EV Charging Costs Explained: Is It Really Cheaper?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in India as fuel prices continue to rise. One of the most common questions potential EV buyers ask is: Is charging really cheaper than filling up a petrol tank? The answer is not straightforward — it depends on where you charge, the electricity rate, and your driving habits.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of charging an EV at home, at work, and at public charging stations, and compare these expenses with owning a petrol car. By the end, you’ll have a realistic idea of what to expect if you’re considering making the switch to electric.
Home Charging: The Most Convenient and Affordable Option
For most EV owners, home charging will be the primary source of energy. The cost of charging at home depends on the electricity rate in your area, which typically ranges from ₹8 to ₹10 per kWh.
For example, let’s take the Tata Nexon EV with a 45 kWh battery. Realistically, you won’t be charging from 0% to 100% every day. Instead, the ideal charging range is between 20% to 80%, which helps maintain battery health and saves time. This means you’ll only be using 60% of the battery, or about 27 kWh, in one charging cycle.
At an average rate of ₹9 per kWh, charging from 20% to 80% at home would cost:
- 27 kWh × ₹9 = ₹243
That’s just a fraction of what it costs to refuel a petrol car. In fact, even with higher electricity rates, home charging remains the cheapest and most convenient option for daily use.
Another benefit of home charging is overnight convenience. Simply plug in your EV at night and wake up to a charged car. While the upfront cost of installing a home charger may seem significant, it pays off in the long run compared to regular fuel expenses.
Office Charging: Potentially Free, Depending on Your Employer
Some companies in India are beginning to provide EV charging stations for employees. Depending on your employer’s policy, charging at work may either be free or come at a minimal cost.
If your workplace offers free charging, this could save you thousands of rupees each month. In fact, you might even avoid installing a home charger altogether if you can rely on office charging during weekdays.
The best way to find out about this benefit is to contact your HR department and ask about charging availability and any associated fees. For frequent commuters, workplace charging could turn out to be the most economical solution, especially if it offsets home installation costs.
Public Charging: Fast but Pricier
Public charging stations are essential for long trips or when home and office charging are not available. These chargers—especially DC fast chargers—are quicker but often costlier than home charging.
Here’s a breakdown of public charging rates for the Nexon EV’s 45 kWh battery:
- Jio-bp: ₹16–₹21 per kWh — around ₹567 for a full charge
- Tata Power EZ Charge: ₹20 per kWh — about ₹540
- Statiq: ₹16 per kWh — approximately ₹432
- ChargeZone: ₹11 per kWh — roughly ₹297
Charging times vary depending on the station, but one important thing to remember is that charging beyond 80% takes significantly longer. For most trips, charging up to 80% is enough, and it saves both time and money.
Public charging is best used for road trips or emergencies, rather than daily charging, due to higher costs and the time involved.
Cost Comparison: Nexon EV vs Nexon Petrol
To put things into perspective, let’s compare the cost of running the Tata Nexon EV with its petrol counterpart.
Nexon Petrol Manual
- Fuel tank capacity: 44 litres
- Efficiency: 17.44 kmpl (claimed)
- Actual Efficiency: 13.5 kmpl (approx.)
- Petrol price: ₹95 per litre (approx.)
- Cost for a full tank: ₹4,180
Nexon EV
- Battery capacity: 45 kWh
- Home charging (20%–80%): ₹270 approx.
- Public charging (varies by provider): ₹297 – ₹567
Clearly, the Nexon EV is far more economical to run than the petrol version. Even if you rely on public charging at the higher end of the price range, it is still cheaper than filling up a petrol tank. The savings become even more substantial if you primarily use home or office charging.
Cost Per Kilometer
Nexon EV
- Home Charging = ₹ 0.70 to 1 per km
- Public Charging = ₹ 2 to 3 per km
Nexon Petrol
- Cost per kilometer = ₹7.04 per km
Final Thoughts
Is EV charging cheaper than petrol? The numbers speak for themselves — yes, it is. While the upfront cost of buying an EV may be higher, the long-term savings on charging versus fuel are undeniable.
- Home charging offers the lowest cost and maximum convenience.
- Office charging can be a game-changer if your employer provides it for free.
- Public charging is pricier but necessary for long trips and quick top-ups.
Ultimately, your savings depend on your charging habits. If you mostly charge at home or at work, the Nexon EV and similar electric vehicles can save you thousands every year compared to petrol models.
