Tata Punch EV vs Petrol: How Many Kilometers to Drive to Recover the Extra Cost?
The Tata Punch has quickly become one of India’s most loved compact SUVs, with its rugged design, 5-star safety rating, and affordability. In 2024, Tata Motors expanded the Punch lineup with the Tata Punch EV, making it the most affordable electric SUV in India. With this, buyers now face an important question:
Should you buy the Tata Punch EV or stick with the tried-and-tested petrol Punch?
While EVs promise lower running costs, cleaner mobility, and government incentives, the upfront price is still higher than petrol models. For a smart buyer, the key calculation is:
How many kilometers do you need to drive the Punch EV before you recover the extra cost compared to the Punch Petrol?
Let’s break this down with verified data, real-world running costs, and ownership insights.
Price Comparison: Punch Petrol vs Punch EV (On-Road)
The first step is to look at the on-road prices of the Tata Punch Petrol and Tata Punch EV in 2025. Prices vary slightly across states due to road tax and subsidies, but here is an approximate comparison (Delhi figures considered):
Tata Punch Petrol (Accomplished Dazzle S variant, 1.2L Revotron Petrol MT)
Ex-Showroom Price: ₹8.85 lakh
On-Road Price (Delhi, approximately): ₹9.80 lakh
Tata Punch EV (Empowered+ S LR variant, 35 kWh Battery, 122 hp Motor)
Ex-Showroom Price: ₹12.20 lakh
On-Road Price (Delhi, approximately): ₹13.50 lakh
Price Difference (EV vs Petrol, on-road Delhi)
- Around ₹3.7 lakh higher for the EV
- Price difference: ₹5 lakh across variants.
This ₹5 lakh extra cost is what an EV buyer needs to recover over time through lower running costs and maintenance savings.
Running Cost Per Kilometer: Petrol vs EV
Tata Punch Petrol Running Cost
Fuel efficiency (ARAI claimed): ~18 km/l
Real-world mileage (city + highway mix): 14–16 km/l
Average petrol price (2025, India): ₹100 per litre
Running cost per km = ₹100 ÷ 15 ≈ ₹6.6/km
Tata Punch EV Running Cost
Battery pack: 25 kWh (Mid variant)
Real-world range: 300 km per charge
Electricity tariff (home charging, average): ₹8 per kWh
Full charge cost = 25 × 8 = ₹200
Cost per km = ₹200 ÷ 300 ≈ ₹0.65/km
(If you use a public fast charger, tariff goes up to ₹18–₹20 per unit, making it ₹1.5/km. But most owners charge at home, so we’ll take ₹0.65/km.)
Break-Even Calculation: How Many Kilometers to Recover Extra Cost?
Now let’s do the math
- Extra upfront cost of Punch EV vs Petrol = ₹5,00,000
- Saving per km = Petrol cost/km – EV cost/km = ₹6.6 – ₹0.65 = ₹5.95/km
Break-even kilometers = ₹5,00,000 ÷ 5.95 ≈ 84,000 km
That means you need to drive about 84,000 kilometers before the EV becomes cheaper to own than the petrol Punch.
Ownership Cost Beyond Running Costs
Apart from fuel/electricity, there are other ownership factors that affect the calculation.
1. Maintenance Costs
Petrol Punch: Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, clutch wear, etc. Approx ₹6,000–₹8,000/year.
Punch EV: Fewer moving parts, no oil changes, no clutch/gearbox. Approx ₹3,000–₹4,000/year.
Annual saving: ₹3,000–₹4,000 in maintenance for EV owners. Over 8 years, that’s ₹25,000–₹30,000 extra saved.
2. Resale Value
Petrol cars are still popular and may retain resale value, but EVs are gaining traction. By 2030, resale value of EVs may even surpass petrol cars.
However, battery degradation (8-year warranty) may affect resale perception.
3. Government Incentives & Road Tax Benefits
Many states (Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat) offer EV subsidies up to ₹1.5 lakh.
EVs are often exempt from road tax and registration charges.
Petrol cars don’t enjoy these benefits.
4. Charging Infrastructure
EV owners need access to home charging. Apartment dwellers may face challenges.
Public charging is growing but still limited in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Buyer Profiles: Who Should Buy Which?
Punch EV is Better For You If
- You drive 20,000 km or more per year (daily commute of 50–70 km).
- You have home charging setup.
- You plan to keep the car for 7–8 years.
- You want eco-friendly mobility and low running costs.
Punch Petrol is Better For You If
- Your usage is low (<10,000 km/year).
- You live in an apartment without dedicated charging.
- You prefer lower upfront investment.
- You are uncertain about long-term EV adoption.
Real-World Example
Let’s assume two owners:
Rahul (Petrol Punch Owner)
- Drives 12,000 km/year
- Annual fuel cost = 12,000 × 6.6 = ₹79,200
- 5-year fuel cost = ₹3.96 lakh
Ananya (Punch EV Owner)
- Drives 12,000 km/year
- Annual charging cost = 12,000 × 0.65 = ₹7,800
- 5-year charging cost = ₹39,000
Over 5 years, Ananya saves ₹3.57 lakh on running costs compared to Rahul. But since EV costs ₹5 lakh more upfront, break-even is only reached if she keeps driving for 7+ years.
Official website
Tata Punch Petrol: https://ev.tatamotors.com/punch/ev.html
Pros and Cons
Tata Punch EV – Pros
1. Extremely low running cost (~₹0.65/km)
2. Silent and smooth drive
3. Instant torque, fun to drive in city traffic
4. Lower maintenance
5. Government incentives + green mobility
Tata Punch EV – Cons
1. Higher upfront price (~₹5 lakh more)
2. Limited charging infrastructure in many areas
3. Range anxiety for long trips
4. Public charging can be expensive
Tata Punch Petrol – Pros
1. Lower purchase cost
2. Easier refueling, widespread petrol pumps
3. Proven engine reliability
4. Better resale market (as of 2025)
Tata Punch Petrol – Cons
1. Running cost 10x higher than EV (₹6.6/km)
2. Higher maintanance
3. Contributes to pollution and carbon footprint
Verdict: Should You Buy the Punch EV or Petrol?
The choice depends entirely on your driving habits:
If you drive less than 10,000 km/year, the petrol Punch makes more financial sense.
If you drive 15,000–20,000 km/year or more, the EV is a smarter investment, as you’ll recover the cost within 4–5 years.
For urban daily commuters with charging access, the Punch EV is the future-proof choice.
In short:
High usage = Punch EV
Low usage = Punch Petrol
Final Thoughts
The Tata Punch EV represents the beginning of affordable electric SUVs in India. While its upfront cost is higher, it offers massive savings in the long run if your usage is high. For occasional drivers, however, the petrol Punch still remains a practical and affordable option.
The real break-even point? Around 84,000 km of driving.
So, before deciding, calculate your annual running, charging access, and budget. That will determine whether the Punch EV is a long-term win for you.
You may also like to read: https://khabarkhabri.com/top-5-safest-cars-in-india-2025/