"EVs are cheaper to run" is repeated so often it's background noise. Here are the actual numbers so you can decide for your driving.
Cost per kilometre, compared
| Assumption | Cost/km | |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol car | ~15 km/l @ ₹100/l | ~₹6.7 |
| EV — home charge | ~6 km/kWh @ ₹8/unit | ~₹1.3–1.5 |
| EV — public fast charge | @ ₹18–24/kWh | ~₹3–4 |
Beyond fuel
- Maintenance: EVs have far fewer moving parts — genuinely cheaper servicing.
- Upfront price: still higher, though incentives narrow it (varies by state — check current policy).
- Battery & resale: warrantied for years, but long-term resale is still maturing in India.
Work out your own break-even
- Estimate your annual km.
- Multiply by the saving (petrol ₹6.7 − home-EV ₹1.4 ≈ ₹5.3/km if you charge at home).
- Add maintenance savings, then divide the EV's price premium by the annual saving = break-even in years.
High mileage + home charging → break-even in a few years. Low mileage + public charging → a fuel-efficient petrol or CNG car may still win.
FAQ
Biggest factor in EV savings? Home charging — without it, savings shrink a lot.
For long EV drives, the Road Trip Planner shows chargers along your route and estimates charging stops; browse the EV charging directory. Compare your own numbers with the Fuel & Trip Cost Calculator. Tariffs and incentives change — verify locally.
