Petrol Cars and Electric Cars to Cost the Same in Six Months, Says Gadkari

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Wednesday that electric vehicle (EV) prices in India will match those of petrol vehicles within the next six months. Gadkari made the statement while addressing the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo, underscoring the government's push towards clean energy and sustainable transportation. Gadkari highlighted the government's focus on promoting import substitution, cost-effectiveness, pollution reduction, and indigenous production as key pillars of its policy framework. “Within six months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles,” he said.

Also Read: “Not Against Petrol And Diesel Cars”, Says Nitin Gadkari

The minister has long been an advocate for EVs and alternate fuel vehicles, championing their adoption over the past decade. While initial market hesitancy and infrastructure challenges slowed early progress, major automotive manufacturers across the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments have since embraced the shift, each introducing at least one EV in their lineups.

Also Read: Mahindra's BE 6 and XEV 9e Electric SUVs Impress Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal

This is not the first time Gadkari has predicted a reduction in EV prices. In a previous public address in Nagpur, he had projected that the cost of electric vehicles in India would reach parity with petrol cars by 2025, attributing the anticipated shift to advancements in battery technology and increased domestic production. Battery costs represent a significant portion of an EV's total price, and developments in this area are expected to drive prices down.

Also Read: Government Considering Monthly Or Yearly Pass For Vehicles Traveling On National Highways: Nitin Gadkari

Gadkari has also repeatedly emphasised the cost benefits of EV ownership, asserting that operational expenses are considerably lower than those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. According to the minister, the running cost of an EV is about ₹1 per km, compared to ₹5-₹7 per km for petrol or diesel vehicles. While EVs have traditionally carried a higher upfront price tag, long-term savings on fuel and maintenance are seen as major incentives for consumers.

Also Read: Nitin Gadkari Announces Incentives for Vehicle Scrapping

In addition to his remarks on EV affordability, Gadkari provided an update on infrastructure development, announcing that the construction of the 212-km Delhi-Dehradun access-controlled expressway will be completed within the next three months. He stressed the need for technological innovation to lower road construction costs, viewing infrastructure development as a crucial driver for India’s economic growth.