The Only Guide You Need to Decide Whether You Should Buy an EV in India
Introduction
If you’re sitting on the fence about buying an electric car in India, you’re not alone. For many car buyers, switching from petrol or diesel to an EV feels both exciting and risky. The market is full of noise, flashy advertisements, and mixed opinions.
This article cuts through the clutter with real expert insights from India’s leading auto voices and transport policy experts. We’ll answer the big questions:
– Are EVs really cheaper in the long run?
– Are they suitable only for city commutes or also for highway trips?
– How important is home charging compared to public charging?
– Do EVs really help the environment?
– What about resale value and servicing?
By the end, you’ll know exactly whether buying an EV in India in 2025 makes sense for you.
Do EVs Actually Help the Environment?
One of the biggest doubts in people’s minds is whether EVs are truly green. After all, most of India’s electricity still comes from coal-based power plants. Does driving an EV really reduce emissions, or is it just shifting pollution from the tailpipe to the power plant?
Experts agree that EVs still make a positive difference. While thermal power does generate carbon, the overall efficiency of electric motors is far higher than petrol or diesel engines. Plus, India is steadily increasing its share of renewable energy like solar and wind.
Most importantly, EVs cut local air pollution to zero. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, which struggle with terrible smog, stand to benefit enormously. In short, EVs are not perfect yet, but they are still a big step in the right direction.
EV Economics: Expensive or Cheaper?
The next big question is money. EVs often cost ₹4–6 lakh more upfront than their petrol counterparts. For example, the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV will be priced higher than the petrol Creta.
But the game changes with subsidies, tax benefits, and running costs:
– Fuel cost difference: Petrol cars cost ₹8–9/km to run. EVs cost as little as ₹1/km.
– State subsidies & tax waivers: Some states offer up to ₹1.5 lakh subsidies + registration and road tax exemptions.
– Servicing: EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning lower maintenance costs.
However, here comes the negative side: resale value is currently poor. First-gen EVs like the Nexon EV (2020) have shown steep depreciation, making some buyers hesitant.
So, financially, EVs make more sense for high daily usage (50–70 km+). If you only drive occasionally, the breakeven point may take longer.
Charging: The Make-or-Break Factor
Perhaps the biggest hurdle in India’s EV adoption is the charging infrastructure.
– Home charging: If you have a private parking space and a sanctioned electricity load, EVs are more convenient than petrol cars. Your fuel station is at home — just plug in at night.
– Public charging: Still unreliable, with poor availability on highways and inconsistent apps. Long-distance EV drives often feel stressful due to “range anxiety”.
– RWAs & housing societies: Many still resist EV charger installations. A ‘Right to Charge’ law could make this easier for buyers.
Some companies are exploring battery swapping, which allows quick refuelling like petrol. But this technology is still evolving. Until public charging is as painless as refuelling petrol, EV adoption will remain slow outside metros.
Driving Experience: A Big Positive
One area where EVs clearly win is driving pleasure.
– Instant torque makes acceleration smooth and powerful.
– EVs are silent, vibration-free, and stress-free in city traffic.
– Even affordable EVs like Tata Nexon EV drive smoother than premium ICE automatics.
Many owners say once they drive an EV, it’s hard to go back to petrol or diesel.
The Hidden Challenge: Resale Value of EV in India
While EVs are fun to drive and cheap to run, their resale value is weak.
– Older EVs face battery degradation fears.
– Buyers are unsure about second-hand EV reliability.
– ICE cars like Swift, Creta, or Scorpio retain resale better today.
This is a negative factor that cautious buyers must consider.
Servicing and Reliability
The good news: EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE cars. No engine oil, fuel pumps, or clutches. That makes them inherently more reliable.
The challenge? Software. EVs are highly software-driven, and many Indian automakers are still learning. Expect some glitches initially.
But in the long term, EVs should be more durable and cheaper to maintain.
Should You Buy an EV for Long Drives?
The truth is EVs shine in cities, not on highways.
– City commutes up to 200–300 km are comfortable.
– For long-distance road trips, charging delays and patchy infrastructure make EVs inconvenient.
If your lifestyle involves Mumbai–Pune runs or Delhi–Agra drives, EVs can work. But for family road trips across states, stick with petrol or a hybrid for now.
Expert Conclusion
Both experts — Dr. O.P. Agarwal and Hormazd Sorabjee — agree on one thing: EV adoption in India is inevitable.
– YES, buy an EV if:
– You drive mostly within the city.
– You can install a home or office charger.
– You want a smooth, eco-friendly driving experience.
– WAIT if:
– You can’t arrange home charging.
– You depend on public charging often.
– You plan frequent long highway trips.
India’s target is to make 30% of all vehicles electric by 2030. With falling prices and better charging networks, EVs will only get more attractive in the next 5 years.
:
“To see if your state offers subsidies or tax waivers, visit the official FAME India portal.”
Government EV Policy & Subsidy Portal (FAME India Scheme)
FAQs on Buying an EV in India
- Q: Are EVs really cheaper in India?
A: Yes, if you drive daily. Lower running costs and subsidies make them cheaper long-term, but resale value remains weak.
- Q: Can I use an EV for highway trips?
A: You can, but it’s inconvenient due to limited charging stations. Best suited for cities.
- Q: Do EV batteries pollute the environment?
A: Batteries can cause landfill waste, but recycling and second-life solutions are improving.
- Q: What is the biggest challenge of owning an EV in India?
A: The lack of reliable public charging. Without home charging, it’s difficult.
- Q: Should I wait for prices to fall further?
A: Prices are dropping, but subsidies may be reduced. If you drive a lot in the city, buying now makes sense.
Final Thoughts
Buying an EV in India is not just about saving money — it’s about choosing convenience, clean air, and future-proofing your ride.
But remember: EVs are not for everyone. If you have home charging and drive mostly in the city, EVs are an excellent choice today. If not, you may want to wait for India’s charging infrastructure to catch up.
Either way, the shift is coming. The real question is — are you ready to be an early adopter, or will you wait for the masses to follow?
Our Blogs :
China’s Booming EV Industry – Lessons for India’s Electric Vehicle Future
GST Reduction 2025: Car & Bike Prices Drop in India – Full Savings Guide
Referral Video Beneficial to See