I didn’t fully understand the appeal of electric vehicles until I started driving one myself. In fact, I was the one discouraging my husband from buying
an EV since there was so much noise around it and just as much confusion. But now, I find myself recommending EVs to almost everyone, especially if you are looking for a smoother driving experience and a way to cut down on everyday fuel expenses. The first thing that struck me was how effortless the drive feels. There’s literally no engine noise, no vibrations, just a clean, smooth glide on the road. In fact, the silence can be so pronounced that in narrow lanes inside housing societies, I have had to honk just to alert people. It’s ironic because I consciously gave up honking years ago, but with an EV, people genuinely don’t hear you coming. That’s how quiet it is. And once you get used to that silence, going back to a petrol or diesel car feels louder, heavier and far less refined. But beyond the experience, what really convinced me was the practicality and cost savings. Earlier, my husband would drive frequently between Noida and Gurgaon, and fueling the petrol car twice a week up to Rs 8000 was just part of the routine. Ever since we got an EV, that’s changed dramatically. One full charge easily lasts us several days, sometimes even close to a week especially when we are driving at moderate speeds and not pushing the car unnecessarily. The difference in running cost is not just noticeable, it’s significant. What also makes a huge difference is the convenience of charging at home. We have a charging setup, so it’s as simple as plugging in the car and waking up to it fully charged. No more last-minute fuel stops or detours to petrol pumps. For city driving, this is honestly a game-changer. That said, I won’t pretend it’s perfect. If you love long road trips like I do, EVs can feel a bit limiting, at least for now. Highway driving still comes with its challenges, mainly because charging infrastructure isn’t as widespread or reliable as fuel stations yet. There’s always a bit of planning involved like where to charge, how long it will take and whether the station will be available. And when you are on a highway, all you really want is to reach your destination quickly, not add extra stops. That’s why I still believe an EV works best as a city car or even a second car if you frequently travel long distances. Another small but real issue is the lack of a centralised charging system. There are multiple apps, different networks, and it can get confusing if you are trying to find a charging point on the go. This is something I genuinely feel manufacturers, governments and private players need to simplify. It would make EV adoption so much easier for everyone. But despite these drawbacks, my overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive. If you are someone who primarily drives within the city, is tired of constantly spending on petrol, and values a smooth, silent driving experience, an EV is honestly one of the best decisions you can make right now. It’s efficient, easy to live with and surprisingly satisfying. For me, the shift has been simple: once I started driving an EV, everything else just began to feel a little outdated.
