Electric cars cost more to buy in India but much less to run, especially if you charge at home. Enter your own fuel price, mileage and electricity tariff in the calculator to see your numbers.
Cost per km (example prices)
| Car | Assumption | Cost per km | Cost for 1,000 km a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 15 km/l at ₹100/l | ₹6.67 | ₹6,667 |
| EV, home charging | 7 km/kWh at ₹8/kWh | ₹1.14 | ₹1,143 |
| EV, public fast charging | 7 km/kWh at ₹20/kWh | ₹2.86 | ₹2,857 |
Charging mostly at home saves about ₹5,500 a month, or about ₹66,000 a year, at 1,000 km a month. If an EV costs ₹3 lakh more than a similar petrol car, that difference is recovered in about four and a half years from fuel savings alone.
What changes the answer
- How far you drive: the more km, the faster an EV pays back.
- Where you charge: regular fast charging narrows the gap.
- Your electricity tariff: check your state’s slab rates; some offer EV tariffs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV fully at home?
A 40 kWh battery charged from 20% to 100% takes about 32 kWh plus charging losses, roughly ₹280–300 at ₹8 per unit. Try the EV charging cost calculator.
What about servicing costs?
EVs have fewer moving parts and usually cost less to service, but tyres and insurance can cost more. Include everything with the total cost of ownership calculator.
Example prices only; fuel prices and tariffs vary by city and state.