of chargers and related standards can still be addressed, the land acquisition and last mile power infrastructure is the major hurdle,” said a Tata Motors spokesperson. Its claimed range stands at 280km per charge. Only when you have them ready, can you win the confidence of consumers as well as the manufacturers,” he said.  Tutu Dhawan, a Delhi-based auto expert and founder of Heritage Motoring Club of India, says the biggest challenge for India’s ‘e vision 2030’ would be developing infrastructure. Only Mahindra’s e-Verito and e2o small electric cars are on sale and Tata Tigor Electric is set to roll out soon.” Though this model is in pre-production line, it has garnered a lot of attention from auto enthusiasts. Tata Motors and Mahindra supplied the first order and are eagerly awaiting the outcome of another multi-crore tender.   Maruti e-SurvivorIt’s meant to be a go-anywhere vehicle of the future. Hyundai Ioniq EVPowered by an electric motor that produces the equivalent of 120hp and 295Nm of torque, Ioniq zooms to 100km in 10.Its unique SUV design coupled with a compact footprint means it can go anywhere, while its silent drive coupled with auto transmission offers a relaxing and fatigue-free drive in chaotic city traffic.  It has ladder frame and lightweight compact body which the manufacturer says will help achieve outstanding drivability and durability on rugged roads.