Electric Car vs Petrol Car: Which Is the Better Choice for You?
- Electric Car vs Petrol Car: Key Differences
- What Is an Electric Car and How Does It Work?
- What Is a Petrol Car and How Does It Work?
- Difference Between EV and Petrol Car Based on Ownership Cost
- EV vs Petrol Car: Performance Comparison
- Charging an Electric Vehicle versus Refuelling a Petrol Car
- Challenges of Choosing an Electric Vehicle
- Factors to Consider Before Choosing Between an EV and a Petrol Car
- Can Financing Make Electric Cars More Affordable?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The sound of a motor or the usual sound of a petrol engine for your next car is a big decision. Fuel prices are going up. There are more incentives for electric vehicles now. So choosing a car is about how you feel and how much it costs.
This guide looks at the car versus petrol car issue with actual numbers and ordinary situations helping you figure out which one is better for your life and your money. The electric car vs petrol car decision is one, and this guide will help you with the electric car vs petrol car choice.
Electric Car vs Petrol Car: Key Differences
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of the difference between EV and petrol car fundamentals.
| Power Source | Battery + electric motor | Internal combustion engine (ICE) using petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Energy Cost | Electricity - ₹1.5-3 per km | Petrol - ₹7-9 per km (city) |
| Emissions | Zero tailpipe emissions | CO₂ and other pollutants |
| Maintenance | Fewer moving parts, lower service needs | Regular oil changes, more complex engine upkeep |
What Is an Electric Car and How Does It Work?
The electric car has a battery that stores energy. This energy makes the electric car move by powering one or more motors. These electric motors turn the wheels of the car. You have to plug the car in to charge it. This is similar to charging your phone.
The electric car does not have a clutch. Many models of the car do not have gears. The electric car can start moving from a standstill. When you slow down the car, it uses regenerative braking to get back some of the energy. This helps the electric car to be more efficient.
What Is a Petrol Car and How Does It Work?
India has a network of petrol pumps. This makes filling up with petrol easy. While initial purchase prices are generally lower than EVs, running costs per kilometre are higher due to fuel prices and service requirements.
- It needs a gearbox
- It needs an exhaust system
- It needs fluid top-ups
Difference Between EV and Petrol Car Based on Ownership Cost
When you look at the difference between electric and petrol vehicles in terms of money, the costs at the beginning and over time are really interesting.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: EVs eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and clutch replacements. Service costs often under ₹5,000 a year. Petrol cars easily run ₹10,000–₹15,000 annually.
- Insurance Cost: EV insurance premiums are currently 10–20% higher due to pricier battery components, but this is offset by lower running expenses.
- Five-Year Cost of Ownership: Even with the higher initial price, an EV often breaks even by year 3–4 for high-mileage users, thanks to drastically lower per-km costs.
EV vs Petrol Car: Performance Comparison
- One of the things that electric cars do well is acceleration. Electric cars deliver power. They can take off quickly without any delay. Even the basic electric cars are often faster than petrol hatchbacks that cost about the same amount of money.
- The experience of driving an electric car is also very smooth. Because electric cars do not have gears and the inside of the car is very quiet, they feel easy to drive in traffic. On the contrary, petrol cars give you a more traditional experience of driving with the noise of the engine and the feeling of the gears changing.
- The way electric cars deliver power is also worth talking about. Electric cars give you all their power from the start, which makes it easy to overtake cars and drive in the city. Petrol cars need to be driven for a while to get all their power.
Charging an Electric Vehicle versus Refuelling a Petrol Car
When you charge your electric vehicle at home, it is really easy. Most people who own an electric vehicle plug their vehicle in at night just like they do with their phone. You can use a 3-pin socket. You can also get a special wall-box charger. Either way, your electric vehicle will be fully charged by the time you wake up in the morning.
If you need to charge your electric vehicle when you're outside, you can use a Public Charging Station. There are lots of companies setting up these stations, like Tata Power and Ather Grid. Also, some Public Charging Stations are run by the state. These have chargers that can give your electric vehicle a lot of power quickly. For example, a 50 kW fast charger can fill up your electric vehicle from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.
Petrol pumps are all over the place so you can just fill up your car easily. You can fill up whenever you need to. It only takes like 5 minutes. If you have an electric vehicle, you need to plan a bit when you are going on a trip on the highway.
Challenges of Choosing an Electric Vehicle
The cost of replacing the battery in a vehicle is also a big concern for people who own electric vehicles. The batteries in vehicles usually last for 8 to 10 years if we use our electric vehicles normally. Other benefits include:
- They do not need maintenance
- They are easy to use
If the battery in a vehicle stops working after the warranty period is over, it can cost a lot of money to replace the battery in the electric vehicle. Around ₹3 to ₹6 lakh is the cost to replace the battery in a vehicle. Most companies that make electric vehicles give a warranty of 8 years or 1.6 lakh kilometres for the vehicles they make.
Most electric vehicles can run for 250 to 400 kilometres on a charge, which's enough for our daily needs. However, it takes some time to get used to the idea that we need to charge our vehicle just like we charge our phones. People are starting to feel more comfortable about using such vehicles. The range of vehicles is no longer a big problem.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Between an EV and a Petrol Car
- Daily Commute Distance: Under 60 km a day? An EV with home charging is a no-brainer. Longer distances with unpredictable routes? Petrol still offers flexibility.
- Budget: EVs demand a higher upfront outflow. But if you plan to own for 5+ years, total costs tilt in EV’s favour.
- City vs Highway Usage: City dwellers benefit the most from low running costs and regenerative braking. Frequent highway trippers may prefer petrol for now.
- Charging Accessibility: Have a dedicated parking spot with a power point? EV ownership becomes easy.
- Long-Term Ownership Plans: Staying with the car for over 4–5 years? An EV pays you back through fuel savings.
Can Financing Make Electric Cars More Affordable?
An EV’s higher sticker price can be softened with the right loan.
- Vehicle Loan Options: Many banks offer green car loans with marginally lower rates. Alternatively, a flexible personal loan can cover the down payment or the full on-road price.
- EMI Planning: Use an online EMI calculator to structure repayments that sit comfortably within your monthly budget, especially when you’re saving on fuel and maintenance.
- Cost Savings Through Lower Operating Expenses: The monthly fuel savings often cover a large chunk of the EMI, making the switch cashflow-positive sooner than you’d think.
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Conclusion
The choice between the two types of cars is not about which one is better. It is about which one fits your lifestyle. If you like electric cars because they are quiet and cost less, that is great.
If you prefer petrol cars because they are easy to use and can go far without stopping, that is okay too. Petrol cars do have their advantages.
You are deciding what works for you. When you are ready, Hero FinCorp can help you get a loan quickly and easily. Hero FinCorp offers loans to help you buy your dream car sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between cars and petrol cars?
The power source is different. Electric cars use battery motors. They do not produce tailpipe emissions. Petrol cars use an engine. Burn fuel.
Are electric cars better than petrol cars for commuting?
Yes, they are. This is especially true for city commutes that're under 70 km. Electric cars cost less per kilometre. They have a drive. You can charge them at home.
Is buying a car bad for your wallet in the long run?
If you drive a car often and keep it for a time like more than 4 to 5 years, then buying a car can save you money on fuel and maintenance. This means the extra money you paid for the car is worth it.
Do electric cars need to be serviced more often than petrol cars?
No, electric cars do not need a lot of servicing. They do not require engine oil, air filters or spark plugs. They also do not need gearbox maintenance. You just need to check things like the brake pads, tyres and the battery of your car.
How much does it cost to run a car compared to a petrol car?
Electric cars are very cheap to run. It costs between 1.5 and 3 rupees to charge a car for one kilometre at home. Petrol cars are a lot more expensive to run. They cost between 7 and 9 rupees for one kilometre. This means electric cars can be up to 80 percent cheaper to run than petrol cars.
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