Save upto ₹40,000 in 5 Years on Maintenance by Switching to EVs
When most people think about switching to an electric vehicle (EV), their first concern is usually the higher upfront cost. But what often gets overlooked is how much money you save in the long run — especially on maintenance. Compared to petrol and diesel cars, EVs are designed with simplicity, which translates to fewer repairs and lower upkeep costs.
In India, where fuel and maintenance bills can take a significant chunk out of household budgets, this difference really matters. Let’s break it down.
Why EVs Cost Less to Maintain
1. Fewer Moving Parts
An internal combustion engine (ICE) car has hundreds of moving parts: pistons, valves, spark plugs, timing belts, clutches, fuel injectors, exhaust systems, and more. All of these need regular servicing or replacement.
EVs, on the other hand, run on an electric motor and a battery pack. With far fewer components, there’s less that can go wrong.
2. No Engine Fluids
Forget about oil changes, coolant flushes, or replacing fuel filters. EVs don’t require engine oil at all. That’s one recurring expense gone.
3. Regenerative Braking
EVs use regenerative braking, which slows the car while recharging the battery. This means the brake pads wear out much more slowly compared to ICE cars. Some Indian EV owners report hardly ever needing brake replacements in the first few years of ownership.
4. Simpler Design
Since there’s no gearbox, clutch, or exhaust system, you save not only on parts but also on labor costs at workshops.
What EVs Still Need
While EVs aren’t maintenance-free, the list is much shorter:
- Tires: EVs are often heavier than ICE cars, so careful driving ensures longer tire life.
- Brakes: Minimal wear due to regenerative braking, but inspection is still required.
- Fluids: Windshield washer fluid and occasional coolant checks.
- Cabin Air Filters: Need periodic replacement for air quality.
- Battery Health Checks: Critical for long-term performance, but most EV batteries in India come with 6 to 8 year warranties.
Real-World Costs in India
On average, maintaining an ICE vehicle in India can cost ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per year, depending on model and usage. This includes oil changes, clutch replacements, and fuel system servicing.
By contrast, EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV typically cost around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per year in scheduled service — mainly for inspections, filter changes, and software updates. Over five years, that’s a savings of ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 just on maintenance.
Add fuel savings where charging at home costs as little as ₹1 to ₹1.5 per km, compared to ₹6 to ₹8 per km for petrol, and the financial advantage becomes even clearer.
The Hidden Bonus: Convenience
EV ownership is also about peace of mind. No last-minute trips for oil changes, no clutch failures in traffic, no catalytic converter replacements. Plus, in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic is common — EVs are at their most efficient. For Indian urban commuters, this is a real win.
Should You Worry About Battery Replacement?
The battery is the most expensive part of an EV, and many buyers hesitate because of it. But with warranties of 6–8 years and improving battery technology, most owners will likely upgrade their car before the battery needs replacement. And costs are steadily falling.
Final Thoughts
In India, where every rupee saved counts, EVs are proving to be a game-changer. The higher upfront cost is offset by lower running and maintenance expenses over time. For first-time car buyers who don’t want to constantly worry about servicing schedules, EVs make ownership easier, cheaper, and cleaner.
Bottom line: If you want a vehicle that costs less to run, needs fewer trips to the service center, and saves on fuel every single day, an EV is worth the switch.
