Rs 12 lakh new car dilemma: petrol or electric?

The choice between electric or petrol depends on your monthly running, and availability of charging infrastructure.

Published On May 31, 2024 05:00:00 PM

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Petrol vs electric entry-level cars in India

I have a budget of Rs 10 lakh-12 lakh and my average running is around 500km per month. I am confused about whether I should go in for a petrol vehicle or an EV.

Vikram Gupta, Surat

Autocar India says: For your average running of 500km a month, the high purchase cost of an EV won’t be offset by the lower running costs. However, owning an EV should be viewed beyond the economics of running it. Apart from zero tailpipe emissions, the driving experience an EV offers is something no petrol car can match. EVs are uncomplicated to operate, whisper quiet, and the linear and instant power delivery make them very easy to drive. In fact, EVs are the best type of automatic cars.

However, there are challenges too, notably around charging. If you cannot install your own private wall-box home charger, you will have to depend on a public or community chargers in your residential or office complex. This not only prevents you from charging whenever you like, there’s also the chance these chargers will be occupied by someone else.

Also bear in mind that for your budget of Rs 10 lakh-12 lakh, the only EVs you will get are the Tata Tiago or MG Comet, while you can get a reasonably well-equipped petrol compact SUV or sedan fgor the same price. Also, it’s a hassle to take an EV long distances as the charging infrastructure is not always reliable. To sum up, an EV is a no-brainer as a city car, provided you can install your own private AC home charger.

Also see:

MG Comet review, road test

MG Comet EV India video review

MG Comet EV India review: Box of Tricks

Tata Tiago EV review: Everyday electric

Tata Tiago EV video review

MG Comet vs Tata Tiago EV comparison video

Citroen eC3 vs Tiago EV video comparison

MG Comet vs Tata Tiago EV comparison: Which is the best budget EV?