Still riding petrol? Electric two-wheelers cost you just Rs 1.48/km, study says

If you’re still riding a petrol two-wheeler in India, you might be paying more than you need to. A new report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) finds that electric two-wheelers are already the most affordable ride on the road—costing just ₹1.48 per kilometre, compared to ₹2.46/km for petrol models.

That’s not a small difference—it’s a financial win for millions of Indian riders, from students to gig workers and city commuters.

And with India expected to see over 350 million two-wheelers by 2050 (nearly 70% of the automobile market), that cost advantage could have a massive impact on both household budgets and national fuel use.

EVs take the lead

The CEEW report highlights how electric vehicles, especially two- and three-wheelers, are already cost-competitive across key segments. In the case of two-wheelers, the numbers speak for themselves:

• Electric two-wheelers: ₹1.48/km
• Petrol two-wheelers: ₹2.46/km

Beyond the fuel savings, EVs come with lower maintenance costs, longer lifespan, and growing support through governtment subsidies and incentives like the PM E-Drive Scheme.

"Electric vehicles (EVs) are already cost-competitive across key segments—especially two- and three-wheelers, taxis, and private cars in states with supportive EV policies," said the report.

Why this matters: Cleaner, cheaper, smarter

With a growing push toward cleaner energy and reduced oil dependency, the affordability of EVs could become a powerful lever for change—especially in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, where vehicle density is highest.

To make the most of this shift, CEEW recommends a three-pronged approach: expanding EV charging infrastructure, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas; improving financing models—such as EMIs or battery rental options—to make electric vehicles more accessible; and bridging data gaps through platforms like the VAHAN portal to enable smarter, more targeted policy and planning at the district level.

"India’s transport sector is grappling with a trifecta—energy security, congestion, and emissions. We need walkable, efficient, low-carbon urban transport systems," said Dr Himani Jain, Senior Programme Lead, CEEW.

A massive market on the move

In addition, the report noted that India’s love affair with two-wheelers isn’t ending anytime soon.

By 2050, the number of two-wheelers on Indian roads is expected to soar to over 350 million, comprising nearly 70% of all vehicles in the country.

This projection is based on GDP and population growth trends, and it underscores the central role of two-wheelers in India’s transport ecosystem—especially in northern and western states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat