How CNG and Bio-CNG Are Quietly Beating Electric Cars in Real-World India

The Silent Shift in India’s Green Mobility Story

Every headline says “Electric is the future.” But when you drive through Surat, Lucknow, or Pune in 2025, the roads tell a different story — CNG and Bio-CNG are powering more cars, buses, and taxis than ever before.

While EVs dominate conversations, CNG dominates kilometres. India has quietly chosen practicality over hype — and the data explains why.

⛽ 1️⃣ Cost Reality: CNG Wins Where It Matters

For Indian drivers, affordability still decides innovation.

CNG cost per km (2025): ₹3.2–₹3.5

Petrol cost per km: ₹6.5

EV cost per km: ₹1.2–₹1.5 (at ₹7/unit electricity)

At first glance, EV seems cheapest — but that’s only half the story. Most EV charging in India happens at fast-charging stations, where tariffs reach ₹18–₹24 per unit. Real-world EV running cost then jumps to ₹4.5–₹5/km, often higher than CNG. (CEA India 2025 Electricity Tariff Study)

Add the battery replacement cost (~₹4–6 lakh) after 6–8 years, and CNG easily wins the 10-year ownership battle.

For everyday users and fleet operators, CNG remains 30–40% cheaper in total lifecycle cost.

🔋 2️⃣ Infrastructure: Availability vs. Promise

India’s EV network is growing — but slowly. As of mid-2025, there are 12,000+ public EV chargers, most concentrated in metros. Compare that with 8,340+ CNG stations already functional, projected to reach 14,000 by 2030. (PNGRB 2025 Data)

CNG covers Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities — Nagpur, Indore, Surat, Coimbatore — where EV charging is still rare.

In other words: CNG works where India actually drives. And with Bio-CNG blending already underway, the same pumps will soon deliver renewable fuel — no new infrastructure needed.

💨 3️⃣ Environmental Impact: Bio-CNG Leads the Pack

It’s often assumed EVs are “zero-emission.” But in India, over 65% of electricity still comes from coal. When lifecycle emissions are counted, a grid-charged EV emits about 110 g CO₂/km, whereas a CNG car emits 90 g CO₂/km, and a Bio-CNG vehicle can go as low as 10–15 g CO₂/km — nearly carbon-neutral. (IEA India Energy Outlook 2025)

Bio-CNG doesn’t just emit less — it prevents methane from rotting waste entering the atmosphere, making it one of the few carbon-negative fuels available at scale.

In short: EVs look cleaner on paper; Bio-CNG is cleaner in practice.

🧰 4️⃣ Maintenance & Longevity: CNG Is Proven, EVs Are Pricey

CNG cars are built on decades of mechanical familiarity. Their engines run cooler and cleaner, reducing carbon buildup and wear.

EVs, though mechanically simpler, come with high-cost risks:

Battery degradation over time (average drop: 15–20% in 5 years).

High repair cost if battery or controller fails.

Dependence on authorised service centres only.

CNG cars, by contrast, are serviceable in almost every corner of India — with lower spare costs and universal expertise.

🚗 5️⃣ Range and Refuelling: The Indian Lifestyle Advantage

EVs promise “range anxiety-free” driving — but real-world charging time remains a deal-breaker.

EV fast charge: 45–90 minutes

CNG refill: 5–7 minutes

A CNG tank gives 250–300 km city range, and with dual-fuel backup, you’re never stranded.

For Indian road trips, unpredictable power cuts, and remote towns, CNG simply works better.

🌱 6️⃣ Bio-CNG: The Game-Changer EVs Can’t Match

India’s SATAT programme is adding hundreds of Bio-CNG (Compressed Biogas) plants by 2030, producing 25 million tonnes annually. By blending this renewable gas into existing CNG pipelines, the entire CNG ecosystem becomes greener without changing vehicles or pumps.

EVs need a new grid. Bio-CNG uses the existing one smarter.

This is the genius of India’s transition model — evolution, not revolution.

💡 7️⃣ Consumer Trust and Accessibility

According to the ICICI Direct Mobility Report (2025), 21% of new car buyers chose CNG, while only 2.6% went electric. Why? Trust. People see CNG taxis, buses, and autos running reliably every day. They don’t yet see EV chargers on every corner.

For India’s middle-class families and drivers, CNG feels familiar, affordable, and future-proof.

🔮 The Next Decade: Complementary, Not Competitive

By 2035, India’s mobility landscape will be a blend:

EVs in urban premium segments

CNG and Bio-CNG in daily transport and logistics

Hydrogen in long-haul commercial fleets

CNG isn’t against electrification — it’s enabling India to get there cleanly and economically.

EVs may own the buzz. But CNG owns the distance.

CNG and Bio-CNG aren’t India’s backup plan — they’re the backbone of real-world clean mobility. They deliver what matters most to Indian drivers: affordability, reliability, and readiness.

Electric cars may represent the future — but in 2025, CNG is the present. And it’s running quietly, efficiently, and unstoppable across India’s highways and cities alike.

Disclaimer: All facts and figures are based on verified data from PPAC, PNGRB, MoPNG, NITI Aayog, IEA, and ICICI Direct as of 2025. Actual performance and costs may vary depending on driving patterns, city infrastructure, and fuel availability.