Electric vs Petrol: The Complete Used Car Buyer's Guide
The used car market is evolving rapidly. With electric vehicles now entering the second-hand market in significant numbers, buyers face a new question: should you go electric or stick with the familiar petrol engine?
Electric Vehicles
- Lower running costs (Rs. 1-2/km)
- Minimal maintenance
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Instant torque delivery
- Government incentives
Petrol Vehicles
- No range anxiety
- Quick refueling (5 minutes)
- Widespread service network
- Lower upfront cost
- Better resale predictability
Cost Comparison: The Real Numbers
| Factor | Electric | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Running Cost/km | Rs. 1-2 | Rs. 6-8 |
| Annual Maintenance | Rs. 5,000-10,000 | Rs. 15,000-25,000 |
| Battery/Engine Lifespan | 8-10 years | 15-20 years |
| Depreciation (5 years) | 50-60% | 35-45% |
What to Check When Buying Used EVs
Used electric vehicles require different inspection criteria than traditional cars. Battery health is the most critical factor—degraded batteries can cost lakhs to replace.
Key EV Inspection Points:
- • Battery State of Health (SoH) percentage
- • Charging port condition and compatibility
- • Motor and inverter health
- • Software version and update history
- • Cooling system for battery pack
Our Recommendation
Choose electric if you have home charging capability, drive less than 150km daily, and plan to keep the car for 5+ years. Stick with petrol if you frequently take long trips, live in an apartment without charging access, or prefer a proven, predictable ownership experience.
Whether you choose electric or petrol, an independent inspection is essential.View our detailed reports to see how we assess both types of vehicles.