Detailed Analysis for Indian Drivers
When comparing vehicle expenses, the “Electric car vs petrol car cost per km” debate is critical for budget-conscious Indian drivers.
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With rising fuel prices and EV adoption surging, understanding long-term running costs isn’t just useful—it’s essential. This analysis breaks down every rupee spent per kilometer, exposing where electric vehicles (EVs) dominate and where petrol cars still compete.
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Breaking Down the Electric car vs petrol car cost per km
Let’s dissect expenses into three core components:
- Energy/Fuel Costs
- Maintenance Expenditure
- Hidden & Long-Term Factors
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💡 1. Energy Cost Analysis (Electricity vs Petrol)
Electric Cars:
- Calculation:
(Electricity Cost per kWh) ÷ (Efficiency in km/kWh) - Example:
- Home charging rate: ₹8.5/kWh (India average)
- EV efficiency: 6 km/kWh (e.g., Tata Nexon EV)
- Cost/km = ₹8.5 ÷ 6 = ₹1.42
- Public Charging Impact: Fast chargers cost ₹15-22/kWh, raising cost/km to ₹2.5-3.7.
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Petrol Cars:
- Calculation:
(Petrol Price per liter) ÷ (Mileage in km/l) - Example:
- Petrol price: ₹106/liter (Delhi, July 2025)
- Mileage: 15 km/l (e.g., Hyundai Creta)
- Cost/km = ₹106 ÷ 15 = ₹7.06
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Comparison Table (Energy Cost per Km):
| Vehicle Type | Energy Cost | Efficiency | Cost/Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV (Home) | ₹8.5/kWh | 6 km/kWh | ₹1.42 |
| EV (Public) | ₹18/kWh | 6 km/kWh | ₹3.00 |
| Petrol Car | ₹106/liter | 15 km/l | ₹7.06 |
💡 Key Insight: EVs are 68-80% cheaper on energy costs, even with public charging.
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🔧 2. Maintenance Cost Per Km
Electric Cars:
- Fewer moving parts → No engine oil, spark plugs, or exhaust repairs.
- Regenerative braking reduces brake pad wear by 50%.
- Average Cost/km: ₹0.60-₹0.90 (Source: Ather Energy service data)
Petrol Cars:
- Regular oil changes (₹2,000-₹5,000/service), air filter replacements, and emission system fixes.
- Average Cost/km: ₹2.50-₹4.00 (Source: Indian Automotive Service Reports)
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Annual Maintenance Comparison (15,000 km/year):
| Component | Electric Car | Petrol Car |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | ₹0 | ₹2,400 |
| Coolant | ₹300 | ₹1,000 |
| Brake Pads | ₹900 | ₹2,000 |
| Annual Total | ₹1,200 | ₹5,400 |
| Cost/Km | ₹0.08 | ₹0.36 |
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📊 3. Total Cost Per Km: The Final Verdict
EV Total Cost/Km = Energy (₹1.42) + Maintenance (₹0.08) = ₹1.50
Petrol Car Total Cost/Km = Fuel (₹7.06) + Maintenance (₹0.36) = ₹7.42
✅ Electric cars are 80% cheaper per km – saving ₹5.92/km. For 1,500 km/month, that’s ₹8,880/month!
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Hidden Factors Impacting Cost Per Km
- Battery Lifespan: Modern EVs (e.g., MG ZS EV) last 8-10 years. Replacement costs (₹1.5-₹5 lakh) spread over 1.5-2 lakh km add ₹1-₹3/km – still cheaper than petrol.
- Resale Value: EVs lose value faster in India (30-40% depreciation in 3 years vs 25% for petrol).
- Government Incentives:
- FAME-II subsidy: Up to ₹1.5 lakh off EVs.
- State tax waivers (e.g., Maharashtra, Gujarat).
- Time Savings: Home charging vs fuel station visits → 50+ hours saved yearly!
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Long-Term Savings Projection (5 Years / 75,000 km)
| Cost Type | Electric Car | Petrol Car | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | ₹1.06 lakh | ₹5.29 lakh | ₹4.23 lakh |
| Maintenance | ₹0.09 lakh | ₹0.40 lakh | ₹0.31 lakh |
| Total | ₹1.15 lakh | ₹5.69 lakh | ₹4.54 lakh |
💰 EVs save ₹4.54 lakh over 5 years – enough to buy a Tata Tiago!
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When Petrol Cars Make Sense (For Now)
- Highway Dominance: Frequent 500+ km trips where charging infrastructure is sparse.
- Low Daily Driving: <500 km/month → fuel costs stay manageable.
- Budget Constraints: EVs cost ₹3-₹8 lakh more upfront (e.g., Nexon EV vs Nexon Petrol).
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The Future of Cost Per Km in India
- 2025 EV Battery Prices: Down 40% since 2020 → cheaper EVs by 2027.
- Petrol Prices: Projected to hit ₹130/liter by 2026 (Oil Ministry data).
- Renewable Energy: Solar-powered charging cuts EV cost/km to under ₹0.50.
Conclusion: EVs Win the Cost War
The “Electric car vs petrol car cost per km” math is undeniable. EVs slash running expenses by ₹5-₹7/km, making them ideal for urban commuters. While petrol cars suit low-mileage drivers today, India’s EV charging expansion (aim: 46,000 stations by 2030) will soon eliminate range barriers. For measurable savings within 2-3 years, going electric is the smartest financial move.
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FAQs: Electric Car vs Petrol Car Cost Per Km
Q1: What is the exact “electric car vs petrol car cost per km” in India?
A: EVs cost ₹1.50-₹3/km (including charging and maintenance), while petrol cars cost ₹7-₹10/km – making EVs 70-85% cheaper.
Q2: How does public charging affect “electric car vs petrol car cost per km”?
A: Public fast chargers (₹15-22/kWh) raise EV cost/km to ₹2.5-₹3.7 – still 50-65% cheaper than petrol.
Q3: Do EV battery replacements ruin cost savings?
A: No. Batteries last 8-10 years/1.5-2 lakh km. Even if replaced (₹1.5-₹5 lakh), the cost/km over the battery’s life is ₹1-₹3.3 – less than petrol’s ₹7+.
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Q4: Which has higher insurance: electric or petrol cars?
A: EVs cost 10-15% more to insure due to battery risks, adding ₹0.25-₹0.50/km. Still cheaper overall.
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Q5: How do driving habits impact “electric car vs petrol car cost per km”?
A: Aggressive driving cuts EV range by 25% and petrol mileage by 20%. Gentle driving maximizes savings for both.
Q6: Are hybrids cheaper than EVs per km?
A: No. Hybrids (e.g., Toyota Urban Cruiser) cost ₹4-₹5/km – more than EVs (₹1.5-₹3/km) but less than petrol (₹7+).