Introduction:

Indian auto buyers today are confronted with the dilemma of choosing between electric and petrol cars. This dilemma is increasingly common among consumers in India. Although electric cars are more sustainable, traditional preferences tend to lean towards petrol vehicles.

In this blog post, we'll take a detailed, informed, yet easily understood look at the performance and driving experiences of both petrol and electric cars. We'll equip you with the insights to make an informed choice between electric car vs petrol car. We will also discuss why considering car lease or cars for subscription options is a wise choice.

Cost considerations 

The first on the list of electric car vs petrol car comparison is cost consideration. It's no secret that the initial purchase cost of electric cars is higher than their petrol counterparts, thanks to battery manufacturing expenses. However, when you go deeper into other cost aspects of petrol vs electric cars, the scales tip in favour of EVs. Here is the breakdown:

Comparing costs – Electric car vs petrol car

Cost Aspect	Electric Car (e.g., Tesla Model 3)	Petrol Car (e.g., Maruti Suzuki Swift)
Purchase Cost	Approx. ₹60 lakh	Starts from ₹5.81 lakh
Maintenance Cost	Lower (Fewer parts, less maintenance)	Higher (More parts, more maintenance required)
Fuel Cost	Electricity: Generally cheaper	Petrol: More expensive

Driving experience and performance of electric car vs petrol car

The comparison between electric car vs petrol car extends beyond cost considerations to driving experience and performance. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of petrol vs electric cars:

Acceleration and speed

With their electric motors delivering instant torque, EVs offer swift acceleration from a standstill. This provides drivers with a responsive and exhilarating driving experience. In contrast, petrol cars often delay power delivery due to the necessity for gear shifting in the combustion engine.

Noise levels

Electric cars operate quietly, devoid of the internal combustion engine's presence. This results in a serene driving environment. Petrol cars, conversely, emit engine noise during operation, adding to the driving experience but potentially leading to increased cabin noise and noise pollution.

Handling and agility

Electric cars often feature a lower centre of gravity due to the placement of heavy battery packs. This aspect enhances stability and cornering ability, while weight distribution improves agility and responsiveness, particularly in city driving conditions.

Maintenance

Electric cars typically boast fewer moving parts in the drivetrain compared to petrol cars, resulting in lower maintenance needs. With no engine oil to change and fewer components to wear out, electric cars offer potentially lower long-term maintenance costs and greater reliability.

Driving range and refuelling/charging convenience

The driving range of electric cars varies based on the model and battery capacity, with some models offering ranges comparable to petrol cars. However, recharging an electric car may take longer than refuelling a petrol car.

Government policies to make EVs more attractive 

The government has implemented several policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. These include the Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, which offers subsidies and incentives to manufacturers and consumers to reduce the upfront cost of EVs.

Additionally, the government has introduced the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of EV components and batteries. Tax incentives, such as lower GST rates on EVs and income tax deductions on loans for EV purchases.

Why choose a car lease over a car purchase? 

Opting for a lease or car subscription service offers financial flexibility without the long-term commitment of ownership. With no hefty down payments and predictable monthly costs covering maintenance and insurance, it frees up funds for other investments. Additionally, the ability to switch to newer models ensures access to the latest technology without the hassle of selling or trading in a vehicle.

Conclusion 

Choosing between electric and petrol cars isn't a one-size-fits-all decision—it largely depends on your needs, preferences, and values. An electric car could be a better bet if you prioritise sustainability and lower running costs. However, if longer driving ranges and faster refuelling are important to you, petrol cars might be the way forward.

Taking a car lease has now become a trend among Indians, and you can, too, get started with Quiklyz in four simple steps. What's more, at the end of the lease, you have the flexibility to choose whether to upgrade to a new model or purchase the vehicle outright.