If you are thinking of buying a new car for 5 years, then this question will definitely be in your mind whether to buy CNG or EV car. Which car will put less burden on the pocket? Initially CNG cars seem quite cheap, but as you drive, the mathematics starts changing. Even though the starting price (Ex-Showroom Price) of electric vehicles may be high, their per kilometer expense and servicing cost is much lower than CNG.
In this article we will talk about every aspect like mileage, daily fuel cost, maintenance and resale value after 5 years. We are presenting before you very clear and honest calculations without any bias, so that you can take the most sensible decision as per your need and running (daily driving).
Calculating running costs
The biggest difference in the cost of CNG and electric cars comes here. Talking about CNG car, today the price of CNG is around ₹ 75 to ₹ 85 per kg. If the car gives a mileage of 20 km/kg, then the cost per kilometer comes to around ₹ 3.75 to ₹ 4.25.
At the same time, the average rate of electricity for charging an electric car at home is ₹ 7 to ₹ 8 per unit. A typical EV takes 30 units of electricity to be fully charged (costs approximately ₹ 240) and covers a range of 250 km. In this way the cost of EV comes to only ₹ 1 to ₹ 1.20 per kilometer.
- If you travel 50 kilometers daily, the daily expense on CNG will be around ₹200, whereas on EV this expense will be only ₹50-₹60.
Servicing and maintenance expenses
Electric vehicles have less moving parts than CNG vehicles. CNG car has petrol engine only, hence engine oil change, air filter, spark plug, coolant and tuning of CNG kit have to be done. Its maintenance cost in 5 years can range from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 45,000.
At the same time, in an electric car there is neither engine oil, nor piston, nor the hassle of gearbox. In this, only suspension, brake pads and tires have to be taken care of. Its servicing cost in 5 years does not exceed ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 20,000.
5 years complete mathematics
Let us assume that you drive 50 km every day. According to this, there will be a total running of 18,000 km in 1 year and 90,000 km in 5 years. Let us see what the total expenditure will be-
| parameters | cng car | Electric Car (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (estimated) | ₹8.5 lakh (affordable) | ₹11.5 lakh (₹3 lakh expensive) |
| Cost per km (fuel) | ₹4.00 | ₹1.10 |
| Fuel cost of 90,000 KM | ₹3,60,000 | ₹99,000 |
| 5 years servicing cost | ₹40,000 | ₹18,000 |
| Fear of changing the battery | does not apply | 8 Years/1.6 Lakh KM Warranty |
| Total Expenses (Car+Running+Service) | ₹12,50,000 | ₹12,67,000 |
Which is better for you?
It is clear from the above mathematics that after 5 years and 90,000 kilometers of driving, the total cost of both the cars becomes almost equal. If your budget is limited, your daily running is less than 30-40 km and you want to go on long journeys without worrying about charging (Range Anxiety), then CNG is still the best and safest option for you.
At the same time, if your daily running is 50 to 100 km or more, then EV is a boon for you. As the vehicle ages beyond 5 years, EV will save you lakhs of rupees. Also, it gives you a great and smooth driving experience without noise and hassle of changing gears.
