The total cost of ownership (TCO) comparison must account for three things: upfront cost, running cost per kilometre, and maintenance cost over the ownership period. EVs typically cost more to buy upfront, but their running costs are dramatically lower.
Charging an electric scooter costs approximately ₹0.15–0.30 per km on Indian electricity tariffs, compared to ₹3–4 per km for a 50cc petrol scooter at current fuel prices. For a car, an electric vehicle costs roughly ₹1–1.50 per km versus ₹6–8 per km for a comparable petrol car. Maintenance is the third major factor: EVs have no engine oil, spark plugs, fuel filters, or exhaust systems to replace. Annual servicing for an EV two-wheeler is typically ₹500–2,000 versus ₹3,000–6,000 for petrol.
Running the numbers over five years, most EV owners in India recover the higher upfront cost within two to three years purely through fuel and service savings.
