The EV Reality Check: Long-Term Costs of Electric cars vs Petrol Cars in India

Confused between electric cars vs petrol cars? Have a look at this blog to find your solution!

Hi, I am Arvind Dutta, an automobile engineer & a blog writer in the Articoli News Platform from Kolkata. It’s been almost 7 years since I have been in the automobile industry. However, in 2025, I’ve seen India’s car market change more rapidly than ever. The rise of EVs has made people ask one big question: “Are electric cars really cheaper than petrol cars in the long run?”

With petrol prices climbing above ₹100 per litre and electric car sales growing 200% in two years, it’s time to take a closer look. This blog compares electric cars vs petrol cars over a five-year ownership period, including purchase cost, running cost, and maintenance, so you can make a smart decision.

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⚡ Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Compare Electric Cars vs Petrol Cars?

2. The Initial Shock: Purchase Price

3. Running Costs: The Real Savings

4. Maintenance & Service

5. The TCO Formula (5-Year Outlook)

6. Conclusion: What’s the Right Choice for You?

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1️⃣ Introduction: 

Electric cars vs petrol cars is not just a trending debate; it’s a financial decision for every Indian buyer.
Petrol and diesel prices keep increasing, while EVs are being pushed by the Indian government through subsidies and tax benefits.

The goal of this article is simple: to show the real five-year cost comparison of electric cars vs petrol cars based on real data from Indian roads and charging rates.

(“If you’re considering making the switch, you can check the latest EV offers on CarWale Official site , also you may check Tata Ev limited offers )

Let’s dive in.

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2️⃣ The Initial Shock: Purchase Price

While comparing electric cars vs petrol cars, the first difference that hits your wallet is the purchase price.

Here’s a quick table comparing some popular models in 2025:

👉 Observation:
EVs cost ₹2 to ₹4 lakh more upfront than their petrol versions, even after subsidies.

But the real question is , do they save enough later to balance this out?

(“You can explore state-wise subsidy and on-road prices through trusted auto portals like CarDekho or HDFC Green Loan Offers.”)

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3️⃣ Running Costs: The Real Savings

This is where the electric cars vs petrol cars debate starts getting interesting.

⚡ Cost Per Km Comparison

💡 Result: Electric cars are about 80% cheaper to run per kilometer.

So, if you drive 1,000 km/month, here’s what you spend:

• EV: ₹1,140/month

• Petrol Car: ₹6,660/month

• Yearly Saving: ₹66,000

• 5-Year Saving: ₹3.3 lakh

If you have solar charging at home or use slow charging overnight, costs can drop even further.

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4️⃣ Maintenance & Service

In terms of maintenance, electric cars vs petrol cars have a clear winner  is “EVs.”

🔧 Maintenance Cost Breakdown

👉 On average, EV maintenance costs are 40–60% lower.

EVs don’t have a complex engine, clutch, or gearbox , fewer moving parts mean fewer headaches.

However, the battery replacement (after 8 to 10 years) can be expensive, but most EVs come with an 8-year battery warranty today.

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5️⃣ The TCO Formula (5-Year Outlook)

Let’s now calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for both electric cars vs petrol cars over five years.

TCO = (Purchase Price + Running Costs + Maintenance) – Resale Value

💰 Result: The Tiago EV saves approximately ₹3.2 lakh over 5 years.

Even for higher-end models like the Nexon EV, the break-even point usually comes within 3.5 to 4 years for city users driving over 1,000 km/month.

5.1 The Resale Factor: Why EV Resale is Climbing

 

When calculating the final $\text{TCO}$, the resale value of your car after five years plays a major role. For decades, petrol cars had a predictable, steady depreciation. However, the used car market is changing rapidly in India, favoring $\text{EVs}$.

• The Battery Warranty Buffer: Most manufacturers provide an 8-year warranty on the battery. A five-year-old EV still having 3 years of official battery warranty remaining significantly boosts its resale appeal, as the buyer is protected against the most expensive component failure.
• Growing Demand for Used EVs: With high new EV prices, a growing number of Indian consumers are now seeking used electric cars to enter the segment. This rising demand keeps the resale price relatively high compared to equivalent petrol models.
• Petrol Engine Uncertainty: Older petrol cars face growing uncertainty over future emission norms and pollution restrictions in major cities, which subtly lowers their long-term appeal and, consequently, their resale value.

In essence, the $\text{3.5}$ lakh estimate for the Tiago $\text{EV}$ versus $\text{3}$ lakh for the Tiago Petrol reflects the market’s growing confidence in the long-term reliability and lower running costs of used electric vehicles in $\text{2025}$.

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6️⃣ Conclusion: What’s the Right Choice for You?

After evaluating all the data, here’s a realistic conclusion on electric cars vs petrol cars:

✅ Choose Electric Car if:

• You drive 1,000+ km/month.

• You can charge at home or office.

• You plan to keep the car for at least 5 years.

• You live in Tier-1 or Tier-2 cities with charging points.

❌ Choose Petrol Car if:

• You drive occasionally or short distances.

• You live in remote areas with few chargers.

• You prefer lower upfront cost and quick refueling.

As of 2025, EVs make financial sense for regular city users, while petrol cars still hold value for rural and long-distance users.

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🧾 Final Verdict (Arvind Dutta’s Take)

“The numbers are clear. When comparing electric cars vs petrol cars, EVs are not only futuristic , they’re financially smarter for urban Indians. The key is to calculate your real usage and charging options before switching.”

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❓ FAQs:

Q1. Are electric cars cheaper than petrol cars in India?
Yes, while EVs cost more to buy, they are cheaper to run and maintain, saving around ₹3–₹4 lakh over 5 years.

Q2. What’s the charging cost for electric cars?
Home charging costs around ₹8/kWh, which equals roughly ₹1 per km.

Q3. How long do EV batteries last?
Most batteries last 8–10 years with 70–80% capacity, and manufacturers offer long warranties.

Q4. Which is better for long-term ownership , electric or petrol?
For city users, electric cars win. For highway or rural users, petrol cars are more convenient for now.

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Blog submitted by Arvind Dutta , Automobile Engineer , Kolkata

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Articoli add on : Also, you may check out: Top 10 Electric Cars in India 2025: Price, Features & Best Picks