Electric Vehicles – Top GK Quiz Questions for UPSC Preparation

EV Tricycle by the River: A symbol of eco-friendly transport bridging nature and the city, where clean energy meets modern living.

Dear readers, the term Electric Vehicles (EVs) is now a must-read for you, not just in textbooks, but in life as well. In this era of rising fuel prices, climate change, and the search for ways to protect the environment, electric vehicles can be a good start for you. Through this blog, you can get a comprehensive understanding of the types of EVs, their benefits, battery technology, charging facilities, government incentives, and many more. 

Summary table - Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Category	Details
Definition	Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by rechargeable batteries instead of traditional fuel engines, offering clean, quiet, and efficient travel.
Types	Battery EVs (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Hybrid EVs (HEVs), Electric bikes, and Commercial EVs
Key Benefits	Zero emissions, low maintenance, cost-effective, silent operation, and government incentives
Battery & Charging	Lithium-ion batteries, home charging, public fast-charging stations, battery swap systems
Government Support	FAME Scheme, GST reduction, road tax exemption, EV loans, and charging infrastructure setup

What are Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles are vehicles that run on batteries rather than biofuels. They are silent, cleaner, and can give more mileage than fuel vehicles. Their role is crucial in reducing carbon emissions without polluting the atmosphere.

• These vehicles rely entirely on battery power and do not require fuel.

• They operate at lower maintenance costs than traditional engines.

• They are a suitable alternative for short-distance travel.

• As many companies around the world are leading the way in manufacturing EVs, their price are also decreasing.

How manyt types of electric vehicles are there?

In this section, you can learn about the types of electric vehicles. They are classified into different categories based on technology.

• BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) operates entirely on batteries and needs to be charged.

• PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has a fuel engine along with a battery.

• HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) automatically switches between fuel and battery.

• E-bikes and Scooters are the perfect choice for short-distance travel.

• Commercial EVs are trucks and delivery vehicles used for commercial purposes.

Electric Mobility in Action: Green cars, charging stations, and e-buses are driving the transition to cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable cities.

How useful are electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles are pioneering inventions for the future of mobility. Their uses are many.

• They reduce air pollution and provide a cleaner environment.

• You can travel more kilometers at a lower cost.

• There are no maintenance requirements like engine oil and coolant.

• You can get support for your purchase due to government incentives.

• You can get relief from the future increase in petrol/diesel prices.

Where to charge electric vehicles?

Charging and battery technology play a key role in EV travel. These will help you in choosing a vehicle.

• Lithium-ion batteries work with high efficiency and last for a long time.

• Fast charging stations are rapidly increasing in major cities in India.

• Simple charging points can be set up at home.

• Some companies are making battery swap systems available.

• Vehicle mileage varies depending on the capacity of the batteries.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Types and Features

Type of EV	Key Features
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)	Fully electric, no fuel engine, runs entirely on rechargeable batteries, zero emissions, requires charging infrastructure.
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)	Combines an electric battery and a petrol/diesel engine, can run short distances on electric power, plug-in charging.
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)	Uses both battery and fuel engine, switches automatically based on speed or load, does not require external charging.
Electric Scooters & E-Bikes	Lightweight, battery-powered two-wheelers, suitable for urban commutes, low speed, low maintenance, and home-charging support.
Commercial EVs	Includes electric trucks, vans, and buses used for logistics and mass transit, high battery capacity, supported by fast-charging.

How are electric vehicles promoted?

The Indian government is promoting the use of electric vehicles to protect the environment. Consumers are benefiting through various schemes.

• Subsidies are being provided through the FAME Scheme.

• The purchase price is being reduced by reducing GST.

• Some states are exempting road tax on EVs.

• The government is supporting the establishment of charging stations.

• Banks are providing loans at low interest rates for purchasing EVs.

How to choose the right EV?

There are some important factors that you should keep in mind while choosing a vehicle. You can choose the right EV based on your interests.

• You should choose a vehicle with mileage depending on the distance traveled.

• You should consider the battery charging time and backup time.

• The company should have high standards in its service centers and warranty.

• Check if there are government subsidies available in line with the vehicle price.

• You should check reviews and consumer opinions in the market.

Electric Vehicles (EVs): From fun rides to eco-commutes, EVs are reshaping mobility—powered by clean energy and advancing sustainable transport solutions.

What is the future of EVs?

EVs are not just a trend; it is a transformation. A good opportunity to make your lifestyle environmentally friendly.

• By 2030, many nations are said to be going for banning fuel cars and replacing them with EVs.

• Due to changes in technology, charging times are getting shorter.

• EV prices are likely to come down further in the coming years.

• You can buy more confidently through local industries.

• You can also be a partner in saving the environment.

Top Short Questions on Electric Vehicles for UPSC and Other Exams

1. What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
➡ A vehicle that uses one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries for propulsion instead of an internal combustion engine.

2. What are the main types of Electric Vehicles?
➡ Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

3. What is the main component of an electric vehicle?
➡ The battery pack, which stores electrical energy for motor operation.

4. Which type of battery is most commonly used in EVs?
➡ Lithium-ion battery due to its high energy density and long life.

5. What is regenerative braking in EVs?
➡ A system that converts kinetic energy lost during braking into electrical energy to recharge the battery.

6. Which gas emission is primarily reduced by EVs?
➡ Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

7. What is the “FAME” scheme related to?
➡ Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India, promoting EV adoption through subsidies and incentives.

8. When was the FAME-I scheme launched?
➡ In 2015 under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020.

9. What is FAME-II?
➡ The second phase launched in 2019, focusing on public transport, charging infrastructure, and fleet electrification.

10. What is the target year for India’s electric mobility mission?
➡ By 2030, India aims to achieve 30% electric vehicle penetration.

11. Which ministry implements the FAME scheme?
➡ Ministry of Heavy Industries.

12. What is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)?
➡ A vehicle that uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

13. What is Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
➡ A hybrid vehicle whose battery can be charged via an external electricity source.

14. What is the primary source of power in BEVs?
➡ Entirely electric power stored in batteries (no engine).

15. What are the main challenges in EV adoption in India?
➡ High upfront cost, limited charging infrastructure, battery disposal issues, and range anxiety.

16. What is range anxiety?
➡ The fear that an EV may run out of charge before reaching a charging station.

17. What are the environmental benefits of EVs?
➡ Lower emissions, reduced noise pollution, and decreased dependency on fossil fuels.

18. Which Indian state is known for the first EV policy?
➡ Delhi, under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2020.

19. What is the role of NITI Aayog in EV promotion?
➡ It coordinates policy frameworks for EV mobility and charging infrastructure development.

20. What is the “Battery Swapping Policy”?
➡ Introduced by NITI Aayog in 2022, it allows users to replace discharged batteries with charged ones at swap stations.

21. What is the ‘National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage’?
➡ A mission launched in 2019 to promote clean, sustainable, and battery-driven mobility solutions.

22. Which metal is crucial for EV battery production?
➡ Lithium.

23. Which countries are major suppliers of lithium?
➡ Chile, Australia, Argentina, and China.

24. What is a charging point operator (CPO)?
➡ An entity that installs and manages EV charging stations.

25. What are the types of EV charging?
➡ AC (slow) charging and DC (fast) charging.

26. What is the typical range of an electric car in India?
➡ Between 150–500 km per charge, depending on the model.

27. Name an example of a popular Indian EV car.
➡ Tata Nexon EV.

28. Which company launched India’s first electric scooter?
➡ Hero Electric.

29. What is the costliest component of an EV?
➡ Battery pack, accounting for 30–40% of total vehicle cost.

30. What are solid-state batteries?
➡ Next-gen batteries with solid electrolytes instead of liquid, offering higher safety and energy density.

31. What is the full form of BMS in EVs?
➡ Battery Management System, which monitors and regulates battery performance and safety.

32. What is an e-2W and e-3W?
➡ Electric two-wheeler and electric three-wheeler, commonly used for urban transport.

33. What is the “EV30@30” campaign?
➡ A global initiative aiming for 30% sales of EVs by 2030.

34. What is the benefit of EVs under GST in India?
➡ GST on EVs reduced to 5% (from 12%) to encourage adoption.

35. Which public sector company is setting up EV charging stations across India?
➡ Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) along with NTPC and PowerGrid.

36. What is the lifespan of an EV battery?
➡ Typically 6–8 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

37. What is the main disadvantage of EVs?
➡ High initial cost and long charging time.

38. What is the function of an inverter in EVs?
➡ Converts DC from the battery into AC for the electric motor.

39. What is the “NEMMP 2020”?
➡ National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, a government roadmap for EV promotion and manufacturing.

40. What is the “E-Amrit Portal”?
➡ A government portal providing information on EV policies, incentives, and infrastructure.

41. What is battery recycling?
➡ The process of recovering valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from used EV batteries.

42. What is the difference between HEV and PHEV?
➡ HEV self-charges through regenerative braking; PHEV can be externally charged.

43. What is the role of NITI Aayog’s “Shoonya Campaign”?
➡ Promotes zero-pollution delivery vehicles for urban logistics.

44. What is the average charging time of a fast charger?
➡ About 30–60 minutes for 80% charge.

45. What are “swappable batteries”?
➡ Pre-charged batteries that can be replaced instantly, reducing downtime.

46. What is the EV policy incentive called “Demand Incentive”?
➡ A financial subsidy provided per kWh of battery capacity to reduce EV purchase cost.

47. What is the main aim of EV promotion in India?
➡ To reduce oil imports, cut emissions, and create green jobs.

48. What is the projected market share of EVs in India by 2030?
➡ Around 30% of total vehicle sales.

49. Which institution prepares EV-related standards in India?
➡ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

50. What is the abbreviation of “SOC” in EVs?
➡ State of Charge, representing the battery’s remaining capacity.

51. What is the mileage of electric vehicles?
➡ It varies depending on the vehicle. Small scooters can give a mileage of 80–100 km, and cars can give a mileage of up to 300 km. Battery capacity is crucial.

52. How much time does it take to charge an EV (Electric Vehicle)?
➡ It can take 6–8 hours with a regular charger. Fast chargers are now available that can complete the charging of an EV in 1–2 hours.

53. Where are the charging stations in India?
➡ They are mostly in metro cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. New projects are currently underway.

54. What are the maintenance costs of EVs?
➡ Much lower than fuel vehicles. There are no engine oil or filter changes. The battery is the only thing that matters.

55. What factors should be considered when choosing a model?
➡ Mileage, charging time, battery warranty, company reviews, and charging facilities – all these should be taken into account.

Smart Choice in Electric Vehicles: Combining affordability, battery safety, and innovative tech—EVs are the future of secure and cost-effective transportation.

Electric Vehicles GK MCQs for UPSC | Top EV Quiz Questions

Test your UPSC knowledge with this quick Electric Vehicles GK quiz. Practice top EV MCQs, boost exam confidence, and revise key current affairs instantly.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles represent a better way for your life and the environment. As the future of oil-based vehicles fades, you should take a step towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative. There are now many models and choices available in the market. You can choose the vehicle that suits you by considering factors like battery capacity, charging facilities, and government schemes. You can really make a big difference in protecting the environment. Take the first step towards this change.

Online Courses, Reference Books & Websites 

Explore some online courses, reference books, and trusted websites for increasing your understanding of private and public spaces.

Category	References
Online Courses	EV Technology - Udemy Electric Vehicles and Mobility - Coursera Battery Management Systems - edX EV Design & Manufacturing - Skill-Lync Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles - NPTEL
Reference Books	Electric Vehicle Technology Explained – James Larminie Modern Electric Vehicle Technology – C.C. Chan Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – Mehrdad Ehsani Battery Management Systems – Gregory L. Plett Handbook of Electric Vehicles – Springer
Websites	https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles https://e-amrit.niti.gov.in https://www.pluginindia.com https://www.evreporter.com https://www.sciencedirect.com