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Discover exactly how much you could save every month and every year by switching to an electric vehicle. Compare your real running costs and find your break-even point.
The sticker price of an EV is higher than a comparable petrol car, but the running cost tells a very different story. In India, where petrol prices regularly cross ₹100 per litre, the cost advantage of EVs is substantial for anyone driving more than 1,000 km per month.
| Parameter | Nexon Petrol | Nexon EV |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | ~14 km/L (real) | ~5.8 km/kWh (real) |
| Fuel price | ₹102/L petrol | ₹8/kWh (home charging) |
| Cost per km | ~₹7.3/km | ~₹1.4/km |
| Monthly cost (1500 km) | ~₹10,900 | ~₹2,070 |
| Yearly cost | ~₹1,30,800 | ~₹24,840 |
| Yearly savings | ~₹1,05,960 | |
The EV variant of a car typically costs ₹3–8 lakh more than the equivalent petrol version. The Tata Nexon EV costs approximately ₹5 lakh more than the Nexon petrol. At ₹1,05,960 yearly savings, the break-even point would be roughly 4–5 years — after which the EV puts money back in your pocket every month.
Home charging overnight on a standard 15A socket or 7.4 kW home charger costs ₹6–9 per kWh in most Indian states — making it far cheaper than petrol. Public DC fast chargers cost ₹12–18 per kWh and add convenience but at roughly 3–4× the per-km cost of home charging. Smart EV owners charge at home 80–90% of the time and use public chargers only on long trips.
Savings = (Monthly km driven × Petrol cost per km) − (Monthly km driven × EV electricity cost per km). Petrol cost per km = Petrol price ÷ Petrol mileage. EV cost per km = Electricity rate per kWh ÷ EV efficiency in km/kWh. Multiply monthly savings by 12 for yearly savings.
Indian EVs typically deliver 5–7 km per kWh in real-world conditions. The Tata Nexon EV gets about 5.5–6 km/kWh, the MG ZS EV around 5–5.5 km/kWh, and the Tata Tiago EV up to 6.5–7 km/kWh. City driving with regenerative braking is usually more efficient than highway driving.
Residential electricity rates in India range from ₹5–12 per kWh depending on your state and consumption slab. Most middle-income households pay ₹6–9 per kWh. Check your electricity bill for your applicable rate. Public fast chargers cost ₹12–18/kWh, so home charging is always cheaper.
Yes. The FAME II scheme provides subsidies on eligible electric cars. Many state governments also offer additional incentives — for example, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi have offered substantial subsidies on EV purchase. Check the latest FAME scheme beneficiary list before buying.
This calculator covers running fuel costs only. Other ownership costs include: home charger installation (₹15,000–30,000 one-time), higher insurance premiums for EVs (typically 10–20% higher than comparable petrol cars), and potential battery replacement costs after 8–10 years (though most manufacturers offer 8-year battery warranties).
Generally yes. EVs have fewer moving parts — no engine oil changes, no clutch, no exhaust system, no spark plugs. Annual maintenance typically costs ₹3,000–8,000 for an EV vs ₹10,000–25,000 for a comparable petrol car. Brake pads also last longer due to regenerative braking.
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