The question on most minds today is should I or should I not – switch from petrol-fuelled transportation to electricity powered vehicle? What are the advantages and disadvantages…here’s some guidance to help you make the decision.

WHEN a new technology or major innovation emerges in any industry, people tend to have very polarizing opinions. We weigh the pros and cons, debating whether it’s a boon or a bane. But often, it’s neither—it’s simply change. The key is to observe, accept and adapt as we make better choices along the way. There’s no point dwelling in nostalgia and lamenting “the good old days are gone!” Change is inevitable and how we respond to it matters.
ELECTRIC vehicles (EVs) have been around for over a century, but their resurgence in the past decade is a significant transformation. While the data on its long-term impact is still developing, one thing is clear: a vehicle that doesn’t produce tailpipe emissions or rely on fossil fuels is a crucial step forward.
In speaking with EV owners—those who either drive electric scooters or cars—the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The ride is smoother, quieter, and more enjoyable. The only downside mentioned is lack of infrastructure with limited availability of maintenance and repair services. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs can’t be serviced by most roadside mechanics, as many lack the expertise, tools or spare parts for these newer machines.
Despite this, the consensus remains: EVs ride like magic, maintain stability at higher speeds, and save a substantial amount of money since there’s no need to buy petrol or diesel.
Speaking of savings, the reduction in fuel costs is a game-changer. Not having to spend money on petrol or diesel significantly offsets the higher upfront cost of purchasing an EV, compared to the regular internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. In all cases, the saving on fuel quickly makes up for the initial price difference.
PERSONALLY, I’ve never been fascinated by cars or bikes. For me, a vehicle’s purpose is simple: to get you from point A to point B efficiently and quickly. Isn’t that what transportation is supposed to do? But now with tens of thousands of options to choose from, people are often left in decision paralysis. Which vehicle looks the best? Which has the best mileage? Which will save me the most money? Which will save the planet? These are all valid questions, but the truth is we can’t carry the weight of the world and its problems on our shoulders. We can change slowly to options and alternatives that feel good to us and the world, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of beating ourselves up or feeling guilty.
In a country like India, where we share a densely populated but sparse landmass with 1.4 billion people, it’s essential to consider the bigger picture. While individual efforts, like switching to an EV, are helpful, true change will require systemic shifts. The government, both Central and State, must take responsibility for reducing pollution at the grassroots level. Unfortunately, electricity in India still comes majorly from coal-powered plants (which account for 51% of electricity generation). These plants, often located near population centers, contribute significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While EVs are a positive shift, the benefits are limited by the carbon-intensive nature of India’s power grid. To maximize the positive impact, there needs to be a stronger push for clean energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro power.
ON the other hand, someone we all should hold responsible for pollution are billionaires, celebrities and government officials. A new Oxfam study titled “Carbon Inequality Kills” found that 50 of the world’s richest billionaires on average produce more carbon through their investments, private jets and yachts in just over an hour-and-a-half than the average person does in an entire lifetime.
Take Elon Musk, for example. While he advocates for a sustainable, clean energy future with Tesla, he’s also responsible for emitting thousands of tons of CO2 through his private jets. Last year alone, Musk took 355 flights, releasing about 4,000 metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. This kind of hypocrisy is difficult to ignore.
The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to these issues. But we can keep making small, incremental changes, and work toward better cleaner alternatives for transportation. The answer lies in diverse forms of transportation: electric two-wheelers, hybrid/electric cars, with robust public infrastructure and public transport. For instance, Goa’s recent metro proposal, despite facing some backlash, is an important step toward sustainable urban development. In the long run, it will help reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve overall quality of life.
Ultimately, convenience trumps all. If you can afford to make the switch to an EV over its ICE counterpart, go for it — it’s a step in the right direction. The act of change may seem small, but it carries weight. And as clean energy technologies continue to evolve, the impact will only grow more profound. Change is happening, one step at a time.