Introduction
Electric bikes and petrol bikes are both popular modes of transportation in India. However, choosing between the two can be challenging as both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will compare electric bikes and petrol bikes in terms of their price, range, running cost, maintenance, environmental impact, and convenience. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing between the two.
A quick table of comparison between electric and petrol bike
| Comparison Point | Electric Bike | Petrol Bike | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Cost | Lower due to low electricity cost and no need for oil changes | Higher due to the high cost of petrol and frequent oil changes | Electric Bike |
| Maintenance | Lower due to fewer moving parts and no need for regular oil changes | Higher due to the need for regular oil changes and more complex engine components | Electric Bike |
| Range | Lower range of 60-100 km on a full charge | Higher range of 500-900 km on a full tank of petrol | Petrol Bike |
Overall Winner: Based on the above comparisons, electric bikes have a lower running cost and lower maintenance cost than petrol bikes. However, petrol bikes have a significantly higher range than electric bikes in India.
Therefore, the winner of the comparison depends on the individual’s specific needs and priorities. If you are looking for an affordable and low-maintenance option for short commutes, an electric bike may be the way to go. If you need a bike with a longer range for longer commutes or travelling, a petrol bike may be the better choice.
Price
The basic starting price of an electric bike in India is around Rs. 1 lakh, while the price of a standard petrol bike is around Rs. 50,000. Even after considering the government subsidies and incentives for electric vehicles, electric bikes are still not affordable for many people.
Running Cost
The running cost of a vehicle includes the cost of fuel or electricity, maintenance, and repairs. In India, the running cost of an electric bike is generally lower than that of a petrol bike. Let’s take a closer look at the running cost of each type of bike.
Electric Bike Running Cost
The running cost of an electric bike depends on the cost of electricity and the efficiency of the bike.
Electric bikes are generally more energy-efficient than petrol bikes, which means they require less energy to travel the same distance. According to the Ministry of Power, the average cost of electricity in India is around Rs. 7 per unit. The battery capacity of most electric bikes in India ranges from 1.5 kWh to 3 kWh, and it takes around 2 to 4 units of electricity to fully charge an electric bike, depending on the battery capacity. This means that the cost of charging an electric bike ranges from Rs. 14 to Rs. 28, depending on the battery capacity and the cost of electricity in your area.
Assuming you ride your electric bike for 50 km per day, you would need to charge your bike every two to three days.
This would cost you around Rs. 210 to Rs. 420 per month, depending on the battery capacity and the cost of electricity in your area.
Petrol Bike Running Cost
The running cost of a petrol bike depends on the mileage of the bike and the cost of fuel. The mileage of petrol bikes in India ranges from 40 kmpl to 80 kmpl, depending on the model and the riding conditions. Assuming a mileage of 50 kmpl and a fuel price of Rs. 100 per litre, the cost of fuel for a petrol bike would be around Rs. 4 per km.
This means that if you ride your petrol bike for 50 km per day, your monthly fuel cost would be around Rs. 6,000.
In addition to the cost of fuel, petrol bikes require more frequent maintenance than electric bikes. Petrol bikes have more moving parts, such as the engine, transmission, and exhaust system, which require regular maintenance. According to a survey conducted by ZigWheels, the average maintenance cost of a 125 cc petrol bike in India is around Rs. 3,000 per year.
In comparison, the maintenance cost of an electric bike is lower as it has fewer moving parts, and there is no need for oil changes or exhaust system maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the running cost of an electric bike in India is generally lower than that of a petrol bike. Electric bikes are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance than petrol bikes, which makes them more cost-effective in the long run.
The cost of charging an electric bike is significantly lower than the cost of fueling a petrol bike, and the maintenance cost of an electric bike is also lower. If you are looking for a more cost-effective mode of transportation, an electric bike is a better choice.
Maintenance
The maintenance cost of a vehicle includes the cost of regular servicing, repairs, and replacement of parts. In India, the maintenance cost of an electric bike is generally lower than that of a petrol bike. Let’s take a closer look at the maintenance cost of each type of bike.
Electric Bike Maintenance
Electric bikes do not have an engine or transmission, and there is no need for oil changes or exhaust system maintenance. The main components of an electric bike are the battery, motor, and controller. These components are relatively simple and require less maintenance than the complex components of a petrol bike.
The battery of an electric bike requires replacement after a certain number of charge cycles, depending on the quality of the battery and the usage of the bike.
The cost of a replacement battery for an electric bike ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000, depending on the battery capacity and the brand of the bike.
However, this cost is spread over the lifespan of the battery, which is generally between 3 to 5 years. In addition, most electric bike manufacturers offer a warranty of 2 to 3 years on the battery, which covers the cost of replacement in case of any defects.
The motor and controller of an electric bike require minimal maintenance as they are sealed units and do not require regular servicing. However, in case of any issues, the cost of repairing or replacing these components can range from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 15,000, depending on the brand and model of the bike.
Petrol Bike Maintenance
The maintenance cost of a petrol bike is generally higher than that of an electric bike as it has more moving parts and requires more frequent servicing. Petrol bikes have an engine, transmission, exhaust system, and other complex components that require regular maintenance. The cost of regular servicing of a petrol bike can range from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000 per year, depending on the brand and model of the bike.
In addition, petrol bikes require more frequent replacement of parts such as spark plugs, air filters, and engine oil, which can increase the maintenance cost.
The cost of these parts and their replacement can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500, depending on the brand and model of the bike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the maintenance cost of an electric bike in India is generally lower than that of a petrol bike.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective and low-maintenance mode of transportation, an electric bike is a better choice.
Range
In India, the range of an electric bike is generally lower than that of a petrol bike. However, electric bikes are more efficient and cost-effective to run than petrol bikes.
Electric Bike Range
The range of an electric bike depends on various factors, such as the battery capacity, the weight of the bike, the terrain, and the riding style.
In India, most electric bikes range is from 60 to 100 kilometres on a full charge. However, some high-end electric bikes with larger battery capacities can have a range of up to 150 kms.
It is important to note that the range of an electric bike can be affected by various external factors such as temperature, terrain, and the speed at which the bike is ridden. For example, if an electric bike is ridden at a higher speed or on hilly terrain, its range may decrease.
Petrol Bike Range
In India, most petrol bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 10 to 15 litres and a fuel efficiency of 50 to 60 kmpl. This means that the range of a petrol bike on a full tank of fuel can be 500 to 900 kilometers, depending on the fuel tank capacity and fuel efficiency of the bike.
It is important to note that the range of a petrol bike can also be affected by external factors such as traffic, road conditions, and the speed at which the bike is ridden. For example, if a petrol bike is ridden at a higher speed or in heavy traffic, its fuel efficiency may decrease, which can reduce its range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the range of an electric bike in India is generally lower than that of a petrol bike.
Electric bikes over Petrol Bikes key benefits.
