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Are Electric Cars Better than Petrol Cars in India 2025?
Compare electric vs petrol cars in India costs, performance, environment, and government support.
The automobile industry is changing rapidly, and one of the biggest shifts is the rise of electric vehicles. For decades, petrol cars have been the standard, but today electric cars are becoming more common on roads across the world. This raises a key question: are electric cars really better than petrol cars?
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice often depends on lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
Why Electric Cars Stand Out
Electric vehicles are often seen as the future of transportation, and for good reason:
Cleaner for the environment
Unlike petrol cars, EVs do not release exhaust fumes or carbon emissions when driven. This makes them an attractive choice in cities where pollution levels are already high. Choosing an EV directly contributes to reducing air pollution.
Lower running expenses
Charging an electric car is generally much cheaper than refuelling with petrol. On average, an EV consumes about 1 unit (kWh) of electricity for every 6–8 km. With electricity priced around ₹8 per unit, the cost per km comes to roughly ₹1–1.2.
In comparison, a petrol car that delivers 15 km per litre at a fuel price of ₹100 per litre costs approximately ₹ 6.50–7 per km.
This means running an electric car can be up to 5–6 times cheaper than driving a petrol vehicle. Additionally, electricity prices are more stable than those of petrol and diesel, providing EV owners with more predictable expenses.
Quieter and smoother performance
One of the biggest surprises for new EV drivers is how smooth they feel on the road. With instant acceleration and minimal noise, they provide a more refined driving experience. Maintenance costs also tend to be lower, since electric motors have fewer moving parts.
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The Challenges with Electric Cars
Despite their advantages, EVs are not without limitations:
Range limitations
Even with improving battery technology, many electric cars still cannot match the distance petrol cars can travel on a full tank. For drivers who frequently cover long routes, planning trips around charging stations can be inconvenient.
High initial cost
The purchase price of an electric vehicle (EV) is usually higher than its petrol counterpart. While lower maintenance and fuel savings can balance this out over time, the upfront cost is still a barrier for many buyers.
For example:
Tata Nexon Petrol starts at around ₹8 lakh, while the Tata Nexon EV costs about ₹14–15 lakh. That’s nearly a 70–80% higher upfront price.
MG ZS Petrol (international) is priced at around ₹12–13 lakh equivalent, while the MG ZS EV in India is about ₹23–25 lakh, making it roughly 80–90% costlier.
On average, customers can expect EVs to be 50–80% more expensive than comparable petrol models at the time of purchase.
Why Petrol Cars Still Dominate
Petrol cars remain the most common choice for vehicle owners, and their strengths are hard to ignore:
Extended driving range
Petrol vehicles can travel hundreds of kilometres before needing a refill, making them practical for intercity travel and long journeys.
Affordable purchase price
Compared to electric cars, petrol vehicles are generally cheaper to buy. This makes them accessible to a larger section of buyers.
Quick refuelling
Filling a petrol tank takes only a few minutes, unlike EVs that may require hours for a full recharge. Petrol stations are also far more widespread than charging points, making petrol cars more convenient in areas with limited EV infrastructure.
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The Downsides of Petrol Cars
Of course, petrol cars also bring challenges that cannot be overlooked:
Pollution and emissions
Petrol vehicles release a variety of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM).
CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
CO reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, causing fatigue, dizziness, and in extreme cases, poisoning.
NOx leads to the formation of smog and can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems.
Hydrocarbons (HC) react with NOx under sunlight to create ground-level ozone, which irritates the lungs.
Particulate Matter (PM) penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to heart disease, lung cancer, and reduced life expectancy.
Because of these severe environmental and health risks, governments strongly encourage a shift to electric and cleaner alternatives.
Unstable fuel prices
Unlike electricity, the cost of petrol is influenced by international oil markets, which makes fuel prices unpredictable and often higher in the long run.
Looking Ahead: Will Electric Cars Replace Petrol Cars?
The gradual shift towards electric cars is already underway. Several factors are driving this transformation:
Improving technology: Modern EVs are offering better battery ranges and faster charging solutions.
Stronger infrastructure: With more charging stations being built, EVs are becoming easier to use on long trips.
Falling costs: As production increases and competition grows, electric cars are slowly becoming more affordable.
Policy support: Governments across the world are offering tax benefits, subsidies, and even planning long-term bans on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.
In India, the government has introduced multiple incentives under the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, including:
Up to ₹15,000 per kWh subsidy for electric two-wheelers, capped at 40% of the vehicle cost.
Subsidies of ₹10,000 per kWh for electric cars used in commercial fleets (taxis, ride-sharing, etc.).
Exemption or reduction in road tax and registration fees for EVs in many states.
Income tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on interest paid for EV loans under Section 80EEB of the Income Tax Act.
Additionally, several states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have their own extra EV incentives, making ownership more affordable.
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Conclusion
Petrol and electric cars both have their own strengths. Petrol cars are cheaper to buy, easy to refuel, and still the most practical choice in many parts of the world. Electric cars, on the other hand, are cleaner, cheaper to run, and steadily improving in performance and range.
The future of mobility is likely to lean strongly towards electric vehicles as technology advances and infrastructure expands. While petrol cars will not disappear overnight, the road ahead seems increasingly electric.
