Electric vehicles (EVs) represent the future of sustainable transportation. However, owning one comes with its own set of challenges and costs, chief among them being the cost of battery replacement.
The High Cost of EV Battery Replacement
Replacing an EV battery can account for up to half of the vehicle’s cost. This exorbitant price is due to the expensive nature of the batteries and the intricate efforts and logistics involved in their replacement. Moreover, the limited volume of EV batteries produced makes the economics even tougher.
As an example, the aftermarket cost of a 4kWh battery for the Ola S1 Pro is reported to be INR 87,298, while the 3kWh battery for the S1 is priced at INR 66,549.
Ather Energy’s Comprehensive Warranty Plan
To help consumers navigate this cost, Ather Energy has introduced a comprehensive five-year warranty plan that extends the battery’s manufacturer warranty of three years by an additional two years. This warranty comes complimentary with the Ather 450X when upgraded to the Pro Pack and is not available for separate purchase.
This warranty doesn’t just cover battery failures. It also includes degradation. The battery is guaranteed to maintain at least a 70% ‘state-of-health’ until the end of the fifth year. If it doesn’t, it will be replaced. It even covers situations of deep-discharge or if the vehicle is left idle for an extended period.
Insurance and Battery Warranty Costs
Aside from the battery cost, insurance and battery warranty are other significant costs associated with owning an EV. These two can add over INR 16,000 or 11.7% to the ex-showroom price of an Ola S1 Pro. For a new Tata Nexon EV, insurance alone can cost over INR 45,000.
Understanding these costs and developing effective solutions is essential for making EVs more accessible and affordable.
Important Information Table:
| EV Model | Battery Cost | Insurance Cost | Total Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ola S1 Pro (4kWh) | INR 87,298 | Depends on the plan | ~11.7% of ex-showroom price |
| Ola S1 (3kWh) | INR 66,549 | Depends on the plan | Depends on the plan and battery cost |
| Tata Nexon EV | Varies | >INR 45,000 | Depends on the plan and battery cost |
| Ather 450X | Depends on the battery state-of-health | Depends on the plan | 5-year warranty included with Pro Pack Upgrade |
