Delhi has an uphill battle when it comes to air quality, and the government has played its part in reducing air pollution by converting public transport vehicles to CNG, which is far better for the environment than diesel, and even banning the movement of heavy vehicles that run on diesel oil through the city. However, there is another angle that can help immensely with its fight against poor air quality: the electric two-wheeler.
Why the electric two-wheeler?
Electric vehicles have gotten a bad reputation because they have not yet been marketed as viable alternatives to petrol or diesel power. However, technology refinements over the last few years have made sure that an electric vehicle is the equivalent of a regular fossil fuel-powered vehicle in most aspects. Electric two wheelers have evolved from quirky, slow machines with limited range, to desirable vehicles with the performance to keep up with any petrol two-wheeler within city limits.
What has made battery bikes so desirable?
The battery powered bike of today has batteries that are lighter, can hold more charge (meaning there is more range and performance), and they look great, which is often a deal breaker for those looking for vehicles with alternative sources of power. In addition, they are packed with tech like disc brakes, LED lights, all-digital instrument clusters with features like Bluetooth integration. The range on a full charge has gone up significantly, and the time to charge the vehicle has simultaneously dropped.
Electric drivetrains being what they are, they are far more efficient than petrol powered ones. That is thanks to the extremely few moving parts in an electric motor, the maximum torque offered across the rev range, as well as the fact that regular service usually involves inspection and greasing of the various moving parts: remember, there is no oil change or clutch, which means lower costs for you as well as better environmental impact because of the waste generated.
In addition to the incentives offered by the government like lower two wheeler loan interest rates and waiving taxes and registration fees, running a battery bike in Delhi for ten years will cost half as much as a petrol scooter, and you will save even more than a petrol powered bike. You can have savings of Rs. 1,650 – Rs. 1,850 per month, which is practically the EMI for the vehicle. There are many financers offering hassle-free two-wheeler loans at attractive interest rates with minimum documentation.
There is quite a wide variety of bike models to choose from – a total of 23 models from seven manufacturers are available. From the cheap and cheerful, to premium battery bikes with performance, you can choose one that suits your budget and style.
