CNG vs Electric Car: Whenever it comes to choosing a car with low running cost in the Indian auto market, customers have only two main options. CNG and Electric Vehicle (EV). If you are thinking in terms of the next 15 years i.e. the entire lifecycle of any car, then this decision becomes even more important.
Over a long period of 15 years, it is not just the initial price of the car that matters, but the subsequent big factors like fuel cost, maintenance, battery life and resale value change the game. In this detailed report, we will analyze every aspect which will help you understand which car is going to prove to be the best according to your pocket and needs for the next 15 years.
Upfront Cost
If you compare the CNG and EV versions of the same model in the showroom, you will see a big difference in the starting price of both. For example, in a budget car like Tata Tiago, the electric model (EV) is costlier by about Rs 2 to 3 lakh compared to the CNG model. This initial difference of 15 years of ownership matters a lot, because to buy an EV you have to invest more from day one or take a bigger loan (which will attract interest). However, CNG cars easily fit into the budget.
Running cost: math per kilometer
In the long run, the EV compensates for its initial expensive price with its extremely low running costs. Let us understand the mathematics of both.
- Electric Car: If you charge the car at home at night, the cost of running an EV is only ₹1 to ₹1.5 per kilometer depending on the electricity rate.
- CNG Car: The mileage of CNG cars may be excellent, but according to the current CNG prices, its running cost comes to ₹ 3.5 to ₹ 4 per kilometer.
Thus, suppose you drive 15,000 kilometers in a year, then your total running in 15 years will be 2,25,000 kilometers. In such a situation the calculation will be something like this-
- Total EV charging cost for 15 years: ₹3,37,500 (at ₹1.5/km)
- Total fuel cost for 15 years from CNG: ₹9,00,000 (at ₹4/km)
Direct Benefit: In terms of fuel, EV can give you direct savings of more than ₹ 5.5 lakh in full 15 years.
Maintenance and servicing expenses
A petrol-diesel or CNG car has hundreds of moving parts like engine, oil filter, spark plug, gearbox and clutch, which need regular service. The cost of hydro-testing the CNG kit and engine wear-and-tear increases significantly in 15 years.
In contrast, an electric car does not have a complex engine, nor the hassle of changing engine oil. EVs have only a motor, battery and a single-speed transmission, making routine service very cheap (₹3,000 to ₹4,000 annually).
Battery replacement: the biggest suspense of EV
The thing that can go against an EV in its 15 year journey is its battery life. Car companies usually give a warranty of up to 8 years or 1.6 lakh kilometers on EV batteries. But you may have to replace the battery at least once in a period of 15 years. Currently the cost of changing the battery pack ranges from ₹ 2 lakh to ₹ 4 lakh. Although battery technology is expected to become cheaper in the future, this is still a major expense that CNG cars never incur.
Infra and resale value
The CNG network has become very strong across India, especially on highways and tier-2 cities. You can fill the tank in 5 minutes and set out on a long journey. On the other hand, the EV charging network is growing rapidly, but even today you have to plan for long trips on the highway and fast charging also takes 45-60 minutes.
When you go to sell the car after 15 years, the resale value of a CNG car is expected to be more stable because its engine is easily repaired even if it is old. The resale value of an EV will depend entirely on the health of its battery at that time.
| parameters | cng car | electric car |
|---|---|---|
| starting price | budget friendly | Expensive (premium Rs 2-3 lakh) |
| Running Cost (Per KM) | ₹3.50 to ₹4.00 | ₹1.00 to ₹1.50 (home charging) |
| regular maintenance expenses | Mid Level (Engine Oil, Tuning) | Very low (no engine oil) |
| boot space | Cylinder takes up space | Gets full boot space |
| long trip | Refueling in just 5 minutes | Planning of charging station is necessary |
| risk | Engine Overhaul/CNG Kit Test | High cost of battery replacement |
| driving comfort | Have to change gears, low torque | Automatic, Quick Torque |
What is best for you?
Over a long timeframe of 15 years, both the cars offer huge savings compared to petrol, but the choice of 'best' depends on your driving and parking conditions. If your daily running is more than 50-60 km, you mainly drive in city traffic and you have safe personal parking space available at home or office to charge the car, then EV may be best.
In a total of 15 years of running, the EV will give you so much savings in maintenance and fuel costs that you will still be in profit despite the cost of battery replacement. If your budget is limited, your annual running is less than 10,000 km and you often go on long trips, then it is better to choose a CNG car. Because there is no worry about dye in it.
