CNG vs EV: While buying a new car, most people pay attention to its ex-showroom price, but if you intend to use the car for 15 years, then it would not be right to decide just by looking at the initial price. Today, amidst the rising prices of petrol and diesel, both CNG and electric car (EV) have emerged as affordable options. In such a situation, the question is which car will save more in the long run?
Who is ahead in starting price?
If your budget is limited, then CNG car can prove to be a better option. Usually, the EV version of a model is costlier by Rs 2 to 3 lakh than its CNG model. That means, to buy an electric car, one has to invest more in the beginning.
Mathematics of running cost in 15 years
Suppose you drive a car about 15,000 kilometers every year. According to this, the total distance covered in 15 years will be 2.25 lakh kilometers.
The per kilometer cost of EV charging at home comes to around ₹1 to ₹1.5, which makes the total charging cost in 15 years to be around ₹3.37 lakh. At the same time, the per kilometer cost of a CNG car is around ₹ 3.5 to ₹ 4 and in the same time, around ₹ 9 lakh can be spent on fuel. This means that EV can save up to ₹ 5.5 lakh only in running costs.
Maintenance and battery costs
In a CNG car, there is the cost of regular service of engine oil, clutch, gearbox and CNG kit. On the other hand, an EV does not have an engine, so its regular maintenance is relatively less.
However, the most expensive thing in an electric car is its battery. Most companies offer battery warranty up to 8 years or 1.6 lakh kilometers. After 15 years of use, the battery may need to be replaced, which can cost around ₹ 2 to ₹ 4 lakh.
Which option is right for whom?
If your daily driving is more than 50-60 kms, travel a lot in the city and have charging facility at home, then EV may be a better option. At the same time, if your budget is limited, annual driving is less and you often travel long distances on the highway, then a CNG car will prove to be more practical.
Over a long life of 15 years, EVs can provide greater savings due to lower running costs, while CNG offers lower initial costs and longer journeys. The right choice will depend on your driving needs, budget and usage pattern.
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