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Electric Cars: Definition, Variants, and Required Insurance

By Juhi Walia
22 September 2022, 3:00 PM

The generation as we know today realises that there is a dearth of resources. They continuously try and take steps to save natural resources for the betterment of the planet. Alongside, they also try to reduce the imbalance happened in nature because of the side effects of the rampant use of fuel and harmful gases. An electric car is a solution to both. Not only does it prevent the depletion of natural resources, but it also upgrades the vehicle class and makes it more environmentally friendly. An electric car will not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere, reducing the carbon footprint.

Electric cars are the future of the automobile industry and are here to stay. It is a more progressive kind of transportation. Let us dive in deep and understand all the features of an electric car and the car insurance that goes with it.

Meaning of Electric Cars

Electric cars, like all-electric vehicles, run on batteries. They are made up of electric motors instead of an internal combustion engine that aids in burning toxic gases and emitting them into nature.

The batteries in electric cars are plugged into a charging point. They take energy from this grid and generate it to run the vehicle. 

Types of Electric Cars

There are several types of electric cars available in the market. These cars are divided into mainly three different segments based on their engine and functionality. They are environmentally friendly in different magnitudes. Here, we have discussed all the types of electric cars i.e., the known and the lesser known. 

Conventional Hybrids

As the name suggests, these cars come with a combustion engine and batteries. They have a separate tank for the fuel. When you start such vehicles, the first thing that powers up is its internal combustion engine. This engine will generate power and electricity for the battery; once it has enough to keep going, these cars work from the battery usage. These cars are generally driven at 24 kmph to use the batteries, not the combustion engine. Toyota Prius is one such car.

Plug-in Hybrids

These cars are more flexible versions. We can choose to drive them as electric cars or as battery cars. You can choose if you want to run the vehicle with its large battery or if you want to run them with fuel like petrol or diesel. You can charge these cars at their outlets and use the battery power for running. If the battery runs out, you can use it as a traditional fuel car. There are outlets for petrol or diesel, and you can go there to recharge your vehicle's batteries.

Battery-electric Vehicles

These vehicles are fully electric and have no scope for running with fuel. They are operated only by batteries. You constantly need to be on top of charging your car's batteries. In case the battery runs out, you cannot use it alternatively. You will then need to find power charging cords and plug them into the socket.

Since they have no internal combustion engine, they also do not come with the function of a tailpipe. Hence, there is no emission of any gases or toxic substances in such cars. They are the most environmentally friendly.

Fuel Cell Cars

These are other forms of electric vehicles. They run on fuels, but they only use hydrogen and no other toxic gases, so they don’t emit any harmful substances in nature. The only by-products that come out of their system are water and heat. These cars are also designed to reduce the carbon footprint.

Hence, depending upon the type of usage and your personal choice, you can choose from these electric cars.

Read more - What Makes Car Insurance for Electric Cars Highly Beneficial?

Does an Electric Car Require Insurance?

It is mandatory for all vehicles running on petrol, diesel, CNG, and electricity to have car insurance. It is made compulsory by the Government of India to have third-party car insurance for all such vehicles. You are liable for a penalty if you do not have basic third-party insurance. 

By this stature, an electric car owner must have at least a basic car insurance policy. Some electric cars may not fall under the category of motor vehicles. In that case, insurance won't be mandatory.

What is Insurance for Electric Cars?

Insurance for electric cars is the same as the other motor cars. It prevents the vehicle from damages and liabilities during accidents, natural disasters, or other unfortunate situations, depending on the type of policy chosen.

Choosing the right policy with covers suitable for your vehicle is best for you and can allow you to be free of financial and legal distress under such circumstances. 

Benefits Provided by Your Electric Car Insurance

Like any other car insurance, an electric car’s insurance will protect the owner in any unforeseen circumstances. Let’s dive in deep to see what it means:

  • Financial Coverage: There is financial security involved with electric car insurance. The insurance provider will cover any loss of damage caused to the vehicle.
  • Comprehensive Car Insurance: Over and above the third-party insurance, there is a comprehensive car plan covering all the necessary spare parts and situational liabilities arising against you.
  • Faster Damage Recovery: Electric vehicles have a faster damage recovery than traditional vehicles. You won’t need to bear the cost of the damage to the spare parts.
  • Add-on Covers: Some car insurance add on covers will protect your car with an added value. The insurance provider will specially customize these covers for your electric car.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are soon going to be the new normal. People should have a head start in buying electric vehicles and car insurance. If you are environmentally conscious and want to use eco-friendly products but are also willing to protect them, electric vehicles with comprehensive car insurance are the way to go.

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