Petrol vs EV Running Cost for 1,000 km a Month: Worked Comparison

Contents

1. What are the typical fuel efficiency and electricity consumption values for petrol cars and EVs in India?
2. How much does it cost to drive 1,000 km per month on petrol versus electricity in India?
3. How do charging methods affect the EV running cost?
4. Are servicing and maintenance costs lower for EVs compared to petrol cars?
5. How do fluctuating petrol and electricity prices impact monthly running costs?
6. What other running costs differ between petrol cars and EVs?
7. What are typical monthly cost comparisons in other countries and how do they relate?
8. Frequently asked questions
9. The bottom line
10. Sources & methodology

For a typical driver covering 1,000 km per month in India, running an electric vehicle (EV) usually costs significantly less than a petrol car because electricity prices are generally lower than petrol and EVs use energy more efficiently. Exact costs depend on vehicle efficiency, local fuel or electricity prices, and the charging method used.

What are the typical fuel efficiency and electricity consumption values for petrol cars and EVs in India?

Petrol cars in India generally consume around 6 to 8 litres of petrol per 100 km, although this varies based on vehicle size, engine type, and driving conditions. Electric vehicles typically consume about 15 to 20 kWh per 100 km, depending on the model and battery technology. These figures are approximate benchmarks since comprehensive official data across all models and usage conditions in India is limited.

How much does it cost to drive 1,000 km per month on petrol versus electricity in India?

Using typical assumed values, petrol prices in India hover near ₹98 per litre, while residential electricity prices commonly range from ₹7 to ₹10 per kWh, though actual tariffs vary by state and time of day. A petrol car consuming around 7 litres per 100 km would use roughly 70 litres over 1,000 km, costing about ₹6,860 at ₹98 per litre.

An EV consuming approximately 18 kWh per 100 km would use 180 kWh for 1,000 km. Charging at a residential electricity rate of ₹8 per kWh results in a monthly electricity cost of about ₹1,440. Public fast charging generally costs more, sometimes exceeding ₹15 to ₹20 per kWh, which could increase monthly costs to around ₹2,000 but still usually remains below petrol costs.

How do charging methods affect the EV running cost?

• Home charging during off-peak hours is often the most economical, with rates typically between ₹6 and ₹8 per kWh. Access to overnight tariff plans or home solar systems can further reduce electricity costs.
• Public fast chargers incur higher electricity rates (around ₹15–20 per kWh) due to additional infrastructure and demand charges, raising charging costs and narrowing the EV’s cost advantage.
• Solar-powered charging can substantially lower or even nearly eliminate the electrical running cost, but this depends on factors like initial system investment, home rooftop availability, and sunlight conditions.
• The accessibility and price of these charging options vary across India, influencing the real-world cost-effectiveness of EV running costs.

Are servicing and maintenance costs lower for EVs compared to petrol cars?

EVs typically have lower servicing and maintenance costs because they have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and often experience less brake wear. International data suggests that EV maintenance costs may be roughly 30–50% lower than those for petrol cars, though India-specific figures are limited.

Costs for standard upkeep such as tyre replacements are generally similar for both petrol and electric vehicles, as tyre wear depends more on usage than powertrain type.

How do fluctuating petrol and electricity prices impact monthly running costs?

Petrol prices in India fluctuate due to global oil market dynamics and local taxation, which can cause considerable variation in monthly running costs for petrol vehicles. Electricity tariffs tend to be more stable, with some regional differences and the option to use off-peak rates or solar power that can help buffer cost increases.

These factors mean that while cost savings with EVs are typically consistent, individual running costs can shift over time depending on fuel and electricity market changes, as well as tariff structures.

What other running costs differ between petrol cars and EVs?

Other ownership costs such as vehicle excise duty, insurance, and depreciation differ between petrol cars and EVs but are not part of this fuel versus electricity running cost comparison.

In India, government incentives may reduce upfront EV purchase prices but do not directly influence running costs like fuel and maintenance. For a complete ownership cost comparison, see our Petrol vs Electric Car Ownership Cost in India: 5-Year Comparison.

What are typical monthly cost comparisons in other countries and how do they relate?

Data from countries like the UK and US show EVs typically cost 30–60% less per mile to run compared to petrol cars when factoring in fuel and servicing. For example, in the UK, EV fuel costs can be about one-third those of petrol cars for similar mileage.

While these international results reinforce the cost advantage of EVs, local variations in fuel and electricity prices, driving habits, and available infrastructure mean actual savings may differ in India but are likely to follow a similar trend.

Frequently asked questions

What is the monthly running cost difference between petrol and electric vehicles for driving 1,000 km?

EVs usually cost less than half the monthly running costs of petrol vehicles for this distance in India. This is mainly due to lower electricity prices compared to petrol and the higher energy efficiency of EVs.

How much can I save on fuel/electricity by driving an EV instead of a petrol car for 1,000 km per month?

Typical savings range from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 monthly, depending on charging location, tariff rates, and fluctuations in petrol prices.

How do charging methods (home, public rapid charging, solar) affect the running costs of EVs?

Home charging during lower tariff periods is usually the cheapest method. Public fast chargers increase costs substantially, narrowing the savings gap against petrol cars. Solar-powered charging can further reduce or nearly eliminate electricity costs but depends on investment and system availability.

Are servicing and maintenance costs significantly different between petrol vehicles and EVs?

EVs generally have lower maintenance costs because they lack oil changes and fewer mechanical parts require service. Savings in servicing can reach roughly 30–50%, based on international data, although India-specific data is limited.

How do fluctuating fuel and electricity prices impact the cost comparison between petrol and EV running costs?

Petrol prices in India fluctuate with global oil markets and local taxes, affecting monthly costs more strongly. Electricity prices tend to be more stable and may be managed with off-peak tariffs or solar, helping maintain EV cost advantages over time.

The bottom line

For Indian drivers covering around 1,000 km monthly, electric vehicles generally offer a much lower running cost compared to petrol cars, mainly due to the combination of lower electricity prices and better energy efficiency. Charging method and regional price variation influence actual costs, but EVs typically maintain clear monthly cost savings.

For a broader view beyond running costs, see our Petrol vs Electric Car Ownership Cost in India: 5-Year Comparison, and explore home charging solutions with our Best Home EV Chargers India: Price, Compatibility & Installation 2025.

Sources & methodology

We reviewed the primary references below when checking the time-sensitive facts in this guide. Product features, prices, rules and eligibility can change, so confirm important details with the linked authority before acting.

1. EV vs Fuel Running Cost Calculator (the US 2026) — EV Costs Comparison www.evcostscomparison.comThis calculator allows users to input their driving habits and local prices to compare the annual running costs of electric vehicles (EVs) and petrol cars in the United States. For example, a driver covering 13,000 km annually with an EV efficiency of 16 kWh/100 km and an electricity price of 17–18 cents per kWh would spend approximately $520 per year on electricity. In contrast, a petrol car with a fuel efficiency of 7.5 L/100 km and a fuel price of $1.90 per litre would cost about $1,853 annually. This results in an annual saving of about $1,333 by choosing an EV. The calculator also highlights that charging overnight on a utility time-of-use plan or from home solar can further widen the savings gap. However, it notes that relying on DC fast-charging narrows the savings, as the cost per kWh is higher at 35–60 cents. The tool focuses solely on running costs and excludes purchase price, servicing, registration, and insurance. It also mentions that EVs typically save on servicing due to fewer moving parts, making the running-cost gap usually conservative. Additionally, the calculator provides insights into the environmental benefits, estimating that an EV can avoid approximately 1.0 tonne of CO₂ emissions per year compared to a petrol car. The data sources include energy regulators, fuel-price monitors, and charging networks, ensuring the figures are based on current public data for the selected country. Users are encouraged to adjust the figures to match their specific situation for a more accurate comparison.
2. EV vs Petrol Running Costs UK: Which Is Cheaper in 2026? | Car Spot car-spot.ioThis article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the running costs associated with electric and petrol vehicles in the UK as of 2026. It highlights that EVs typically cost 30–60% less per mile to run than petrol cars. The comparison covers various cost categories, including fuel, servicing, tax, insurance, and depreciation. For fuel costs, the article presents several scenarios: charging an EV at home on an overnight tariff (7p/kWh) results in a cost of 2.0p per mile, while charging at a standard rate (28p/kWh) increases the cost to 8.0p per mile. Public rapid charging at 75p/kWh leads to a cost of 21.4p per mile. In comparison, a petrol car with a fuel efficiency of 40 mpg and petrol priced at 145p/litre incurs a cost of 16.3p per mile. The article emphasizes that home charging is the most economical option, with public rapid chargers matching petrol costs. Servicing costs for EVs are roughly half that of petrol cars due to fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less brake wear. However, it notes that used EVs may experience steeper depreciation, though the savings from charging often offset this gap. The article also discusses the impact of rising electricity prices, fluctuating petrol prices, and new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rules coming into effect from April 2025, suggesting that the cost advantage of EVs may vary based on individual circumstances and market conditions.
3. EV vs Petrol: The Complete UK Running Cost Comparison 2026 | Cost Per Mile www.costpermile.co.ukThis in-depth guide examines the real-world running costs of electric and petrol vehicles in the UK as of 2026. It provides a detailed comparison across various cost categories, including fuel, electricity, tax, servicing, and depreciation. For fuel costs, the guide notes that at the current UK average electricity rate of 24.5p/kWh, charging a typical EV (with an efficiency of 4 miles per kWh) costs around 6p per mile. In contrast, petrol at 158p/litre in a car achieving 40 mpg works out to roughly 18p per mile, making EVs approximately three times cheaper to run in terms of fuel costs. The guide also highlights that for a driver covering 10,000 miles per year, the annual fuel cost would be £600 for an EV and £1,800 for a petrol car, resulting in a £1,200 annual saving on fuel alone. Additionally, the guide discusses other cost factors such as road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty), servicing, insurance, and depreciation, providing a comprehensive overview to help consumers make an informed decision.