Factors That Affect Electric Car Charging Cost in India
Charging cost depends on several factors:
- Electricity tariff in your state (₹6–₹10 per unit approx.)
- Battery size of your EV (24 kWh, 30 kWh, 40+ kWh, etc.)
- Type of charging – home AC slow charging vs. DC fast charging
- Charging efficiency (approx. 90–95%)
- Usage pattern – daily driving distance & charging frequency
Electric Car Charging Cost in India per Month
If you drive about 1,200 km per month, your monthly charging expense will be around ₹2,000–₹3,500, depending on electricity rates and EV model.
For example:
- Tata Nexon EV (30.2 kWh battery, 300 km range) → Full charge cost ~₹300–₹400. Monthly cost ~₹2,500.
- MG ZS EV (50.3 kWh battery, 460 km range) → Full charge cost ~₹500–₹700. Monthly cost ~₹3,500–₹4,500.
Compared to petrol cars (₹8,000–₹10,000 per month for same distance), EVs save almost 70% on running cost.
Electric Car Charging Cost in India per Hour
The cost per hour depends on the charger type:
- Home AC charger (3.3 kW–7.5 kW): ~₹25–₹50 per hour
- Public DC fast charger (25–50 kW): ~₹100–₹250 per hour
For example, a DC fast charger can add 100 km range in just 30–40 minutes but costs more than slow charging at home.
EV Charging Cost Calculator India
Here’s a simple formula:
Charging Cost = Battery Capacity (kWh) × Electricity Price per Unit (₹)
Example:
Tata Nexon EV (30.2 kWh battery) × ₹8/unit electricity = ₹241 for full charge.
This gives 300 km range, meaning **₹0.80 per km only**.
You can also find online tools like EV charging cost calculator India, but this formula works universally.
Tata Nexon EV Charging Cost per km
The Tata Nexon EV is India’s most popular electric SUV, so let’s calculate its charging cost per km.
- Battery capacity: 30.2 kWh
- Charging cost per full charge: ~₹250–₹300
- Range: ~300 km
- Cost per km: ~₹0.80–₹1.0
Compare this with petrol cars costing ₹8–₹10 per km, and the savings are clear.
EV Charging Station Cost per Charge
At public charging stations, prices vary:
- AC charger: ₹10–₹15 per unit
- DC fast charger: ₹18–₹24 per unit
So, a full charge at a DC fast charger may cost ₹500–₹800 depending on your EV battery. While it’s costlier than home charging, it’s still cheaper than petrol/diesel refuelling.
Tesla Electric Car Charging Cost in India
Tesla is expected to enter India soon, and many are curious about costs. Taking the Tesla Model 3 (57 kWh battery, ~500 km range) as an example:
- Home charging cost: 57 × ₹8 = ₹456 per full charge (~₹0.90/km)
- Fast charging cost: 57 × ₹20 = ₹1,140 per charge (~₹2.30/km)
This makes Tesla charging cost-effective compared to fuel-powered luxury cars.
EV Fast Charging Cost in India
Fast charging is convenient for long trips but comes at a premium.
- Cost per unit: ₹18–₹24
- Full charge for mid-size EV (30–40 kWh battery): ₹600–₹900
- Best use case: Highways, emergency top-ups, or long journeys
Most EV owners prefer home charging for daily use and rely on fast charging only when needed.
Electric Car Charging Cost in India Calculator Example
Let’s compare popular EVs:
| EV Model | Battery Size | Range (km) | Full Charge Cost @₹8/unit | Cost per km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Nexon EV | 30.2 kWh | 300 km | ₹241 | ~₹0.80/km |
| MG ZS EV | 50.3 kWh | 460 km | ₹402 | ~₹0.87/km |
| Hyundai Kona EV | 39.2 kWh | 452 km | ₹314 | ~₹0.70/km |
| Tesla Model 3 (est) | 57 kWh | 500 km | ₹456 | ~₹0.90/km |
FAQs on Electric Car Charging Cost in India
1. How much does it cost to charge an electric car in India per km?
On average, ₹0.70–₹1.5 per km, depending on the EV model and electricity tariff.
2. Which is cheaper – home charging or public charging?
Home charging is cheaper (₹6–₹10 per unit), while public DC fast charging is convenient but costs almost double (₹18–₹24 per unit).
3. How much does it cost to charge a Tata Nexon EV fully?
Around ₹250–₹300 at home, and ₹600–₹700 at a public DC fast charger.
4. How much is the EV charging cost per month in India?
For 1,200 km monthly driving, around ₹2,000–₹3,500, much cheaper than petrol or diesel cars.
Conclusion
The electric car charging cost in India is highly affordable compared to petrol and diesel. On average, EVs cost ₹0.80–₹1.5 per km, while fuel cars cost ₹8–₹10 per km. With home charging being the cheapest option, EV adoption in India will continue to rise.
If you’re considering buying an EV, calculate your expected monthly distance and use the simple charging cost formula to budget effectively.
