How This Calculator Works
This EV vs Petrol cost calculator compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an electric vehicle and a petrol car in India over your chosen ownership period. It factors in the purchase price, fuel or charging costs, annual road tax (India state rates for FY 2025-26), mandatory third-party and comprehensive insurance per IRDAI tariff, regular servicing, tyre replacement, and depreciation — all pre-filled with current India-specific rates that you can adjust to match your exact situation.
India Vehicle Road Tax
Petrol Car — One-Time Lifetime Road Tax
India charges a one-time lifetime road tax as a % of ex-showroom price (varies by state). Delhi rates shown.
| Up to ₹6 Lakh | 4% of price |
| ₹6L – ₹10L | 7% of price |
| ₹10L – ₹20L | 10% of price |
| Above ₹20L | 12% of price |
EV Road Tax — State Exemptions
| Delhi | 100% exempt |
| Maharashtra | 100% exempt |
| Gujarat | 100% exempt |
| Karnataka | 100% exempt |
| Tamil Nadu | 100% exempt |
Also UP, Rajasthan, AP, MP, Uttarakhand. GST on EVs is 5% vs 28%+cess on petrol cars.
Insurance Rates Used
Third-Party Insurance (Mandatory)
| ICE: Up to 1000cc | ₹2,094/yr |
| ICE: 1001-1500cc | ₹3,416/yr |
| ICE: 1501cc+ | ₹7,897/yr |
| EV: Up to 50 kW | ₹1,780/yr |
| EV: 50+ kW | ₹2,904/yr |
Comprehensive Insurance (Own Damage)
| ICE up to 1000cc | ~2.8% of IDV |
| ICE 1001-1500cc | ~3.2% of IDV |
| ICE 1501cc+ | ~3.8% of IDV |
| EV up to 50 kW | ~2.5% of IDV |
| EV 50+ kW | ~2.9–3.4% of IDV |
IRDAI mandates 15% TP discount for EVs. Per IRDAI Motor Insurance Circular (FY 2025-26).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to own an EV or petrol car in India?
Over 5 years, an EV saves approximately ₹8-12 Lakh compared to a similarly priced petrol car. The biggest savings come from fuel (EVs cost ₹1.2-2/km vs ₹6-8/km for petrol at current prices), 100% road tax exemption in most states, lower insurance (15% IRDAI discount), and near-zero maintenance — no oil changes, timing belts, or spark plugs.
What is the current petrol price in India (2026)?
As of 2026, petrol costs approximately ₹94-96/litre in Delhi, ₹103/litre in Mumbai, and ₹99-101/litre in Bangalore and Chennai. Prices are revised fortnightly by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), BPCL, and HPCL based on international crude oil rates and state-specific VAT/cess.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in India?
Home charging costs ₹5-8/kWh depending on your state DISCOM electricity slab (Delhi: ₹4-5/kWh for first 200 units; Karnataka: ₹5-6/kWh; Maharashtra: ₹5-7/kWh). A full charge for a Tata Nexon EV (40 kWh) costs ₹250-350 at home and delivers 250-300 km real-world range. Public DC fast charging costs ₹18-25/kWh.
Do EVs get road tax exemptions in India?
Yes — most major Indian states offer 100% road tax exemption for EVs, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, EVs attract only 5% GST vs 28%+cess (43-50% effective) on petrol cars, saving ₹3-8 Lakh upfront on a mid-range vehicle.
What types of insurance do EVs need in India?
Mandatory third-party insurance (₹1,780-2,904/yr for EVs — 15% cheaper than petrol equivalents per IRDAI). Optional: Comprehensive own-damage cover (2.5-3.4% of IDV), Battery Protection Cover (₹5,000-15,000/yr — highly recommended as standard policies may not cover battery degradation), and EV Roadside Assistance.
How much does EV battery replacement cost in India?
₹2.5-3 Lakh (MG Comet / Tata Tiago EV with 17-24 kWh) to ₹8-11 Lakh (Tata Nexon EV / MG ZS EV with 40-50 kWh). Most manufacturers offer 8-year / 1,60,000 km warranty. Battery pack costs have dropped ~20% annually and replacement is rarely needed before 10+ years.
Calculations are estimates based on 2026 India rates (petrol ~₹95/L Delhi, DISCOM electricity ₹7-8/kWh, state road tax schedules). Insurance rates per IRDAI Motor Insurance Circular (FY 2025-26). Road tax per individual state RTO schedules.