Cost of Charging an Electric Car in India 2025 — Complete Price Guide

Electric mobility is no longer a future concept in India — it is happening now. With major manufacturers investing heavily in EV technology and the Government of India pushing for a greener ecosystem, electric cars are becoming increasingly popular among Indian car buyers. But one major question remains crucial for anyone planning to switch to an EV: What is the real cost of charging an electric car in India in 2025?

Whether you charge your EV at home, use a public fast charger, or rely on commercial charging stations, understanding the cost structure helps you make informed decisions. In this complete price guide, we break down electricity rates, charging types, battery capacity, consumption patterns, and monthly charging estimates to help you analyse the true cost of owning an EV in India.

Understanding EV Charging — Basics You Must Know

Before calculating the charging cost, it’s important to understand a few basic elements:

1. Battery Capacity (kWh)

EV batteries are measured in kilowatt-hour (kWh).
For example:

  • Tata Nexon EV: 40.5 kWh
  • MG ZS EV: 50.3 kWh
  • Hyundai Kona: 39.2 kWh

2. Charging Speed

There are three types of charging:

  • Level 1 (AC slow charging): Home charging, 2.5–3 kW
  • Level 2 (AC fast charging): Public or commercial AC chargers, 7–22 kW
  • DC Fast Charging: 30 kW to 120 kW or more

3. Electricity Tariff

Electricity cost varies by state, distribution company (DISCOM), and consumption slab. Domestic tariffs are generally between ₹5 to ₹10 per unit, while public charging stations can charge between ₹15 to ₹25 per kWh.

Home Charging Cost (AC Charging) in 2025

Home charging is the most economical way to charge your EV. Most Indian EV owners rely on home chargers because of convenience and low charging rates.

Average Electricity Tariff (2025):

  • ₹6 to ₹8/unit (for domestic users)

Let’s calculate:

Example 1: Tata Nexon EV 40.5 kWh Battery

  • Battery: 40.5 kWh
  • Tariff: ₹7/unit
  • Total cost to charge from 0 to 100%:
    40.5 × 7 = ₹283.5

Approx. ₹280–₹300 for full charge.

Example 2: MG ZS EV 50.3 kWh Battery

  • Battery: 50.3 kWh
  • Tariff @ ₹8/unit
    = 50.3 × 8 = ₹402.4

Approx. ₹400 for full charge.

Cost Per KM of EV Charging at Home

A typical EV consumes 6–8 km per unit depending on driving style, AC usage, and terrain.

If electricity rate = ₹7/unit, then:

  • Cost per km = ₹7 / 6 = ₹1.16/km (approx.)
  • At optimal efficiency: ₹7 / 8 = ₹0.87/km

Cost per km for EVs in 2025 ranges from ₹0.9 to ₹1.3/km

Compare this with petrol cars:

  • Fuel price = ₹105/litre average (2025 estimate)
  • Mileage = 12 km/l
  • Cost per km = ₹105 / 12 = ₹8.75/km

EVs are 7–8 times cheaper to run than petrol cars.

Public Charging Cost (DC Fast Charging)

Public DC fast chargers are convenient but significantly more expensive.

Average public fast charging tariff (2025):

  • ₹18–₹26 per kWh

Let’s calculate for Nexon EV (40.5 kWh):

40.5 × ₹22 = ₹891

Almost 3 times costlier than home charging.

But charging speed is much faster:

  • 0–80% in approx. 55–60 minutes.

Monthly Charging Cost Estimation

Assume average monthly driving: 1,000 km

Home charging cost:

  • ₹1/km × 1000 = ₹1,000/month

Public charging cost:

  • ₹3/km × 1000 = ₹3,000/month

Petrol car running cost (approx.):

  • ₹8/km × 1000 = ₹8,000/month

EV saves ₹7,000/month compared to petrol cars.
Annual savings: ₹84,000 or more.

Factors Affecting EV Charging Cost

Electricity tariff changes

State-wise tariff revisions directly impact your monthly charging cost.

Battery Capacity and Efficiency

Bigger battery = higher charging cost
Better efficiency = lower cost per km

Driving Style

Aggressive driving reduces efficiency and range.

AC and climate control usage

Using AC regularly may reduce real-world range by 10–15%.

Charging type

Public fast chargers are more expensive but time-saving.

Charging Cost Comparison State-wise (2025 Estimates)

State

Home Tariff (₹/unit)

Public Charging (₹/kWh)

Maharashtra

₹8–9

₹20–23

Delhi

₹6–7

₹18–20

Karnataka

₹7–8

₹20–24

Tamil Nadu

₹6–7

₹15–20

Gujarat

₹6–7

₹19–22

Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat offer the most reasonable EV charging economics.

Charging Cost for Popular EV Models

Model

Battery (kWh)

Home Cost per Full Charge

Public Charge Cost

Tata Nexon EV

40.5

₹280–₹300

₹850–₹900

Tata Punch EV

35

₹210–₹250

₹600–₹700

MG ZS EV

50.3

₹380–₹420

₹950–₹1150

Hyundai Kona

39.2

₹250–₹300

₹800–₹900

Tips to Reduce EV Charging Costs

·       Prefer home charging

·       Use solar power (rooftop panel)

·       Avoid frequent fast charging (protects battery)

·       Charge during off-peak hours

·       Maintain correct tyre pressure

·       Use eco-mode for optimum efficiency

Conclusion

Absolutely!
Charging an electric car in India in 2025 is not only affordable but significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel vehicles. With advancements in charging infrastructure, government subsidies, and competitive tariffs, EV ownership has become financially practical and environmentally responsible.

If you are planning to buy an EV, understanding charging options and costs will help you maximize savings and maintain your vehicle’s long-term performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car at home in India?

The cost depends on your state’s electricity tariff and battery capacity. On average, domestic electricity rates in 2025 range between ₹6–₹8 per kWh. For a 40–50 kWh battery, a full charge typically costs ₹280–₹420 at home.

Q.2. What is the cost of charging an electric car at a public fast-charging station?

Public DC fast chargers charge higher tariffs due to infrastructure and speed. The average cost ranges between ₹18–₹26 per kWh. Charging a 40.5 kWh EV like the Nexon EV may cost ₹850–₹900 for a full charge.

Q.3. What is the cost per kilometre for an electric car in India?

At home charging rates, EVs run at ₹0.9 to ₹1.3 per km. With public fast chargers, the cost rises to ₹2.5–₹3.5 per km. This is significantly cheaper than petrol cars, which cost ₹8–₹10 per km on average.

Q.4. Does fast charging increase electricity cost?

Yes. Fast charging stations use DC chargers and commercial power tariffs, which are higher than domestic rates. While faster, their cost per kWh is nearly 2–3 times higher than home charging.

Q.5. What factors affect electric car charging cost in India?

Major factors include:

  • Electricity tariff in your state
  • Battery size (kWh)
  • Charging method (AC slow, AC fast, DC rapid)
  • Driving habits
  • AC/heating usage
  • Vehicle efficiency

 

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