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The electric vehicle (EV) revolution in India is well underway, with sales growing steadily in both urban and semi-urban areas. While environmental benefits and fuel savings are often highlighted, one question lingers in the minds of potential buyers — How much does it really cost to maintain an EV in India?
In this 2025 guide, we break down the ongoing costs of owning and maintaining an electric car in India — from servicing and battery health to insurance and unexpected repairs. The aim is to give you a practical, rupee-by-rupee look at EV ownership beyond the showroom.
1. Routine Maintenance: Far Cheaper Than Petrol Cars
Traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles have hundreds of moving parts that wear out over time — oil filters, spark plugs, timing belts, etc. EVs eliminate most of these, leading to significantly lower routine maintenance costs.
| Component | ICE Cars (Yearly ₹ Avg.) | EVs (Yearly ₹ Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & Filter | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Not required |
| Spark Plugs | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | Not required |
| Brake Pad Replacement | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Coolant & Fluids | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | Minimal |
| Periodic Service Labor | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Total Estimate | ₹10,000 – ₹17,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
✅ Key Insight: Maintenance for EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV is roughly 60–80% cheaper annually than for ICE counterparts like the Hyundai Creta or Maruti Brezza.
2. Battery Health & Replacement: The Real Cost Factor
Battery Longevity
EV batteries in India come with warranties ranging from 6 to 8 years or 1.6 lakh km, whichever comes first. Most batteries easily last 8+ years if maintained well.
Replacement Costs (2025 Estimates):
| EV Model | Battery Replacement Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Tata Nexon EV | ₹5 – ₹6 lakh |
| MG ZS EV | ₹6.5 – ₹7.5 lakh |
| BYD Atto 3 | ₹7 – ₹8 lakh |
| Hyundai Kona | ₹7 – ₹9 lakh |
However, with battery prices dropping steadily, by 2028, replacement costs could fall by 30–40%.
🔋 Pro Tip: Use regenerative braking and avoid deep discharges (below 10%) to prolong battery life.
3. Insurance & Repairs: EVs Have Their Own Math
Insurance Premiums (2025):
EV insurance premiums in India are 10–20% higher than similar ICE cars due to high battery value.
| Car Type | Annual Insurance (₹) |
|---|---|
| ICE (₹10L segment) | ₹28,000 – ₹35,000 |
| EV (₹10L segment) | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
But the long-term savings from lower service needs often balance out the higher premiums.
Accident Repairs
Repairs to body panels or electronics (e.g., BMS, charger ports) can be costly due to specialized parts. Labor charges are often lower, but EV-specific parts like power controllers or on-board chargers can cost ₹30,000–₹1.5 lakh depending on the damage.
4. Cost of Charging: Home vs Public Chargers
Charging an EV is where real savings start — especially compared to petrol at ₹100+/litre.
| Charging Type | Cost per km (₹ approx.) |
|---|---|
| Home Charging (₹8/unit) | ₹1 – ₹1.2 |
| DC Fast Charging (₹18–₹24/unit) | ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 |
| Petrol (₹105/litre, avg 15km/l) | ₹7 – ₹8 |
💡 Tip: Install a home charger (₹50,000 – ₹75,000 one-time) to minimize dependency on expensive public stations.
5. EV Maintenance Costs by Model in India (2025)
Here’s a snapshot of 5 top EVs in India and their average yearly maintenance costs:
| EV Model | Yearly Maintenance (₹) | Battery Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Nexon EV | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 | 8 yrs / 1.6 lakh km |
| MG ZS EV | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 | 8 yrs / 1.5 lakh km |
| BYD Atto 3 | ₹4,000 – ₹5,500 | 8 yrs / 1.5 lakh km |
| Hyundai Kona EV | ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 | 8 yrs / 1.6 lakh km |
| Citroen eC3 | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | 7 yrs / 1.2 lakh km |
6. DIY Maintenance: EVs Are Easier to Live With
Since EVs lack complex mechanical systems, basic upkeep like cabin air filter replacement, tire rotation, wiper changes, and washer fluid top-ups can easily be DIY jobs — saving ₹2,000+ every year.
🧰 Tools required are minimal, and service intervals are longer (once every 10,000 – 15,000 km).
7. Long-Term Ownership: 5-Year Cost of Maintenance vs ICE
| Vehicle Type | 5-Year Service Cost | Fuel/Charging Cost | Total (Excl. Insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol SUV | ₹75,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹3.5 – ₹4 lakh | ₹4.2 – ₹5 lakh |
| EV SUV (Tata Nexon EV) | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹60k – ₹90k | ₹80,000 – ₹1.2 lakh |
🚀 Net Savings over 5 years: ₹3 – ₹4 lakh by choosing an EV over an ICE equivalent.
Conclusion: Is EV Maintenance in India Truly Cheaper in 2025?
Absolutely yes. Unless you hit major battery issues (which are rare under warranty), EVs in India cost 60–70% less to maintain annually than petrol or diesel vehicles. The key is careful charging, timely software updates, and basic DIY care.
For most Indian drivers, EVs offer a cleaner and more economical ownership experience — and 2025 is shaping up to be the year when that value becomes undeniable.
FAQs – EV Maintenance Cost in India (2025)
Q1: How often do EVs need servicing in India?
Most EVs require service once every 10,000 to 15,000 km, which is generally once a year for moderate users.
Q2: Do EVs need oil changes?
No. EVs do not use engine oil, so oil changes are not required — unlike ICE cars.
Q3: What happens if an EV battery dies after the warranty?
You’ll need to replace the battery, which can cost between ₹5 lakh to ₹9 lakh depending on the model. However, battery failures post-warranty are rare if charging habits are good.
Q4: Can I get my EV serviced at a regular garage?
No. EVs require specialized training and tools. Always use authorized EV service centers for diagnostics and software updates.
Q5: Is roadside assistance different for EVs?
Yes. Many EVs come with EV-specific RSA that includes portable charging help, towing to EV stations, and even mobile service vans in some metros.
Q6: Will EV maintenance become cheaper in the future?
Yes. As EV technology matures and battery prices fall, both replacement parts and servicing will become more affordable.