EV vs Hybrid Car: Which is cheaper in 5 years? Complete account of e-Vitara vs Grand Vitara

EV vs Hybrid Car: Amidst the ever increasing pollution and skyrocketing prices of petrol and diesel, people have now started turning towards EV and hybrid cars. In such a situation, which one should be chosen between electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid cars? There is a lot of debate regarding this. The cost of running an EV is low, but charging infrastructure is still limited. Whereas, hybrid cars offer a combination of petrol-electric. There is no range anxiety and long drives are easy.

If you are also confused between EV and hybrid cars, then this article of ours is useful for you. Taking Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid as an example, we will do detailed calculation of 5 years ownership cost. Data is based on latest data (CarWale, CarDekho, ARAI) for April 2026. We will calculate ₹95/litre petrol and domestic electricity at ₹6/unit for normal usage and annual driving of 15,000 km.

hybrid car

The ex-showroom price of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid ranges from ₹16.63 lakh to ₹19.72 lakh for the Zeta+/Alpha+ variants. On-road prices (including RTO + insurance) in UP go up to around ₹20-22 lakh. Its ARAI claimed mileage is 27.97 kmpl. Real world mileage can be expected to be 23-25 ​​kmpl in the city and 20-22 kmpl on the highway, which is close to an average of 22 kmpl. According to this fuel economy, its 45 liter tank gives 1,000+ km range. Due to Maruti’s service network with 8 years of battery warranty, its maintenance cost is on average low.

electric car

The ex-showroom price of Maruti’s first electric car E Vitara (Zeta/Alpha 61 kWh) ranges from ₹ 17.49 lakh to ₹ 19.79 lakh. Its on-road price in UP ranges from around ₹19.5 to ₹22 lakh. It can be purchased at almost the same or slightly lower price than the Grand Vitara Hybrid. The ARAI claimed range of the e-Vitara is 543 km and battery consumption in real world efficiency can be expected to be 6-7 km/kWh. Its running cost with domestic charging comes to around ₹ 1.12/km.

5 Year Calculation (75,000 km total)

Let us assume that the estimated on-road price of both the cars is ₹21 lakh (mid variant). Other expenses (insurance, tyres, service) remain almost the same, but there is a big difference in running costs. Let us understand this from a table-

parameters	Grand Vitara	Maruti e-Vitara	Savings in EV
on road price	₹21 lakh	₹21 lakh	Equal
Running Cost/KM	₹4.32 (₹95 petrol/22 kmpl)	₹1.12 (depending on electricity rate)	₹3.20 lakh
5 year expenses (75,000 km)	₹3.24 lakh	₹84 thousand	₹2.40 lakh
Maintenance (5 years)	₹25,000 – 30,000	₹15,000 – 20,000	₹10 thousand
Total expenses for 5 years	₹3.55 lakh	₹1.00 lakh	₹2.55 lakh
Average cost per KM	₹4.73	₹1.33	quite cheap

Where will EV win?

The running cost of an electric car (e-Vitara) is cheaper by ₹ 2.4-2.5 lakh in 5 years. Silent drive, quick torque, zero tailpipe emissions. Solar charging at home can be done more cheaply, but finding a charging station on a long highway drive is a bit of a challenge. The charging network is continuously increasing with time, but it still remains a challenge in rural areas.

Power of Hybrid (Grand Vitara)

There is no range anxiety regarding this. Petrol pump is found every 200-300 km. Good in both city and highway. Due to the small battery, performance does not drop in cold weather or long drives. Maruti’s service network is strong across the country and the resale value will also be good after 5 years.

Our advice: If 70% of your driving is in the city, charging is available at home and you drive 15,000+ km annually, then an EV is going to be a better option. If you have a lot of highway trips, don’t have to worry about charging and live in a small town/village, then Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid is a better option. The 5-year math leans towards EV, but as per practicality, hybrid is a better option.