Charging Ahead or Fueling Tradition?
In 2025, both Electric Vehicles (EV) and Traditional Cars powered by petrol or diesel continue to play a vital role in shaping the Indian automobile market. Let us dive deeper into the details.
Across the automobile industry, every brand showcases an impressive line-up of advanced models, each integrating cutting-edge features, bold designs and smarter technology than ever before. And yet, for many prospective buyers the question remains – Should they embrace the innovation of an EV or opt for the proven reliability of a petrol or diesel vehicle?
Buyers often find themselves torn between options, weighed by concerns over cost, fuel capacity, maintenance, driving range, design and resale vale each adding its own layer of complexity to the choice.
Introduction
While the adoption of EV in India is steadily growing, their usage still lags behind that of conventional petrol or diesel cars. Yet, the EV revolution is gaining momentum, capturing the attention and imagination of new car buyers. Interestingly, this surge in EV interest has also reignited curiosity among those leaning towards traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
Today, nearly every major automobile brand is expanding its EV portfolio, with even luxury marques launching sophisticated sedans and SUVs in the Indian market. However, one undeniable reality remains electric cars generally come with a higher price tag compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts.
In the following sections, we will explore how EVs are being used in India compared to ICE cars and determine which option might be the smarter choice for new buyers.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
An electric car is powered entirely by a high-capacity battery – most commonly a lithium-ion battery –which serves as its energy reservoir. The battery stores electrical energy, which is then converted into mechanical energy through an electric motor. This motor draws power directly from the battery, seamlessly transferring torque to the wheels, and propelling the vehicle forward with smooth, silent precision.
Unlike conventional cars, there is no combustion process; the heart of an electric car beats purely on electricity, making it both efficient and eco-friendly.
History of EVs
India’s electric car story began back in 2001, when REVA Electric Car Company, supported by Mahindra & Mahindra, launched the country’s first EV – a small seater designed especially for city driving. It was a humble start, but it sparked the beginning of a new chapter in mobility.
Years later, in 2019, Tata Motors brought out the TATA TIGOR EV, becoming the second big player to enter the electric space. From then on, EVs in India began to slowly gain momentum.
Today, buyers can choose from a variety of electric hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs – many fitted with advanced features like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
Global brands such as BYD and Tesla have also joined the market, introducing premium electric cars that blend technology, style and performance.
By 2025, almost every major car brand in India offers at least one EV in its line-up. On average, for every four car models launched, one is electric and rest run on petrol or diesel. While EV choices are still fewer than traditional cars, the range is expanding quickly, with many exciting models expected in the coming years.
Next, let’s look at the pros and cons of electric cars to help buyers make an informed choice.
Pros of an Electric Car
Why choose an EV?
- No pollution and Eco-friendly environment.
- Govt Incentives: Central and state schemes (for example, FAME-II and various state subsidies) can significantly reduce the purchase price for eligible models – amounts vary by model and location, so check the latest details before you buy.
- Low running cost: Electricity typically costs less than petrol or diesel on per-km basis which can lead to substantial savings for daily commuters.
- Low maintenance: Electric powertrains have fewer moving parts than ICEs: no oil changes, few filters, and less wear on brakes thanks to regenerative braking. That usually means cheaper and less frequent servicing
- Energy efficiency: very low consumption of power. Many modern EV cars travel long distances on a single charge.
- Home charging: Plug in overnight at home and wake up to a full tank. For many urban users, this replaces daily trips to the fuel pump and removes the uncertainty of frequent refueling.
- Fast charging: Many EVs now support quick charge technology delivering up to 50% charge in just 20 minutes.
Cons of an Electric Car
- Higher upfront cost compared to petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars.
- Expensive Lithium-ion batteries
- Higher battery replacement cost (around 40% to 50% of the car’s value)
- Repairs require authorized service centers only (Local mechanics are generally not equipped to repair EV-related issues)
- Limited public charging point.
- Higher motor repair or replacement costs
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CONVENTIONAL CARS (ICE)
How Conventional Cars Work (Petrol or Diesel)
Conventional cars, powered by an Internal combustion engine(ICE), store fuel in a tank, which is pumped into the engine. Inside the engine, the fuel mixes with air and is ignited, creating combustion. This process generates mechanical energy, which turns the crankshaft connected to the wheels, propelling the car forward.
No matter how much innovation arrives, petrol and diesel cars still have a loyal fan base. Even today, 70% to 80% of new models launched by many brands are conventional cars, with the remaining share going to EVs.
On Indian roads, you can still find cars over 30 years old running strong prof of the long life of internal combustion engine. Many engines last 10,20 even 30 years with proper cars, while EV batteries rarely beyond a decade. This durability and familiarity remain the unmatched strengths of normal cars.
Pros of a Normal Car
- Lower cost compared to EVs.
- Longer engine life and better refinement.
- Easy maintenance with wide service availability.
- Fuel stations available almost everywhere.
- Higher resale value and easier to find buyers.
Cons of a Normal Car
- Emit CO2 which is harmful to the environment.
- Not Pollution-free.
- Produce engine noise and vibration.
- High fuel costs and frequent refueling.
- Many moving parts, leading to higher replacement costs.
Conclusion:
This review has compared Electric Vehicles (EVs) and normal petrol/diesel cars across factors such as usage, cost, and environmental impact. While normal cars still dominate the Indian market, the coming years hold strong potential for an EV revolution.
For instance, Delhi has already prohibited cars over 15 years old – if such regulations continue or expand, the EV market could see a significant boom. On the other hand, the future of the normal car market will largely depend on fuel price trends and government tax policies, as these factors will play a key role in shaping demand.
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