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Rules You Must Know while Buying an Electric Vehicle

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Getting an electric vehicle is a good idea. Electric vehicles, or EVs, are very handy vehicles that offer value for money while being environmentally suitable too. If you are in the process of getting an EV vehicle, make sure you know all the rules associated with EVs in India. From getting the right type of car or bike insurance coverage to getting the vehicle registered properly, you must follow the correct protocols when you become the owner of an electric vehicle in India.

Rules to be followed by every electric vehicle owner

1. Registration:

If you have a small e-bike, which can only go up to a maximum speed of 25km/h and has a single motor of less than 250W power, you need to get it registered. You also need to check with the insurance provider as to whether or not you need a bike insurance plan for it, as given its size and stature, the compulsory third party bike insurance rules may not always apply. The rules for the registration and road tax of EVs varies in the different states of India. For example, you don't have to pay any registration fee for an EV in Delhi. However, for the same in some states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, you have to pay a registration fee when you book a new EV.

The documents needed for the registration of a new electric vehicle are quite straightforward. You will mainly require any government documents such as your Aadhaar card or Voter’s ID card as your identity proof, and another KYC document or a utility bill copy as your address proof. Once these are submitted, the EV registration job can be completed.

2. Driving licence:

There are many misconceptions related to the rules about EVs and DLs. The truth of the matter, however, is that you need a valid driving licence when you drive an electric two-wheeler or four-wheeler in India. The only exception is made in the case of some lightweight e-scooters which have a power of less than 250W and can only go to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Such vehicles cannot cause a serious road mishap and are just upgraded versions of bicycles so a DL is not required for them. However, for any other electric vehicle, you need a valid driving licence. If you get involved in an accident when driving without a valid driving licence, you can’t even make a claim on your car or bike insurance plan.

3. Number plates:

All the electric vehicles need to be registered and have a valid number plate before you take them out on the streets of India. While a privately owned EV has a green number plate with white lettering on it, a commercial EV has a green number plate with yellow numbering on it. Ensure you get your vehicle registered and then get a valid and properly visible number plate for your electric vehicle. All vehicles, except for the small e-scooters need to have a valid number plate bearing the registration number clearly.

4. Advertising on an EV:

It is very common to see advertisements on vehicles, especially commercial vehicles these days. Everything from an e-rickshaw to a bus has big advertisements painted on them. This is a smart way of advertising and many brands are encashing on it. However, there are some rules in place regarding the placement of advertisements on an EV. if you are planning to get your brand advertised on an electric vehicle, you need to be aware of the following rules:

● Take permission:

Obviously, you cannot just randomly go and hang your advertisement banner on any vehicle on the road. Before doing so, you need to take permission from the owner of the vehicle. Usually, commercial vehicles are fleet vehicles, so taking permission from the fleet company is required. There are many advertising agencies that help you to place ads on commercial EVs. You can get the job done via these agencies too.

● Pay a fee:

Once you have finalised the ad and the vehicle, you need to pay for the space you are taking up. The payment can directly be made to the vehicle owner or to the advertising agency through which you are getting the ad placed.

If the vehicle is your own vehicle, you are allowed to put a banner or paint your brand logo over it. There aren't any rules that forbid you from doing so.

5. Facility for charging:

Recently, the Union Finance Minister, Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman, while delivering her budget speech, said that charging stations will be set up for EVs. This is a very good and welcome move by the government, as charging EVs can often be a hassle for vehicle owners. When you have a charging station close by, you can easily go and get the vehicle charged. This apart, many vehicle manufacturers install changing points in your house when you buy an EV from them. This commonly happens with two-wheelers, but these days, many four-wheeler manufacturers also provide this facility to their customers.

Conclusion

Now that you are better aware of the rules and regulations related to electric vehicles in India, you can go ahead and buy a good EV. If you plan on getting a bike or a scooter, make sure you get a electric bike insurance policy to cover the vehicle. The same holds true for your four-wheeler too. Getting vehicle insurance is very important, and just because you have an EV, doesn't mean the car is any less prone to damages. Stay covered against all the risks and get a good insurance cover and enjoy the rides on your new EV.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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