Electric Cars vs Petrol: Which Saves More Money in the Long Run?

By Vineet

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Electric Cars Vs Petrol Cars

A new trend is now visible on the roads of India. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, and now people have started wondering whether they are better than petrol cars. Rising petrol prices, environmental concerns, and new technology have made this debate even more interesting. But are electric cars really right for you, or are petrol cars still a better option?

In this article, we will explain to you the advantages, disadvantages, and what to expect in easy and simple language. Whether you are thinking of buying a new car or just want to get information, this information will be very useful to you.

Buying a car is not a small decision. It not only affects your pocket, but it also affects your daily lifestyle and the environment. Both electric and petrol cars have their own plus points and minus points. Let’s understand them one by one so that you can make an informed decision.

Know the Main Difference Between Electric Cars and Petrol Cars:

Best Electric Vehicle Buying Guide
Image Credit: Tata

Electric Cars: The Ride of Tomorrow

EV cars run on electricity, they do not have a petrol or diesel engine. They run on batteries, which you can charge at your home or at a charging station. Cars like Tesla, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra XUV400 are very much in the news these days. But are they beneficial for you?

Their biggest advantage is that they cause less harm to the environment. They do not emit smoke, which reduces air pollution. Also, the cost of charging them is much less than petrol, which saves money in the long run.

But their price can still be higher than petrol cars. Also, the lack of charging stations in small cities in the country is a big problem. However, the government is giving a subsidy on EV cars, which makes it a little easier to buy.

Petrol Cars: Old Trust, New Features

Petrol cars have been the first choice of people in India for a long time. People find cars of companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Toyota economical and reliable. Their biggest advantage is that you will easily find a petrol pump in any corner of the country.

Petrol cars cost less than EV cars, and their maintenance is also easy. Mechanics and service centers are available everywhere. But the rising price of petrol and the problem of pollution are their biggest minus points.

Petrol cars are good for those who travel a lot and find it difficult to find charging points everywhere. But if you are environmentally conscious, then these may not be your first choice.

Thar 2026 Facelift
Image Credit: Mahindra

Which costs less?

If we talk about cost, electric cars may seem a bit expensive initially. For example, the price of the Tata Nexon EV ranges from 14 to 17 lakhs, while its petrol version is available for 8 to 12 lakhs. But when the cost of electricity and maintenance is considered in the long term, EV cars are cheaper.

The cost of charging the car with electricity is much less than petrol. It is about 60 to 70 percent cheaper. If you use electricity, then there is less burden on your pocket, and it is also better for the environment.

Talking about maintenance, EV cars have fewer moving parts, which reduces the cost of repair and servicing. On the other hand, in petrol cars, there is a constant expenditure on things like engine oil, filter, and clutch.

But if you want to buy a car on a low budget, then petrol cars are the right option right now. Yes, if you look at the savings of 5 to 7 years, then EV cars prove to be beneficial.

Which is more fun to drive?

A big reason for the popularity of electric cars is their excellent performance. Their acceleration is very fast because they provide instant torque. For example, the Tesla Model 3 accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds.

Petrol cars are also powerful, but their acceleration is a bit slow. However, petrol cars are considered more reliable for long distances on the highway. If you are fond of long drives, then petrol cars still perform well.

Electric cars are very quiet when it comes to driving, which reduces noise in cities. But many people like the sound of a petrol engine and find it more enjoyable to drive.

Environment and future preparation

If we talk about the environment, electric cars are clearly better. These are zero-emission vehicles, which can help reduce pollution in a country like India. According to the WHO, many cities in India are among the most polluted cities in the world; in such a situation, EVs can bring a lot of change.

Petrol cars may pollute less with new technology, but they are not completely environmentally friendly. Yes, making and recycling the batteries of EV cars also harms the environment a little, but overall, they are much better than petrol cars.

The government’s target is to convert 30% of vehicles into electric vehicles by 2030. Charging stations are also increasing rapidly. This means that electric cars are set to become the vehicle of the future.

What is the final thing?

Both electric and petrol cars have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you care about the environment, live in a city, and want long-term savings, then electric cars are right for you. But if your budget is a little less, you travel long distances a lot, or there is less charging facility in your area, then petrol cars are still a good option.

Before buying a car, think carefully about your needs, budget, and driving style. Have you ever driven an electric car? Comment below, or talk about your favorite car. And yes, if you are planning to buy a new car, do not forget to take a test drive.

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