I recall the e-rickshaw ride of Delhi when I think of last mile connectivity through the electric vehicle. Minor fractures on the road surface were enough to give severe jerks.
Delhi has adopted many schemes such as smart bike rentals, e-rickshaw, e-bus, metro for curbing the pollution of the city which is usually poor as per the AQI (air quality index).
Emissions from the vehicles are one of the major contributors to the high level of pollution in the capital city and therefore to significantly reduce the proportion of pollution due to vehicular emission the govt. is encouraging people to opt for electric vehicles. But thinking of giving a boost to electric vehicle adoption seems to be a distant dream without better roads
Better roads don’t just mean better Highway, roads passing through societies and different localities which comes under different municipalities should be well maintained for encouraging people to adopt electric vehicles and thereby ensuring last mile connectivity.
How better roads can facilitate electric vehicle adoption?
Electric vehicles are lighter as compared to another vehicle. Deliberately, the vehicles are designed lighter to facilitate faster movement and for better mileage thereby reducing the number of times battery is put on charge. Vehicles need a better suspension system if the roads are bumpy. Even if roads aren’t bumpy, small potholes can contribute to jerks.
An electric vehicle like e-rickshaw, e-bikes are not equipped with a stronger and bulkier suspension system which provide comfort while riding but it also contributes to the increase in weight of the vehicles. Increase in weight of the vehicle can reduce the carrying capacity, mileage, and life of the major components of the vehicle.
Cost of manufacturing of the e-vehicle can be cut short if a lighter suspension system can be put in to effect and this turn will make the availability of e-vehicles at an economical price. Therefore, the govt. should focus on improving the road quality and accessibility which could encourage the masses for the adoption of e-vehicles.
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