EV vs Petrol: Real Monthly Cost Comparison in Indian Cities

The buzz around electric vehicles (EVs) has been hard to miss in India’s bustling urban centers. From Delhi’s smog-choked streets to Bengaluru’s tech-savvy lanes, the shift from petrol-powered cars to electric rides seems inevitable. But for everyday city dwellers juggling tight budgets and rising fuel prices, the real question remains: How do monthly costs actually stack up between EVs and petrol cars?

To get a clearer picture, we took a closer look at the on-ground expenses of running both types of vehicles in three major Indian cities — Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Fuel Costs: Where the Real Savings Begin

Fuel prices have been a rollercoaster for petrol users. As of August 2025, petrol in Delhi costs around ₹110 per litre, while in Mumbai and Bengaluru it hovers between ₹115 and ₹108. On average, a petrol car with a mileage of 15 km per litre running about 1,000 km a month burns roughly 67 litres of fuel. That’s about ₹7,370 to ₹7,700 per month on petrol alone.

Contrast this with an electric vehicle, which charges at home or public stations. Electricity rates vary city to city, but assuming an average rate of ₹7 per kWh and a consumption of about 15 kWh per 100 km, an EV owner pays around ₹1,050 for the same 1,000 km distance. That’s a huge difference — nearly a sixth of the petrol bill.

“Electric vehicles definitely reduce my monthly expenses,” says Riya Sharma, a Delhi-based software engineer who switched to an EV last year. “I used to spend close to ₹8,000 on petrol, but now my electricity bill goes up by just ₹1,000–1,200, even with charging at home.”

Maintenance: The Hidden Factor

While fuel costs grab the spotlight, maintenance is another critical aspect. Petrol vehicles, with their complex engines, need regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and periodic servicing. Experts estimate monthly maintenance costs can average ₹1,000–₹1,500, depending on the car’s make and age.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, have fewer moving parts and require less frequent servicing. Battery health checks and tire rotations are common, but there’s no need for engine oil changes or exhaust system repairs. Maintenance for EVs generally falls below ₹500 monthly, though battery replacement after several years can be a significant expense — one that is often spread over many years.

Suresh Iyer, a Mumbai-based mechanic, points out, “EVs are simpler machines. While they’re costlier upfront, their maintenance is surprisingly low. Petrol cars tend to need more care, especially as they age.”

Charging Infrastructure and Convenience

Running costs aside, many Indians are still wary about the availability and convenience of EV charging points. Bengaluru leads with more than 150 public charging stations, while Mumbai and Delhi trail behind, despite recent improvements.

“Charging infrastructure is improving, but it’s not yet at the level where you can just park anywhere and plug in,” notes Ashwin Reddy, an urban mobility analyst. “This affects how people calculate the total cost of owning an EV — factoring in time and convenience.”

For many city drivers, home charging is the go-to solution, but that depends on having a dedicated parking spot with an electricity connection, which isn’t always feasible in dense urban areas.

Resale Value and Government Incentives

Resale values of petrol cars have been relatively stable, though some depreciation is expected with the rising popularity of EVs. The government’s push for electric mobility, including subsidies, reduced GST rates, and lower registration fees, help bring down the initial purchase price of EVs, indirectly easing monthly financial burdens.

But Riya adds a cautionary note: “I’m happy with the savings now, but EV technology is evolving fast. I’m a bit nervous about how this will affect resale value in five years.”

Looking Ahead

The real monthly cost of running an EV versus a petrol car clearly tilts in favor of electric vehicles, especially when factoring in fuel and maintenance savings. However, the choice for Indian city dwellers isn’t just about numbers — it’s about lifestyle, infrastructure, and future-readiness.

As cities work on expanding charging networks and reducing electricity tariffs, owning an EV could become even more affordable and convenient. For now, though, many Indians are navigating this transition carefully, weighing immediate costs against long-term benefits — and the hope of cleaner air.

In the end, whether you’re team petrol or team electric, the evolving landscape of urban mobility in India is something to watch closely, with dollars and sense on the line as much as environmental concerns.

FAQs: EV vs Petrol in Indian Cities

1. EV chalane ka monthly kharcha petrol car ke mukable kitna kam padta hai?
EV chalane ka fuel kharcha petrol car ke mukable lagbhag 5-6 guna kam hota hai, kyunki electricity ka rate petrol se kaafi kam hai. Maintenance bhi EV me kam hota hai, isliye overall monthly kharcha kafi had tak kam ho jata hai.

2. Kya har shehar me EV charge karna aasaan hai?
Abhi charging infrastructure sabhi shehron me barabar nahi hai. Bengaluru me achha network hai, lekin Delhi aur Mumbai me charging points kam hain. Ghar par charging ki suvidha hone par EV chalana zyada aasaan hota hai.

3. Petrol car ke mukable EV ka maintenance kitna mehnga ya sasta hota hai?
EVs ka maintenance petrol cars ke mukable sasta padta hai kyunki unme engine oil change, spark plugs, exhaust system jaisi cheezein nahi hoti. Maintenance monthly ₹500 ke aas-paas ho sakta hai, jabki petrol cars me ₹1,000-1,500 tak.

4. Kya EV ke liye government se koi subsidy milti hai?
Haan, Bharat sarkar EV kharidne par subsidies, lower GST rates, aur registration fees me chhoot deti hai, jisse EVs ki initial cost kam ho jati hai aur monthly kharche me bhi farak padta hai.

5. EV ka resale value petrol car ke mukable kaisa hota hai?
Abhi tak EV ka resale market thoda developing stage me hai. Petrol cars ki resale value stable hoti hai, jabki EVs ki value technology ke upgrade hone par fluctuate kar sakti hai. Par jaise-jaise EV market badhega, ye gap dheere-dheere kam hoga.