Emissions of harmful gases from combustion of automobile fuel is considered to be a major
contributor to menace of global warming and climate change. With an aim to
reduce such emission, the government is pushing for EVs in a big way. But are
these vehicles feasible? Do we have the required infrastructure to support EVs?
Vivek Khadilkar from Valpoi who owns an
electric SUV said that he has benefitted tremendously by purchasing the
vehicle.
“It has been a great experience till now.
I got it at almost at half the rate than the cost of its petrol variant. The
government is giving lots of subsidies to encourage people buy electric cars. I
saved money on the purchase price as well as on the operation cost as there is
zero expenditure on fuel,” Khadilkar said.
“Once the battery is fully charged, my SUV can go up to 200
kilometers non-stop. Whenever I am travelling long distance, I stop at the
large food joints on the highways. There are charging points in these
facilities. I get the batteries recharged from these points while having
refreshment. Then I’m ready to go another 200 kilometers. So, more or less
takes my entire journey happens at zero fuel cost,” he said.
Abhijit Patil from Panjim said that EVs are not a fad, but a
necessity. “Today fuel cost is going through the roof. A lot of fuel is
consumed while driving within the city. So, this fuel consumption can be
brought to zero. I feel that EVs are very cost effective and should be
purchased. My only concern is however towards safety of these vehicles,
considering the recent spate of explosions that have taken place involving EVs.
There has to be some kind of assurance regarding its safety,” he said.
Another Panjim resident and young professional Pranali Jadhav
said that there are some teething issues involving EVs. Hence, till a foolproof
mechanism is in place, then automobile manufacturers should look at more hybrid
vehicles.
“In the current circumstances, hybrid vehicles are a good
option. Such vehicles can be driven on battery and conventional fuel. This
saves my cost as well as text care of the environment. One can drive or ride
within the city on electric mode and switch over to petrol or diesel for long
distance travel,” she said.
Advocate
Vasudha Sawaikar had a different take on the subject altogether. “The aim
should be to take cars off the roads and bring on more public transport having
good frequency. Better public transport is most beneficial to people in places
like Goa where the system is very weak. Only a good strong public transport
system would be able to help in cutting down on emissions,” she said.
