Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Vehicle in India

The popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India is increasing continually with higher fuel prices, government subsidies and increased overall awareness towards the environment. Consumers have chosen affordable options like Tata Tiago EV, as well as a luxury vehicle like the Kia EV6 and BMW iX and now have many options to choose from depending on the cost segment.

However, buying an EV isn’t just like buying a petrol and diesel vehicle. You need to qualify for range, charging, costs and long-term savings. So here are the top 5 things you should consider before purchasing an electric vehicle in India.

1. Range & Battery Capacity

What Does Range Mean?

Range is the distance you can drive your EV on a full charge. While with a petrol car, refuelling is quick and easy, an EV’s range is the key variable affecting flexibility.

Current EV Ranges in India

• Entry Level EV (Tata Tiago EV | MG Comet): 200–250 kms
• Mid-Range EV (Tata Nexon EV | MG ZS EV | Mahindra XUV400): 300–450 kms
• Premium EV (Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia EV6 | BMW iX): 500–700 kms

Most Importantly

• Think about how much you drive daily as a commute. Many will only be within a city (20–50 km), so a 200–250 km range EV may work for them. 
• If you are planning to do inter-city travel, you would want to consider higher range EVs and fast charging options.
• When comparing these ranges, always look to review the real world range of your vehicle , as the ARAI will be higher than what you may use in the real world.

Check: Top 5 Budget Cars in India 2025 Under ₹10 Lakh – Best Value Picks

2. Charging Infrastructure

Home Charging

• The majority of EV owners use home charging stations. A standard charger (3.3 kW) takes 6-8 hours to fully charge the battery. A wall-box charger (7.2 kW) will do this in about 3-4 hours. 

Public Charging Stations

• Cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai are doing well with their charging network. 
• Smaller towns and highways are lagging a bit, but applications such as Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, and ChargeZone help you to find charging points nearby.

Fast Charging

• It is really good to have EVs with support for DC fast charging. These can charge from empty to 80% in less than an hour, and this will drastically improve your long trips.
• PAlways check if your office, mall or society has charging stations. Those are very helpful for charging quickly and conveniently, which saves time and range anxiety.

3. Price & Government Subsidies

Price Comparison

• Electric vehicles are typically 20-30% more expensive than petrol or diesel cars. For example:
  • Tata Nexon EV: ₹14.5 – 19 Lakh
  • Tata Nexon Petrol: ₹8 -14 Lakh

Subsidies and Benefits

• Central government subsidies available through the FAME II scheme 
• Subsidies via state encumbrances: Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, etc. offer an additional benefits and discounts on cars
• Reduced road tax and reduced registration charges in many states 

Running Cost

• Petrol car ₹6 – 8 per km 
• EV ₹1 – 2 per km
• In a time frame of 5 years there opportunity is available to save lakhs of rupees due to the difference in running costs. 
• Always make sure to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and not just the price at purchase.

4. Battery Warranty & Replacement Cost

Warranty Period

• Most manufacturers offer:
  • 6 – 8 years warranty or up to 1,60,000 km on the battery pack

Replacement Cost

• Battery replacement can cost between ₹ 3 – 7 lakh, depending on the model and capacity, at present.

Main Consideration

• Purchase from brands, who have shown durability of the battery pack in Indian conditions (heat, humidity, traffic).
• Check if the manufacturer has additional warranty options available.

Also Read: GST 2.0: How India’s New Tax Rules Will Change Car/Bike Prices (22 Sept 2025)

5. Resale Value & Market Acceptance

Current Resale Market 

• As EVs are still a recent phenomenon in India, the second-hand market is developing. Resale demand for petrol and diesel cars is higher today. 

Future Outlook 

• With government push and adoption, the resale values of EVs will be expected to grow. 
• Brands such as Tata and MG should be able to command better resale than the brands introduced later to the market. 
• If you are going to use your EV for 7–10 years, resale values should not be of any concern.

Bonus Factors to Keep in Mind

Additional factors to consider beyond the top 5 include:

• Insurance costs – insurance costs can be a bit higher for EVs as battery coverage is a consideration length
• Service Network – ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars have a much wider service network than EV’s, be sure to check what is available in your city
• Driving Experience – EV’s are quieter, more smooth, and have instant acceleration – test drive as a decision.
• Government Policies – be on the look out for updates on EV subsides, scrappage policy, and charging station expansion.

Comparison: EV vs Petrol/Diesel Cars

Factor	Electric Vehicle (EV)	Petrol/Diesel Car
Purchase Price	Higher (₹10–20% more)	Lower
Running Cost	₹1–2/km	₹6–8/km
Maintenance	Low (fewer moving parts)	Higher (engine oil, filters)
Range	200–700 km per charge	400–900 km per tank
Charging/Refueling	30 min–8 hrs (depending on type)	5 mins at fuel pump
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly, zero tailpipe emission	High carbon footprint
Resale Value	Currently low, improving	Strong resale market

Final Thoughts

If you’re willing to do some research, getting an electric vehicle in India is likely a good financial decision in the long run. Even if the sticker price of EVs is higher, they can save you money over petrol and diesel cars, provide overall savings on maintenance costs, and produce less carbon.

Evaluate your  driving scenarios, charging scenarios, financial situation, and long-term plans before you finalize the EV you want. With the government becoming more supportive of EV infrastructure and overall, EVs are going to be the main vehicle on our roads in India over the next few years – you’re just a little earlier than everyone else to being part of this green revolution!