Buying your first electric car feels exciting — and rightly so. No more petrol station visits, smoother drives, and the quiet hum of modern technology. But once that excitement settles, a few doubts begin to creep in: Am I charging it correctly? Will the battery last? What if I mess something up?
You’re not alone. Every new EV (Electric Vehicle) owner goes through this phase. EVs are different from traditional cars, but once you understand the basics, they’re surprisingly simple to maintain and enjoy.
Let us break down five common mistakes new EV owners make — and how you can avoid them. Whether you’re driving a Tata Nexon EV, MG Comet, Hyundai EV6, or any other electric car, these insights will help you get the best performance and lifespan from your EV.
1. Ignoring Battery Health and Charging Habits:
If the engine is the heart of a petrol car, the battery is the heart of your EV. Sadly, many new owners unknowingly damage it early because they don’t know how to treat it right.
Common Mistake:
Leaving the car fully charged or drained for long hours is harmful to EV battery life.
Why It’s a Problem:
EV batteries use lithium-ion technology — the same kind found in your smartphone. Keeping it at 100% or 0% charge for long periods stresses the battery and shortens its life.
Better Way:
- Keep the battery between 20% and 80% for daily use.
- Charge to 100% only before long road trips.
- Avoid frequent DC fast charging. It’s convenient but generates heat that can affect long-term health.
- Park your EV in shaded or cool areas whenever possible.
Think of your EV battery like your body — steady, moderate habits keep it healthy longer.
2. Not Planning for Charging Infrastructure:
You wouldn’t buy a petrol car without knowing where the nearest fuel pump is, right? Yet many EV buyers forget to check charging options near their home, workplace, or travel routes.
Common Mistake:
Assuming public charging stations are available everywhere.
Why It’s a Problem:
While India’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, it’s not evenly spread yet. Smaller cities or highways may still lack proper fast-charging points.
Better Way:
- For the most reliable option – invest in a dedicated home EV charging setup.
- Use apps like PlugShare, Tata Power EZ Charge, or Statiq to find nearby public chargers.
- If you live in an apartment, talk to your society management about setting up a shared charging point.
- Always keep your car’s portable charger handy — it can plug into a regular socket in emergencies.
A little planning goes a long way. Once you get used to it, charging your EV becomes as routine as plugging in your phone at night.
3. Neglecting Software Updates and Maintenance:
Many people think EVs are “zero-maintenance” cars. That’s only half true. Yes, you don’t need oil changes or exhaust repairs — but EVs depend heavily on software and electronics.
Common Mistake:
Skipping regular updates and ignoring minor warning messages.
Why It’s a Problem?
EV manufacturers frequently release updates that improve battery efficiency, charging speed, or driving range. Ignoring them means missing out on better performance and safety features.
Better Way:
- Enable automatic updates if your EV allows it.
- Visit your service center every 6 months for a quick diagnostic check.
- Keep an eye on your tyre pressure and brake system — regenerative braking is efficient, but brakes still need attention.
Think of updates as “vitamins” for your EV — they keep everything running smoothly.
4. Expecting Petrol-Car Range and Behavior:
This is perhaps the most common mental adjustment new EV owners need to make. Petrol and diesel cars have decades of familiarity — but EVs behave differently.
Common Mistake:
Expecting your EV to deliver the same mileage (range) as your old petrol car, even with aggressive driving or full air-conditioning.
Why It’s a Problem?
Factors like speed, temperature, AC usage, and driving style significantly affect EV range. If you drive fast or keep the AC on full blast, your range drops noticeably.
Better Way:
- Drive steadily; avoid sudden acceleration.
- Use Eco Mode when driving in the city.
- Use regenerative braking — it converts braking energy into charge.
- Plan your trips with range in mind, especially for highways.
Once you adjust your expectations, you’ll realize EVs offer predictable, efficient, and smooth performance — perfect for city life.
5. Believing EVs Don’t Need Any Maintenance
One of the biggest myths about electric cars is that they are completely maintenance-free. It’s true that EVs have fewer moving parts, but they still need periodic care.
Common Mistake:
Skipping service intervals or ignoring small issues because “it’s electric.”
Why It’s a Problem:
Your EV still has:
- Tyres that wear out.
- Brakes that need cleaning.
- Coolant systems that regulate battery temperature.
- Cabin filters that need replacement.
Ignoring these can lead to higher repair costs later.
Better Way:
- Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule.
- Get a battery health report every year.
- Keep the software updated.
- Clean the charging port regularly.
A little preventive care today keeps your EV reliable for years.
Don’t Forget About Resale Value:
Many new EV owners overlook this — but for second-hand EVs, battery condition and software records play a huge role in resale value.
When you plan to sell your EV, buyers will ask:
- How old is the battery?
- Has it been replaced or serviced?
- Are there any range issues?
Tip:
Keep all your charging logs, service records, and software updates properly documented. This helps build buyer confidence and gets you a better resale price.
The Hidden Advantage: EV Community Support
One of the best parts about owning an electric car is the community of EV enthusiasts. Join local or online EV groups — people are always ready to help, share charging station info, or recommend reliable service centers.
Some of the popular EV communities in India include:
- PlugInIndia Forum
- Nexon EV Owners Club (Facebook)
- Zeon Charging Community
The EV journey becomes a lot smoother when you’re not doing it alone.
Conclusion: Drive Smart, Charge Wise, and Enjoy the Ride
Owning an electric car isn’t complicated — it’s just different. Once you understand how EVs work, they’re cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective than traditional cars.
Let’s recap the 5 mistakes new EV owners should avoid:
- Ignoring battery health and charging habits.
- Not planning charging infrastructure.
- Neglecting software updates and maintenance.
- Expecting petrol-like performance and range.
- Skipping regular maintenance checks.
Treat your EV with care, and it will reward you with years of smooth, efficient drives — without the fuel headaches.