Choosing between an electric vehicle and a conventional petrol or diesel car is not just about which one looks nicer. One of the most important numbers every buyer must understand is actual running cost. This comparison goes beyond sticker prices and looks at how much it costs per kilometer to run an EV versus a petrol or diesel vehicle in India.
Today, you will learn how to compute these costs using reliable formulas and examples, including tools like the EV vs petrol calculator India, EV vs petrol cost per km, EV vs diesel running cost calculator, and even model-specific cases such as a petrol vs EV scooter calculator. You will also get step-by-step guidance to build your own EV vs petrol calculator Excel sheet.
What Is an EV Running Cost Calculator?
An EV running cost calculator India helps you estimate the cost to operate an electric vehicle using inputs like:
- Electricity tariff per unit
- EV efficiency (km per kWh)
- Monthly or annual distance run
From these, it calculates cost per kilometer and compares it with petrol or diesel vehicles under similar circumstances.
Why This Comparison Matters
Fuel costs are one of the largest ongoing expenses for any vehicle owner. In India:
- Petrol cars run roughly ₹6 to ₹7 per km
- Electric cars often cost only ₹1 to ₹1.5 per km for charging when done at home charging rates of ₹6–₹8 per kWh.
This gap means significant savings for high-usage drivers, and a data-driven comparison clarifies where and how those savings happen.
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate EV Running Cost
Below is a simple formula used by most EV vs petrol cost calculators:
Formula for EV Running Cost
EV running cost per km = (Electricity tariff ₹ per kWh × kWh used per km)
Example:
- Tariff = ₹8 per kWh
- EV efficiency = 0.15 kWh per km
EV cost per km = ₹8 × 0.15 = ₹1.20/km.
Formula for Petrol/Diesel Running Cost
Fuel cost per km = Fuel price ₹ per litre ÷ Mileage km per litre
Example:
- Petrol price = ₹100 per litre
- Mileage = 15 km/l
Petrol cost per km = ₹100 ÷ 15 = ₹6.67/km.
Same logic applies for diesel:
- Diesel price ~ ₹90 per litre (varies state by state)
- Mileage = 20 km/l
Diesel cost per km = ₹90 ÷ 20 = ₹4.5/km.
How To Create Your EV vs Petrol Calculator Excel
If you want a simple EV vs petrol calculator Excel sheet, include the columns below:
| Input Variable | EV | Petrol/Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | X | X |
| Electricity tariff (₹/kWh) | A | N/A |
| Fuel price (₹/litre) | N/A | B |
| EV efficiency (km per kWh) | C | N/A |
| Mileage (km per litre) | N/A | D |
Then use Excel formulas:
EV cost per km = A / C
Petrol cost per km = B / D
Total running cost = cost per km × X
Savings = Petrol cost – EV cost
This makes your own EV savings calculator India that is dynamic and reusable.
Compare Running Costs: Example Calculation
Let’s compare a typical EV with an average petrol car over 1,000 km per month:
| Vehicle Type | Cost per km | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| EV (Home Charging) | ₹1.2 | ₹1,200 |
| Petrol car | ₹6.7 | ₹6,700 |
| Diesel car | ₹4.5 | ₹4,500 |
Monthly savings using the EV instead of a petrol car = ₹5,500.
Petrol vs EV Scooter Calculator: Two-Wheeler Costs
Electric two-wheelers bring similar advantages. According to a recent study, running costs for electric scooters in India are around ₹1.48 per km compared to ₹2.46 per km for petrol scooters.
So, for everyday commuting, electric scooters not only cut costs but also reduce running expense volatility tied to fuel price fluctuations.
How EV and Petrol/Diesel Costs Vary With Usage
Higher driving distances magnify savings. For example:
- Low usage (<500 km/month): petrol/diesel cost difference is smaller
- High usage (>1000 km/month): EV savings accumulate quickly
Most online EV vs petrol cost calculators and EV vs diesel running cost calculators allow you to set distance driven and compare total yearly or lifetime savings.
Real Life Example: City Commuter
Consider Rohan, a city driver who runs 1200 km per month:
- EV cost per km: ₹1.2 → ₹1,440/month
- Petrol cost per km: ₹6.7 → ₹8,040/month
Yearly EV fuel cost: ~₹17,280
Yearly petrol fuel cost: ~₹96,480
Annual savings = ~₹79,200 solely on fuel. Over several years, this difference becomes significantly large.
Beyond Running Cost: Other Differences
While running cost is crucial, consider these too:
- Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts and typically lower maintenance costs than petrol/diesel cars.
- Charging infrastructure: Home chargers make running cheap, but public fast charging costs can be higher.
- Resale value: Still evolving for EVs in India.
FAQs
What is the EV vs petrol cost per km in India?
Today, many EVs cost around ₹1.0 to ₹1.5 per km for charging, while petrol cars often cost ₹6.0 to ₹7.0 per km.
How do I use an EV vs petrol cost calculator?
Enter your monthly distance, electricity tariff, EV efficiency, fuel price and mileage for your petrol/diesel car. The tool will compute per km and total running costs.
Does EV vs diesel running cost calculator show similar savings?
Yes. Diesel cars are more efficient than petrol cars, but EVs still tend to cost significantly less per km, especially for high monthly usage.
Conclusion
By the numbers, electric vehicles offer a clear cost advantage over petrol and diesel cars when comparing EV running cost per km and total monthly fuel expenses. Using tools like an EV vs petrol cost calculator or setting up a personalized EV vs petrol calculator Excel sheet lets you estimate savings with your own usage patterns.
Whether you drive a car or a scooter, the potential savings every month can be substantial. With a data-driven approach, you can make confident decisions that make sense for your budget and lifestyle.