CNG vs Electric Car: A 2025 Cost Analysis – Which is Cheaper to Run Per Kilometer?
In 2025, the Indian auto market is at a turning point. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming mainstream, but compressed natural gas (CNG) cars remain a proven choice for cost-conscious buyers.
With fuel prices fluctuating and state incentives for EVs changing, the big question remains: Which is cheaper to run per kilometer – a CNG car or an electric car?
To answer this, we’ll compare two popular models in their respective categories: the Tata Nexon.ev (Medium Range) and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG. We’ll look at:
Realistic per-km running cost in 2025
5-year total ownership cost including purchase price, maintenance, and depreciation
Separate verdicts for city commuters and highway drivers
Running Cost per Kilometer in 2025
Electric Car (Tata Nexon.ev)
Battery capacity & efficiency:
Nexon.ev Medium Range battery: 30.2 kWh
Claimed range: 312 km (ARAI)
Real-world city range: 280–300 km
Average energy consumption: 0.097 kWh/km
Electricity tariffs in India (2025):
Home charging (residential): ₹6–8/kWh
Public DC fast charging: ₹10–15/kWh
Cost per km calculation:
Home charging at ₹6/kWh → ₹0.58 per km
Home charging at ₹8/kWh → ₹0.78 per km
Public fast charging at ₹12/kWh → ₹1.16 per km
Public fast charging at ₹15/kWh → ₹1.45 per km
Observation: If you mostly charge at home, your running cost stays under ₹0.80/km. Heavy public charger use can nearly double this. For more updates: https://ev.tatamotors.com/nexon/ev.html
CNG Car (Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG)
Mileage & fuel price:
ARAI mileage: 33.73 km/kg
CNG price in 2025: ₹73–85/kg depending on state, Delhi ₹85/kg
Cost per km calculation:
CNG price ₹73/kg → ₹2.16 per km
CNG price ₹80/kg → ₹2.37 per km
CNG price ₹85/kg → ₹2.52 per km
Observation: CNG costs 3–4× more per km than home-charged EVs, but public-charged EVs can be closer. For more updates: https://www.marutisuzuki.com/dzire?srsltid=AfmBOoqwH_WwoCGi7XwYWMefX5xLOiNBncVljFK0u4t-PNzStWfKzPCL
Initial Purchase Price in 2025(in Lakh)
Tata Nexon.ev MR:
- Ex-Showroom Price – 17.00
- On-Road Approximately – 20.00
Maruti Suzuki Dzire VXi CNG
- Ex-Showroom Price – 9.00
- Ex-Showroom Price – 10.00
The EV’s upfront cost is ₹10 lakh more than the CNG car.
Maintenance Costs
EV (Nexon.ev)
No oil changes, fewer moving parts
Tyre/brake servicing similar to ICE cars
Annual maintenance: ₹5,000–10,000
5-year total: ₹40,000
CNG (Dzire)
Regular servicing, engine oil, filter changes
CNG kit inspection every 3 years
Annual maintenance: ₹8,000–10,000
5-year total: ₹50,000
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Assumptions:
15,000 km/year → 75,000 km in 5 years
EV: 80% home charging, 20% public fast charging
Depreciation: EV retains 40% value, CNG retains 50% value after 5 years
Cost breakdown:
Purchase (On-Road):
- Nexon.ev – 20,00,000
- Dzire CNG – 10,00,000
Depreciation Loss:
- Nexon.ev – 12,00,000
- Dzire CNG – 5,00,000
Fuel/Electricity:
- Nexon.ev – 67,500 (0.90/km)
- Dzire CNG – 1,80,000 (2.40/km)
Maintenance:
- Nexon.ev – 40,000
- Dzire CNG – 50,000
Total 5-Year:
- Nexon.ev – 13,07,500
- Dzire CNG – 7,30,000
Verdict by User Type
City Commuter (Mostly Home Charging)
EV wins: Per-km cost can be as low as ₹0.60–0.80/km
Lower maintenance and smoother drive
Upfront cost high, but if daily running is >50 km, breakeven in 5 years
Highway Driver (Relies on Public Charging)
Closer race: Public charging can push EV per-km cost to ₹1.20–1.50/km
Higher charging time on long trips
CNG per-km cost ₹2.40/km, but faster refueling and lower initial cost
Environmental Impact
EVs:
Zero tailpipe emissions
Lower lifetime carbon footprint if charged from renewable sources
Battery recycling infrastructure improving in India
CNG cars:
Cleaner than petrol/diesel (less CO₂ and NOx)
Still emits greenhouse gases; dependent on fossil extraction
Final words
In pure running cost per kilometer, EVs dominate—especially with home charging. At 2025 electricity and CNG prices, a Nexon.ev charged at home can run at one-third the cost per km of a Dzire CNG.
However, when you factor in the purchase price difference, CNG still has the edge in total 5-year ownership cost for buyers with low daily running or budget constraints.
Verdict:
High-mileage city users with home charging: Go Electric
Occasional drivers or highway-heavy use without home charging: CNG makes more financial sense
You can also read: https://khabarkhabri.com/new-maruti-invicto-car/