EV vs petrol car cost calculator
Compare the true running cost and break-even point of an electric car versus a petrol car.
Last reviewed: August 2026 · Figures are estimates for general planning only — see the explanation below for this calculator's specific assumptions.
driving 35 km a day, petrol costs about ₹6.25/km to run versus ₹1.33/km for the EV — the EV pays back its extra upfront cost in about 4.36 years. Over 8 years of ownership, EV works out cheaper overall, by about ₹2,50,483. See a similar cost-comparison approach applied to FD vs mutual funds
Should I buy an EV or a petrol car?
It depends almost entirely on how much you drive. An EV usually costs more upfront but far less per kilometre to run — so the more distance you cover, the faster that gap closes. This calculator finds your specific break-even point: the year (and the total distance) at which the EV’s lower running cost has paid back its higher purchase price.
What this simplifies, on purpose
Electricity cost uses a single blended rate rather than separately tracking home versus public charging — if you charge mostly in public (which usually costs more per unit), set this rate higher than your home tariff to reflect that. The comparison also leaves out insurance and resale value — insurance premiums for EVs and petrol cars are usually fairly close, and resale value depends heavily on the specific model and condition, which a generic calculator can’t know. It also doesn’t model a car loan, inflation in fuel/electricity prices, or government subsidies — all ignored to keep this a straightforward running-cost comparison rather than a full financial plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does driving more make an EV more worth it?
Yes — the EV’s advantage comes entirely from its lower running cost per km, so the more distance you cover each year, the faster you recover its higher purchase price. A low-mileage driver may never break even within a typical ownership period, while a high-mileage driver can break even in just a couple of years.
Why doesn’t this include insurance or resale value?
Insurance premiums for EVs and petrol cars are usually fairly close, so including them rarely changes the outcome much, and resale value depends heavily on the specific model, brand, and condition — not something a generic calculator can estimate accurately. This tool focuses on the one thing that’s consistently predictable: running cost per kilometre.
What electricity rate should I use if I charge both at home and in public?
Use a blended average weighted by how often you use each — home charging is usually ₹6–9/kWh while public fast charging can be ₹15–20/kWh or more, so if you rely on public charging often, your effective rate will be noticeably higher than your home tariff alone.
Common questions answered
- What does 5 years of EV ownership cost compared to petrol?
- EV vs petrol: is a ₹15 lakh EV worth it over an ₹8 lakh petrol hatchback?
- Is an EV worth it if it only costs ₹1 lakh more than the petrol option?
- What is the total savings from an EV over a 15-year ownership period?
- Petrol vs EV for typical Indian city driving conditions
- After how many kilometres does an EV break even, not just years?
- What is the EV break-even for a long 70 km daily commute?
- How much does an EV save with cheap ₹6/kWh home charging?
- Is an EV worth it for a fleet vehicle driven 150 km a day?
Your recent searches
Loading…
What people are doing
Loading…
Anonymous, not linked to any account — based only on real calculations made on this page. Click any entry to see it worked out.