EV vs Petrol Car in India: Which Is Cheaper to Own in 2025?
Petrol prices are soaring, city roads are packed with new vehicles every day, and electric cars are no longer just a futuristic dream—they’re becoming a common sight on Indian highways. If you’re planning to buy a car in 2025, you’re probably asking yourself: Should I go electric, or stick to petrol? More importantly, which option will actually be lighter on my wallet in the long run?
In this post, we’ll break down the true cost of owning both an electric vehicle (EV) and a petrol car in India. Beyond just the showroom price, we’ll examine factors like subsidies, fuel or charging expenses, maintenance, resale value, and even the impact of government policies. With EV infrastructure expanding and automakers rolling out more affordable models, the economics of car ownership are changing rapidly.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a budget-conscious driver, or just curious about the EV buzz, this comparison will help you make an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers—so you can decide which ride is right for your future, and your finances, in 2025.
Key Features and Specifications
1. Powertrain and Performance
Electric Vehicles (EVs):
– Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor / AC Induction
– Battery Capacity: 25-50 kWh (mainstream models like Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV)
– Peak Torque: Instant (170–280 Nm)
– Transmission: Single-speed automatic
– Range (Real-world): 200–400 km per full charge
– Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8–10 seconds
Petrol Cars:
– Engine Type: Inline 3/4-cylinder, naturally aspirated/turbocharged
– Engine Displacement: 1.0–1.5 litres (e.g., Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20)
– Power Output: 83–120 PS
– Torque: 113–170 Nm
– Transmission: 5/6-speed manual or automatic
– Fuel Efficiency: 18–22 km/l (ARAI rated)
– Range: 500–700 km per tank
2. Running and Maintenance Costs
– EVs: Average charging cost per km: ₹1–2
– Petrol Cars: Fuel cost per km: ₹6–8 (assuming ₹100/litre petrol)
– Service/maintenance cost:
– EVs: Minimal servicing (battery, motor, cooling system)
– Petrol: Regular oil change, filters, spark plugs, clutch, exhaust, and more
3. Cost of Ownership (2025 Projections)
– EVs:
– Initial Price: ₹12–18 lakh (with government subsidies)
– Battery replacement (after 7–8 yrs): ₹3–5 lakh
– Petrol Cars:
– Initial Price: ₹7–12 lakh
– Long-term parts wear and fuel costs
Benefits and Advantages
– EVs:
– Lower running cost, especially with rising fuel prices
– Less scheduled maintenance and fewer wearable parts
– Zero tailpipe emissions—cleaner and environmentally friendly
– Smoother, quieter driving experience
– Strong government incentives and fewer road taxes in 2025
– Petrol Cars:
– Wider refueling infrastructure and faster refills
– Lower upfront cost (without subsidies)
– Better resale value in some regions (currently)
– Proven reliability and extensive service networks
In conclusion, while petrol cars hold an advantage in upfront cost and infrastructure, EVs offer substantial operational savings and lower long-term ownership costs in India by 2025, making them increasingly attractive for cost-conscious and eco-friendly buyers.
Pricing and Availability
When considering the switch between electric and petrol cars in India for 2025, understanding the current pricing, availability, and value proposition is crucial for making an informed decision.
Price Details and Variants:
As of 2025, popular entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV are priced between ₹8–12 lakh, while mid-range options like Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV400, and MG ZS EV are available in the ₹15–25 lakh bracket. For petrol cars, comparable models like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, and Tata Nexon petrol offer a broader spectrum, ranging from ₹6–15 lakh, with feature-rich, higher-end petrol SUVs touching ₹18–22 lakh.
Most EV manufacturers offer 2–4 variants per model, usually differing in battery pack size, range, charging speeds, and features. Petrol car variants, meanwhile, vary in terms of transmission, trim level, and features, largely accommodating budget-sensitive buyers.
Availability Information:
EVs are now more widely available across metros and Tier 2 cities, with Tata, Mahindra, and MG having established networks of authorized dealerships and service centers. However, some premium or new EV launches may have waiting periods of 2–6 months due to high demand and supply chain challenges. Petrol cars, owing to mature manufacturing and distribution, are almost universally available with minimal delivery delays.
Comparison with Competitors:
In 2025, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata continue to dominate the petrol market, while Tata, MG, and Mahindra are frontline EV competitors. Hyundai and BYD are also enhancing their EV portfolios, intensifying competition and innovation.
Value Proposition:
EVs offer significantly lower running and maintenance costs, especially with state subsidies, reduced road tax, and incentives. Petrol cars have lower upfront prices and unmatched refueling convenience. Yet, as battery tech improves and charging infrastructure expands, the total cost of ownership for EVs is rapidly converging with—or surpassing—petrol cars, especially in urban areas. Ultimately, EVs present a forward-looking value proposition for those prioritizing economy, sustainability, and long-term savings.
Performance Analysis
When comparing electric vehicles (EVs) and petrol cars in India for 2025, several performance metrics stand out. EVs typically offer instant torque, resulting in smooth acceleration and a quieter ride. Many users report the average 0-100 km/h time for mainstream EVs is comparable to, or faster than, their petrol counterparts in city environments. Modern EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV boast efficiencies of 5-7 km/kWh, while popular petrol hatchbacks average 17-20 km/litre.
Real-world usage indicates that EVs excel in city traffic with regenerative braking and low running costs—around ₹1-2/km compared to ₹6-8/km for petrol cars, considering 2025’s projected fuel and electricity prices. However, highway range anxiety remains an issue, as charging infrastructure expansion is gradual, and fast-charging can still take 30-60 minutes.
Pros of EVs include low maintenance, tax incentives, and reduced environmental impact. In contrast, petrol cars offer faster refueling, established service networks, and long-term reliability, especially in remote regions.
User feedback highlights praise for EVs’ convenience and smoothness, but many express concerns over initial purchase costs and charging logistics during interstate travel. Some petrol car owners remain hesitant about long-term battery replacement and resale value for EVs.
Overall, while EVs promise substantial cost savings and an improved urban driving experience, choices may still hinge on individual driving patterns and infrastructural developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main cost differences between an EV and a petrol car in India?
The main cost differences lie in fuel, maintenance, and purchase price. While EVs typically have a higher upfront cost, government subsidies can reduce this. EVs are much cheaper to charge than refuelling a petrol car, and they have lower maintenance expenses due to fewer moving parts.
Is charging an EV at home cheaper than petrol refuelling?
Yes, charging an EV at home is significantly cheaper. For most electric cars, a full charge costs between ₹250-₹400, which offers a range similar to petrol costing ₹800-₹1200 for the same distance.
How do maintenance costs compare?
EVs require less maintenance. They don’t need oil changes and have fewer wear-and-tear parts. Over 5 years, an EV owner may spend 30-40% less on maintenance than a petrol car owner.
Are there any extra costs specific to EVs?
You may need to invest in a home charging setup, and battery replacements (after 7-10 years) can be costly. However, battery costs are decreasing.
What about resale value in 2025?
Resale values for EVs are improving as technology matures and demand increases. While petrol cars have historically held value longer, EVs are catching up, especially in urban areas with charging infrastructure.
Conclusion
In summary, while petrol cars currently have a lower upfront cost and wider refuelling options, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly catching up with significant savings in fuel, lower maintenance costs, and increasing government incentives. As charging infrastructure grows and battery technology improves, EVs are set to become even more economical by 2025 for Indian consumers, particularly in urban areas. Considering long-term ownership costs and environmental impact, EVs present a smarter investment for future-focused buyers. For most city dwellers, the switch to electric will likely be cheaper overall in the coming years. Ready to make the shift? Start comparing EV models, check charging availability in your city, and calculate your total cost of ownership to make a choice that suits your needs and budget. The road to a greener and more cost-effective future starts today!
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