Buying a new car today comes with one more decision than before. should you go for a petrol car or make the shift to an electric vehicle (EV).
With fuel prices rising, more charging stations coming up, and EV options increasing in India, it’s natural to wonder which option actually makes more sense in the long run.
In this article, we’ll break down the EV car vs petrol car cost of ownership in India, look at electric car vs petrol car cost per km, compare performance, and answer the common question. Electric car vs petrol car which is faster?
The idea is to explain both options in a simple way so it’s easy to understand.
Table of Contents
EV Car vs Petrol Car Cost of Ownership Explained India
When you look at the total ownership cost of any vehicle, you consider more than just the price you pay at the showroom. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and how much you drive all play a role.
Upfront Price
A petrol car usually costs less at the start. The technology is older, mass production is high, and buyers have many choices.
EVs cost more upfront because the battery is expensive. But the price difference is shrinking as EV manufacturing grows in India.
Government Incentives
Electric cars get support through lower GST (5%), zero road tax in some states, and subsidies under schemes like FAME-II. Petrol cars do not get these benefits, which helps reduce the gap between the two options.
Electric Car vs Petrol Car Cost Per Km
For most people, the running cost is where the real difference shows up.
Petrol Car Running Cost
A typical petrol car gives 15–17 km per litre. With fuel prices around ₹110 per litre in many cities, the cost per km becomes roughly ₹6.5 to ₹7.5.
EV Running Cost
Most EVs consume 12–15 kWh per 100 km. When you charge at home, electricity costs around ₹6–₹8 per unit.
This means the cost per km stays between ₹1 and ₹1.5.
If You Drive 1,000 Km in a Month
| Vehicle Type | Monthly Running Cost |
|---|---|
| Petrol Car | ₹6,500 – ₹7,500 |
| EV | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 |
This alone can save you ₹60,000–₹75,000 in a year.
EV Car vs Petrol Car Cost Maintenance and Service
An EV has fewer moving parts. There’s no engine oil, spark plugs, fuel pump, clutch, or exhaust system.
Maintenance Costs
- Petrol Car: ₹10,000–₹15,000 per year
- EV: ₹5,000–₹7,000 per year
EVs also use regenerative braking, which reduces brake wear, saving even more over time.
Electric Car vs Petrol Car Which Is Faster?
Speed depends on how the vehicle delivers power, not just the engine size.
Electric Cars
Electric motors give instant torque from zero RPM.
This makes EVs quick when you press the accelerator.
For example
- Tata Nexon EV goes from 0–60 km/h in about 3.8 seconds.
Petrol Cars
Petrol engines build power gradually. They may have higher top speed on highways, but they are not as quick in city starts.
So, in everyday driving, an electric car feels faster and smoother, while petrol cars may have a slight advantage in top-end performance.
Charging vs Fuel Convenience
Fuel stations are everywhere. Charging stations are increasing but not yet available in every city.
If you can charge at home, an EV becomes much easier to manage. If you travel between cities often, petrol still offers more flexibility.
Long-Term EV vs Petrol Ownership in India
To understand real ownership, think about your usage.
Choose an EV if
- You drive 1,000 km or more every month
- You live in a metro or tier-1 city
- You have a parking space where charging is possible
- You plan to keep your car for at least 5–6 years
Choose Petrol if
- You frequently take long highway trips
- Your daily running is low
- You want predictable resale value
- You don’t have charging access
EV Battery Replacement Should You Worry?
Most EVs today come with 8-year or 1.6 lakh km battery warranty.
Battery life easily lasts 7–10 years for normal users.
Replacement is expensive, but battery technology is getting cheaper every year.
Wrap-Up
Both EVs and petrol cars have their own strengths. Petrol cars offer convenience and a lower initial price. EVs offer much lower running costs and a smoother driving experience. For daily city use, an EV can save a lot of money over the years. For long trips or unpredictable usage, petrol may still be a better match.
If you understand your driving habits, the choice becomes easier.
FAQs
Q1. Are EVs actually cheaper to use than petrol cars?
Yes, most EVs cost around ₹1–₹1.5 per km, while petrol cars usually cost ₹6–₹7 per km.
Q2. Does an electric car need more maintenance?
No, EVs need less maintenance because they have fewer mechanical parts.
Q3. Which cars accelerate faster, electric or petrol?
Electric cars feel quicker because they provide instant torque.
Q4. Is home charging necessary for an EV?
Not mandatory, but it makes owning an EV much easier and cheaper.
Q5. Do EVs hold good resale value?
It’s improving, but petrol cars currently have more predictable resale value.
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