From One Curious EV to a Family Fleet: Our North Indian Joint Family's Electric Journey

In our bustling North Indian joint family business—30 members strong, with over 30 cars—we treat vehicles like trusted workhorses. A mix of petrol and diesel, from rugged utilities to comfy sedans and luxury rides, they shuttle us between business errands, family outings, and everything in between. Paid drivers handle the wheels, and we hold onto cars for 10+ years, ditching them only if major repairs loom. Until recently, it was all internal combustion engines (ICE).

That changed in 2017 when I bought a Mahindra E2O+ out of sheer curiosity—a trial run for this electric thing. The quiet hum, instant torque, and zero tailpipe drama hooked me instantly. No more fuel queues or engine roar; just smooth, efficient drives. Convinced, I became the family's EV evangelist, converting one skeptic at a time.

Fast forward: Our garage now boasts 1 Mahindra E2O+, 2 Tata Nexon EVs, 3 Tata Tiagos, and a used MG ZS EV (which I grabbed recently for another experiment). For business, we've added a Tata Ace EV for logistics and 3 Ola EV scooters zipping office boys around. These aren't garage queens—one Nexon just crossed 100,000 km, proving EVs can handle our pace without breaking the bank.

Yet resistance runs deep. Some relatives cling to their ICE beasts, unfazed by fuel bills or pollution. They refuse to tweak travel plans for charging. Adding fuel to the fire: the family is seriously against buying Chinese products, but the electric powertrain—batteries, motors, controllers—across nearly all OEMs still depends heavily on China. This contradiction stalls wider adoption.

Still, the shift is real: lower costs, cleaner air, and that effortless EV grin. If you're navigating similar family debates, start small. One curious buy can spark a revolution—China conundrum notwithstanding.