With an astounding 1.53 million EV sales in 2024 alone, the Indian automotive market has seen a surge in the popularity of electric vehicles in recent years. A prevalent quandary emerges when a growing number of consumers contemplate transitioning from conventional gasoline-powered cars to electric substitutes: is it better to choose an electric car, remain with a gasoline-powered vehicle, or strike a balance with a hybrid? Many prospective Indian car buyers are debating between petrol and electric vehicles.

We recognize the complexity of this choice and seek to offer a thorough breakdown of the salient features, advantages, and disadvantages of each choice. We will guide you through this decision-making process and help you select the option that best meets your needs by examining aspects like cost, performance, environmental impact, and infrastructure.

 

Table of Contents

• Difference Between Electric Cars and Petrol Cars
• Pros & Cons of Electric Cars
• Pros & Cons of Petrol Cars
• Cost Comparison of Electric Cars and Petrol Cars
• What Does the Future Hold?
• Are EVs Difficult to Maintain?
• Some Concluding Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

Difference Between Electric Cars and Petrol Cars

It’s critical to comprehend the key distinctions between an electric vehicle (EV) and a gasoline-powered car, as well as the function of hybrids in closing the gap, when making this decision.

Below is an explanation of each:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Rechargeable batteries provide the only source of power for electric vehicles, or EVs. They create no tailpipe emissions by converting electrical energy to kinetic energy. EVs are renowned for their quiet operation, instant torque, and reduced operating expenses. Fun fact: the Reva, which debuted in 2001, was India’s first electric vehicle.
• Petrol Cars: Internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel power petrol cars, which are the conventional option for Indian consumers. When comparing gasoline vs. electric vehicles, it’s critical to remember that while gasoline vehicles have quicker refueling times and longer driving ranges, they also cost more to fuel and emit more harmful emissions.
• Hybrid cars: Equipped with both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, hybrids offer the best of both worlds. For shorter trips, they can run solely on electricity; for longer ones, they can run on gasoline. In comparison to traditional gasoline-powered cars, hybrids are more fuel-efficient and emit fewer pollutants, all while maintaining the convenience of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Feature	Electric Car	Petrol Car
Fuel Source	Electricity	Petrol
Running Cost	Generally Lower (Lower fuel & maintenance costs)	Generally Higher (Higher fuel & maintenance costs)
Fuel Efficiency	Measured in kWh/km	Measured in Kilometers per Liter (kmpl)
Emissions	No Tailpipe Emissions	Significant Tailpipe Emissions (CO2, NOx, Hydrocarbons)
Maintenance	Lower (Fewer moving parts)	Higher (Regular engine & transmission maintenance)
Government Incentives	Eligible for FAME-II Subsidies (Reduces upfront cost)	No Government Incentives on Purchase
Charging Infrastructure	Growing Network (Planning long trips might require strategy)	Widely Available Petrol Stations
Driving Range	Limited on a Single Charge (Improving with Battery Technology)	Longer Range on a Full Tank
Performance	Often Quicker Acceleration (Instant Electric Motor Torque)	Performance varies based on Engine Capacity
Upfront Cost	Generally Higher (But FAME-II subsidies can help)	Generally Lower
Insurance Cost	Currently Slightly Higher (Newer technology)	Lower (Mature technology)
Resale Value	Currently Lower (But expected to improve)	Generally Higher

The argument between gasoline-powered and electric vehicles is getting more heated as the Indian government works to create a greener future. Indian consumers can make well-informed decisions regarding their priorities, including environmental impact, running costs, and driving range, by being aware of the key differences between these vehicle types.

 

Pros & Cons of Electric Cars

It’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of electric car adoption in India in order to make an informed choice.

The following are some of the main benefits and drawbacks of electric cars:

Pros:

• Lower environmental impact with zero tailpipe emissions, helping to clean up the air in Indian cities;
• Lower maintenance costs because there are fewer moving parts and no need for frequent oil changes;
• Lower running costs because electricity is less expensive than gasoline or diesel;
• Government subsidies and incentives make EV purchases more affordable;
• Smooth acceleration and instant torque make driving an enjoyable experience.

Cons:

• Limited driving range on a single charge, which may cause range anxiety for long-distance travel;
• Higher upfront costs compared to petrol cars, which can be a barrier for many Indian consumers;
• Inadequate charging infrastructure across India, making it difficult to plan long trips;
• Requires a change in driving habits due to longer charging times than gasoline-powered vehicles;
• Depends on the electric grid, which may not be completely dependable or clean in all of India;

Even though electric vehicles have benefits, we think Indian consumers should carefully consider their unique needs as well as the current limitations of EVs before making a decision.

 

Pros & Cons of Petrol Cars

The benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a gasoline car in India should also be taken into account, as these vehicles have historically been the preferred option for Indian buyers. The following are a few benefits and drawbacks of gasoline-powered cars:

 

Pros:

• Greater driving ranges than electric vehicles, enabling longer journeys between fill-ups;
• Quicker fill-up times, only a few minutes to fill up at conveniently located gas stations;
• A larger range of Indian consumers can purchase them due to their lower upfront costs compared to electric vehicles;
• Their extensive service network and skilled mechanics ensure simple maintenance and repairs;
• A large range of models are offered in various market segments and price points to accommodate a range of preferences;

Cons:

• Significant environmental impact from tailpipe emissions, which contribute to air pollution in Indian cities;
• Higher running costs due to rising petrol and diesel prices in India;
• Higher maintenance costs compared to electric cars, requiring regular oil changes and engine tune-ups;
• Industries on finite, volatile fossil fuels that are not renewable;
• Tighter government restrictions on fuel economy and emissions could have an effect on how long gasoline-powered vehicles can remain viable.

Although petrol cars are known for their convenience and familiarity, there are strong arguments to consider the switch to electric vehicles in India due to growing concerns about the impact on the environment and rising fuel prices.

 

Cost Comparison: Electric Cars vs. Petrol Cars – Who Wins?

It’s important to weigh the initial outlay as well as the ongoing costs of ownership when comparing the prices of petrol and electric vehicles in India. Even though they are frequently more expensive to buy initially, electric vehicles (EVs) can save a lot of money on operating and maintenance expenses, which makes them a desirable choice for people looking for a low-maintenance vehicle.

Let’s take a closer look at the cost comparison of an average SUV, which is available in both petrol and electric variants:

Particulars	SUV EV Variant	SUV Petrol Variant
On-road Price (Delhi)	₹16.5 lakhs*	₹8.9 lakhs*
Car Insurance Costs	₹70,000^	₹42,000
Fuel Efficiency/Range	453 km/charge	17 kmpl
Maintenance Costs (Annual)	₹4,000	₹8,000

*Approx. price of the SUV

^Often included in the on-road price

Assuming an annual mileage of 10,000 km and an electricity cost of ₹7 per unit, the EV variant would consume approximately 662 units of electricity, costing ₹4,634 per year in fuel expenses. In contrast, the petrol variant, with an average fuel price of ₹100 per liter, would consume approximately 590 liters of petrol, costing ₹59,000 annually.

Annual Costs	SUV EV Variant	SUV Petrol Variant
Fuel Costs	Rs. 4,634	Rs. 59,000
Maintenance Costs	Rs. 4,000	Rs. 8,000
Total Annual Costs	Rs. 8,634	Rs. 67,000

The EV has a higher initial cost than its gasoline-powered counterpart, but its yearly operating and maintenance costs are substantially less, as the table shows. For Indian consumers, electric cars are becoming a more attractive option because these long-term savings can more than offset the initial cost difference.
The EV has a higher initial cost than its gasoline-powered counterpart, but its yearly operating and maintenance costs are substantially less, as the table shows. For Indian consumers, electric cars are becoming a more attractive option because these long-term savings can more than offset the initial cost difference.

After using their electric vehicle for a few years, owners may have to budget for the expense of replacing the battery. For their SUV EV models, Indian automakers normally provide a standard warranty of three years or 1.25 lakh kilometers, whichever comes first. These vehicles typically have a 40.5kWh or 30kWh battery pack installed; the larger battery has an approximate driving range of 435 km on a single charge, while the smaller battery has a range of about 325 km. Depending on the battery capacity, replacing an EV SUV’s battery could cost anywhere from ₹3.33 lakh to ₹4.43 lakh at the current industry rate of about ₹11,100 per kWh.

 

What lies ahead?

Looking ahead, it is evident that electric vehicles will become more and more important in the Indian automotive industry. The Indian government has set lofty goals for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), hoping to reach 30% of sales by 2030. Many reasons are driving the electrification movement, such as the need to combat climate change, cut down on air pollution, and lessen reliance on imported fossil fuels.

But this change won’t happen quickly, and gasoline-powered vehicles will probably continue to play a significant role in Indian roads for some time to come. The use of electric vehicles (EVs) will increase as battery technology and charging infrastructure develop. With the introduction of cleaner technologies like hybrid powertrains and tighter emission regulations, it is anticipated that gasoline-powered vehicles will simultaneously become more ecologically friendly and fuel-efficient.
In the end, a combination of gasoline, electric, and hybrid cars will define the Indian automotive market’s future and satisfy the varied demands and tastes of Indian consumers. As authorities in the area, we predict a slow but steady transition in India toward greener, cleaner, and more sustainable forms of transportation.

 

Are EVs challenging to maintain?

Regarding the upkeep of electric vehicles (EVs), there are various aspects to take into account:

• Compared to gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, which typically means less maintenance needs.
• Over the course of the car’s life, this may save money.
• To keep their cars looking brand new, EV owners should still spend money on routine auto detailing.
• Paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are two services that can shield the car’s exterior from environmental deterioration, chips, and scratches.
• The battery needs extra care because it is the most important part of an electric vehicle.
• Avoiding extreme temperatures and maintaining regular charging habits can help the battery last longer.
• While EV maintenance is generally easier, finding qualified technicians and sourcing spare parts can be difficult in India because the EV ecosystem is still developing.
• The country’s hot climate may require extra care to prevent battery degradation.
• Compared to gasoline-powered cars, this could result in higher repair costs and longer wait times.

In general, maintaining an electric vehicle (EV) differs from maintaining a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, but it is not intrinsically difficult. We anticipate more experienced technicians and greater accessibility to parts and services as the Indian EV market develops, which will further simplify and ease EV maintenance.

 

A few closing remarks

The Indian market for electric cars is developing quickly, providing more options and better infrastructure. You can make an informed decision that fits your budget and environmental values by carefully weighing your needs and the previously mentioned factors.
An extensive comparison of gasoline-powered and electric vehicles has been given in this blog. It’s time to decide wisely and start your journey toward sustainable driving!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to charge an electric car?
   The battery size, charger type, and car model all affect how long a battery takes to charge. Fast charging stations can recharge a battery in less than an hour, while home charging usually takes longer (overnight).
2. What are the government incentives for buying electric cars in India?
   The Indian government provides a number of programs, such as FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles), which lower the initial cost of buying an electric car by offering subsidies.
3. Is it safe to drive an electric car in rain or water?
   Electric vehicles are made to survive exposure to rain and water. To stop short circuits, their high-voltage components are tightly sealed.
4. What is the resale value of electric cars?
   Currently, electric cars have a lower resale value than gasoline-powered vehicles. However, this trend is anticipated to shift as the EV market develops and battery technology advances.