My running is approximately 5,000 km per year, entirely within the city. Should I go for an EV or an automatic petrol car in the ₹20-25 lakh price range? I am considering an EV mainly for tax savings (40% tax deduction), but I am unsure whether petrol would be better. Please guide me on what makes more sense financially, as well as from a maintenance perspective.

Autocar India

•7w

Since your annual usage is so low, and all within the city, an electric car makes a lot of sense, both from the point of view of tax savings and due to much lower running costs. However, our advice is not to rely on the public charging network alone, and instead ensure you have a charger installed at your home or place of work, if not both. If you do have to make an occasional outstation trip, plan carefully and pick a route with multiple public chargers along the way, topping up in small amounts as you go.

As for which car you should choose, there are plenty of options. If you want the best all-rounder with maximum efficiency, get the Hyundai Creta Electric. If you require more space, the Kia Carens Clavis EV is a great option. If you want ultimate value for money, try the Vinfast VF7. And if you want a dramatic and exciting EV with some compromises to practicality, check out the Mahindra BE 6.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Creta Electric

from ₹19.08 Lakh

Vinfast

VF7

from ₹23.25 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis EV

from ₹19.05 Lakh

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