⚡ EV vs Petrol Fuel Savings Calculator

See exactly how much you'd save switching to an electric vehicle

Total Savings Over Period (EV vs Petrol)
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Total Petrol Fuel Cost
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Total EV Charging Cost
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EV vs Petrol Car — Real Fuel Cost Comparison

With electric vehicle adoption accelerating in India, the most common question buyers ask is whether the switch actually saves money on a day-to-day basis. This calculator compares pure running costs — fuel for petrol vs electricity for EVs — based on your actual driving pattern.

Why EVs Cost Less to Run

Electricity is fundamentally cheaper per kilometre than petrol in India. A typical petrol car covers 15-18 km/litre at ₹100+/litre, costing roughly ₹6-7 per km. An EV covering 5-7 km/unit at ₹6-10/unit electricity cost works out to roughly ₹1-1.5 per km — often 4-5x cheaper per kilometre.

What This Calculator Doesn't Include

This is a pure fuel/energy cost comparison. It excludes: the higher upfront purchase price of most EVs compared to equivalent petrol models, battery degradation and eventual replacement cost (typically needed around 8-10 years or 1.5-2 lakh km), lower EV maintenance costs (no engine oil, fewer moving parts, regenerative braking reduces brake wear), and any state government EV subsidies or registration/road tax waivers.

When EVs Make the Most Financial Sense

High daily mileage drivers (40+ km/day) see the fastest payback on the EV price premium. Home charging access (avoiding paid public charging) significantly improves the economics. Cities with EV-friendly policies (lower road tax, free parking, dedicated lanes in some areas) add further value beyond pure fuel savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do EVs really save money considering the higher purchase price? +
It depends on your usage. High-mileage drivers (commuting 40+ km/day) typically recover the price premium through fuel savings within 3-5 years. Low-mileage city drivers may take longer to break even purely on fuel costs.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home vs public charging? +
Home charging on a residential electricity tariff is typically the cheapest option (₹6-10/unit depending on your state and slab). Public fast-charging stations often charge a premium, sometimes 1.5-2x the home electricity rate.
What about EV battery replacement cost? +
Most EV manufacturers offer 8-year/1.5-2 lakh km battery warranties. Replacement costs (if needed after warranty) can be significant — often 30-40% of the vehicle's original price — though battery prices are falling steadily as technology improves.
Is petrol price volatility a factor in this comparison? +
Yes — petrol prices fluctuate with global crude oil prices and government taxation changes, while electricity tariffs are generally more stable. This adds a layer of long-term cost predictability favoring EVs that this calculator's snapshot comparison doesn't fully capture.