Give Your E-Rickshaw A Little More Care This Monsoon: EV Care & Maintenance Tips

Issues your Electric Rickshaw may face this Monsoon

Electric Rickshaws are slowly becoming very popular in the EV industry. They have many advantages over an auto-rickshaw run on petrol/diesel and are eco-friendly as well. Commuters all over India are also adopting these battery-operated three-wheelers as a major means of transportation. However, when you purchase an electric rickshaw, you should also know how to maintain it, especially during the monsoons.

Here are some issues that your e-rickshaw may face during monsoons and some possible solutions so that you can run your EV smoothly even during rains.

1. Electrical Short Circuits

   Since your e-rickshaw requires charging, there is a higher possibility of electrical short circuits during the rainy season. Untimely lightings, thunderstorms, and power failures are some common problems that can negatively impact your EV electrical system.

   While you are charging your EV, the sudden increase in the current due to water splashing or power shortage can cause short circuits risking the internal circuits of your E-rickshaw.

   Solution:

   Though the components of an e-rickshaw are designed to handle water splashing and minor waterlogging, it is still important to protect your EV from any such potential risk. Thus, make sure that the charging point of your e-rickshaw is at a covered place, and the charging cable and plug are away from any water splashing and dry as well.

   Moreover, avoid charging your e-rickshaw during lighting or thunderstorms as a precautionary measure to avoid any potential risk of fire.

2. Water Ingression

   Water Ingression is another major problem that an electric rickshaw may encounter during heavy rains. Parking your e-rickshaw in areas that are more prone to waterlogging, can cause internal damage to your electrical vehicle. While the battery and drive motors of an e-rickshaw are tested to be waterproof, there are certain levels to it as well. EVs that are rated at IP67 can be submerged up to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without any leakage in the battery or motor.

   However, there may also be a chance of a possible failure due to such situations.

   Solution:

   Though there are standards as per the Ingress Protection (IP) Rating system that e-rickshaw manufacturers in India have to follow, water ingression can still be bad for your vehicle. Make sure to not take your e-rickshaws on completely waterlogged roads and if you do, get a maintenance checkup done to ensure there is no damage.

   You can also purchase passenger carrying vehicle insurance for your e-rickshaw to protect it from any accidental damage on the road.

3. Rodents Attack and Corrosion

   

   The wiring system in electric vehicles like e-rickshaws is complex with high-tension wiring. During monsoons, these wires are at a high risk of rodent attacks and corrosion due to wet surroundings. Just a small bite at the wiring system can lead to mechanical failure of your e-rickshaw. Similarly, any moisture in the air, dust particles and long hours of rain lashing can result in corrosion of electrical connectors and wires.

   Moreover, rusting can also affect the exterior parts of your e-rickshaws and degrade their condition.

   Solution:

   To solve this problem, make sure that your e-rickshaw is parked in a dry place. A clean and moisture-free parking space will also keep the rodents away from your e-rickshaw. If you cannot park your vehicle in a dry space, you can also use waterproof covers to prevent rain droplets from entering your EV.

4. Battery Health

   

   The batteries of e-rickshaws are mostly made of Lithium-ion, which is sensitive to higher temperatures. Moreover, any overheating may also lead to damage to the battery. During rains, the temperature changes frequently which can pose a risk to the health and temperature of the battery. Moreover, any severe or frequent power fluctuation due to lighting or thunderstorms can cause damage to the internal circuit and battery as well.

   Solution:

   Avoid charging your e-rickshaw for more than an hour as this may heat the battery. Never use an incompatible charger to charge your EV. Make sure to charge it with the original charger that came with your e-rickshaw. Do not fast charge your vehicle, as it can result in a short circuit thus increasing the chances of fire.

   Also, make sure to get your E-rickshaw's battery and other parts checked by a certified mechanic from time to time.

Cover your E-Rickshaw with Commercial Vehicle Insurance

No matter what the weather is, it is always a good idea to protect your electric vehicle from unforeseen incidents such as road accidents, natural calamities, theft, fire, etc. Buying a comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance policy can guarantee you complete financial and legal protection under such situations.

Moreover, having at least a third-party e-rickshaw insurance policy is a compulsory requirement as per the motor laws of India. Thus, by purchasing a commercial vehicle insurance policy you also comply with the legal mandate of the government.

Wrapping Up!

Undoubtedly, monsoons bring a sigh of relief from the scorching heat, but they can also be problematic for our electric vehicles. Thus, it becomes essential to give our e-rickshaws a little extra care during the rainy season. Apart from following the above-mentioned tips, you should also take your electric rickshaw for regular maintenance checkups so that any problem gets detected and solved at the earliest.

Rest, you should also cover your vehicle by buying an e-rickshaw insurance policy from the best commercial vehicle insurance companies online from Policybazaar.com.