Tiago EV vs Tiago CNG: Which One Saves More Money in the Long Run?

Today, we'll compare electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG cars

As EVs gain popularity, many wonder if they save money over time compared to traditional CNG models

To explore this, we tested two versions of the Tata Tiago— the Tiago EV and Tiago CNG— to see which one costs less when considering both purchase price and running expenses

During our test drive, we took both cars on city roads and highways

Before starting, each car was either fully charged or filled with CNG

Our aim was to calculate the cost per kilometer for each vehicle and see how long it takes for the EV’s higher upfront cost to pay off through savings

Refueling is easier with the CNG Tiago

CNG stations are everywhere, so refueling is quick and simple

On the other hand, the EV benefits from growing charging infrastructure

It offers a smoother ride and is quieter and more comfortable than the CNG model

While CNG refueling is convenient, the EV provides a better driving experience overall

There are some drawbacks to the CNG version

Its acceleration is slower, especially when overtaking

It also gets noisier during city driving

The Tiago EV runs more smoothly, with little engine noise and less lag in power, making it more fun to drive

Range worry can affect EV drivers

In our test, the Tiago EV covered about 169 km on a full charge

After 56 km of driving, the remaining range was 133 km

Although it was not a big issue, the driver felt a little uneasy about the range indicator

CNG drivers do not worry about this because fuel stations are everywhere

Now, let’s talk about costs

Charging the Tiago EV at home costs roughly ₹1

6 per km

Fast charging increases that to ₹3

75 per km

The Tiago CNG costs around ₹3

78 per km to run

Even with a higher initial price, the EV tends to save money over time, especially for daily drives of about 100 km

Its lower running costs make it cheaper in the long run, despite a bigger initial spend

In the end, if you drive less than 50 km each day, the CNG Tiago is a good choice

It costs less upfront and has lower operating costs

But if your daily drive is longer, the EV pays off over time

It saves money, offers more comfort, and charging stations are increasing

To wrap it up, the CNG Tiago works best for those who drive less often and want a cheaper initial buy

The EV is better for drivers who want to save money in the long run and enjoy a quieter, more efficient ride