Autocar India
•1d

Hello, I am interested in buying an SUV EV and am leaning towards the Tata Harrier EV top-spec Empowered 75 ACFC. My main running is a mix of highway and city driving, but I am confused about the calculation, as everyone is saying EVs don't have any resale value. My question is: why are people buying EVs, and what is the maths? I am not able to understand it. I am going to use the EV for the next six years with an extended warranty. I hope in six years I will be able to get value from a Rs 30 lakh EV.

Verified
•4m
The Tata Harrier EV Empowered 75 ACFC is a strong product, but your question is the right one: what is the maths behind buying an EV, and does it make sense over six years?
The simple answer is that electric cars make the most sense when you have predictable running, a mix of city and highway use, and a clear ownership horizon. Over six years, the biggest advantage is the running cost. Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially when you charge at home, and maintenance costs are lower because there are fewer moving parts and no engine oil changes. With an extended warranty, you are also protected against the biggest unknown, which is battery health.
The resale value question is more difficult to answer.  EVs do depreciate much faster than  ICE cars today, largely because the technology is evolving quickly and buyers are still learning how to value a used EV. But that does not mean they have no resale value. The key is to look at total cost of ownership. If you save Rs 1.5-2 lakh a year on fuel and maintenance over six years, that is Rs 9-12 lakh saved. Even if the resale value is lower than a comparable diesel SUV, the running cost savings can more than offset that.
The Tata Harrier EV itself is a good fit for your usage. It is a large, comfortable SUV with a strong feature set, and the 75 kWh battery gives it enough range for highway use without range anxiety. The ACFC (Active Cooling Fast Charging) system also helps with battery longevity and faster charging on long trips.
The reason people are buying EVs is not just resale value. It is the combination of lower running costs, a smoother and quieter driving experience, and the convenience of home charging. Over six years, you will absolutely be able to squeeze value out of a Rs 30 lakh EV if you are doing a mix of city and highway driving and keeping the car for the full ownership period.
The maths works when you look at the whole picture, not just the resale value. If you are comfortable with the technology and have a clear six-year plan, the Tata electric car mentioned above is a sensible choice.
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•1d

We are planning to upgrade from a Hyundai i10 to an automatic petrol compact SUV under Rs 14 lakh. We have shortlisted the Hyundai Venue Turbo DCT and Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT. We liked the Venue, but we are not sure about the maintenance cost of its DCT gearbox.

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•1h

Yes, dual-clutch automatic gearboxes are more complex and can be expensive to repair if something goes wrong. That said, the Hyundai Venue Turbo DCT is quite well-sorted. However, do keep in mind that if you drive a lot in stop-start traffic, it might not feel as smooth as a torque converter.The Skoda Kylaq AT uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is far better suited to Indian conditions. It is smoother, and the Kylaq is more engaging to drive, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a well-balanced chassis. Overall, the Skoda car seems to be the safer and more sensible choice for you.

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•15h

Help please! I am getting Slavia Prestige 1.0 AT at 17.25 lacs on-road. Worth it or not?

•23h

I want to buy a car for my late-50s parents. My budget is up to Rs 13 lakh. Monthly average running is under 500km, with a mix of city and highway driving, though it may increase occasionally. Rs 13 lakh is not a fixed budget, so if I can get a reliable and VFM car below that budget, it would be great.

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•34m

For your parents, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the most sensible choice. It is easy to drive, comfortable and reliable, which is exactly what you want for parents. The low monthly running of under 500 km means a petrol car is the right choice, and the Baleno’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine is smooth, efficient and proven over the long term. It is also easy to maintain and has Maruti’s extensive service network, which adds peace of mind.This Maruti Suzuki car is also spacious enough for occasional highway trips and offers a comfortable ride. It is well within your Rs 13 lakh budget, making it a value-for-money option without compromising on reliability or comfort.If you want something with a slightly higher seating position, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a good alternative, but the Baleno remains the more practical and cost-effective choice for your parents’ needs.

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•1w

I am a lady driver and drive around 65 km every day on the expressway. Twice a month, I also drive in the city and traffic. I am currently driving a Celerio, but it is 9 years old, so I am looking for a change. My budget is Rs. 10-12 lakh.

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•1w

I have been using Honda City manual for the last 21 years. Now, I want a car with automatic transmission for city running mostly. My average running is around 1000km a month. Can you suggest whether I should buy Seltos, Creta, Kushaq or Elevate?

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•6d

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•6d

Hi, I have been using Honda City CVT for the past 10 years and now, I am looking for an SUV with similar comfort but with the latest technology. My monthly running is approximately between 700-800 km mostly within Delhi.

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•5d

Given your usage of 700-800 km a month in Delhi and a 10-year ownership of a Honda City CVT, the Honda Elevate CVT is the most natural upgrade. It retains the same Honda ownership experience, offers a comfortable ride and the CVT gearbox is smooth and well-suited to city driving. The Elevate also sits at a sensible price point and is backed by Honda’s strong reliability record, making it a stress-free long-term ownership proposition.If you want a more premium experience with a richer feature set, the Kia Seltos IVT is a good option. The IVT gearbox is smoother in traffic, the cabin feels more upmarket and the Seltos offers a wider range of modern features. However, it does come at a higher price point. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is worth considering if you enjoy driving, as it offers a more engaging experience and the torque convertor gearbox is also the smoothest around. The ride is a bit firmer and the ownership experience is not as straightforward as Honda or Kia, so make sure the dealer in your area is well reputed.

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Posted on: 18 Aug 2026