The Green Revolution No One Is Talking About; CNG’s Quiet Rise Over EVs In India. Why India’s Love Affair With CNG Cars Is Outpacing The EV Hype And Why It Marks A Better Choice?

EVs Were Supposed to Be the Future, but India’s CNG story has a plot twist. For years, everyone’s been shouting from the rooftops: electric vehicles (EVs) are the answer to our fossil fuel woes. Cleaner, greener, quieter – the whole package.

But in India, something unexpected is happening on the ground. As fuel prices bite harder and buyers grow more budget-conscious, more and more Indians are turning to an unlikely hero – CNG-powered cars.

Here is what is surprising –  in just five years, CNG’s share in total passenger vehicle sales has more than tripled – from 6.3% in FY20 to 19.5% in FY25. That is more than diesel’s share now, and a massive shift from the days when petrol ruled the roads. Petrol’s share has dropped steeply from 76.3% to just 57.7%, while diesel has quietly held its ground at around 17–19%.

And the momentum isn’t slowing down. For the first time ever, over one million CNG cars, including sedans and SUVs,  are expected to be sold this year (FY26), marking a 20% jump from the 839,000 units sold in FY25. Keep in mind, total car sales are only expected to grow by 1–2%. That means CNG is clearly leading the charge.

So Why Is CNG Suddenly the Star?
Simple answer: it’s practical.

High petrol and diesel prices have made running traditional fuel cars painful for the wallet. At the same time, EVs, while cheaper to run, come with a higher upfront cost and limited charging infrastructure; meanwhile, CNG hits the sweet spot – cheaper than petrol and diesel, less expensive than EVs, and now more accessible than ever.

As Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, put it – “It’s one category that’s surprised everyone”. The growth, he points out, is largely driven by individual buyers, not just fleet operators or cabs (who still make up about one-fifth of the demand).

Another big reason: choice. Until a few years ago, there were only 11 CNG models on offer. Today, that number has jumped to 25. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, and even Nissan have all joined the CNG party.

Infrastructure Is Catching Up Too
You can thank better infrastructure, too. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently highlighted that the number of CNG stations in India has grown 20x in the last decade. And that’s not where it stops – the government plans to increase the number of CNG pumps to 17,500 by 2030, up from around 7,400 in 2025.

Yes, the government is still pushing EVs with incentives and tax breaks, but on the ground, buyers seem to be leaning toward CNG because it’s easier to access and lighter on the pocket at the time of purchase. While EVs may be the future, for many Indians, CNG is the present.

Fixing the Drawbacks, One Cylinder at a Time
Let’s be honest, CNG cars do have a downside: reduced boot space due to the large gas cylinder. But automakers are working around it. Tata Motors and Hyundai now offer twin-cylinder layouts that provide the same capacity with slimmer, more space-efficient designs.

Then there’s the issue of diesel’s shrinking relevance, especially with NGT regulations gaining traction beyond Delhi-NCR. That’s prompting even more buyers to ditch diesel and explore alternate fuels. Nissan, for example, now offers government-approved CNG retrofit kits for its cars.

“We need to focus on options that are easier to manage, environmentally friendlier, and don’t burn a hole in the buyer’s pocket,” said Saurabh Vatsa, MD of Nissan Motor India. Hard to argue with that logic.

CNG Is No Longer a Niche

If you thought CNG was just for hatchbacks and taxis, think again. Models like the Maruti WagonR, Hyundai Exter, and Tata Punch are among the most popular CNG picks across income segments. In fact, one in every three cars sold by Maruti Suzuki in FY25 was CNG. The company sold over 600,000 CNG units last year and is targeting 700,000 this year.

Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India, summed it up well:“CNG has emerged as a very good option for consumers at the entry-level, for all vehicles priced less than ₹11 lakh.”

CNG vs EV: What Should Indian Car Buyers Really Choose in 2025?
With petrol and diesel prices doing no favours to our wallets, and climate concerns growing louder, Indian car buyers are now seriously looking at alternative fuel options. Enter the two big contenders: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs). But while both promise cleaner rides and lower running costs, choosing between them isn’t as simple as it sounds.

On one hand, CNG cars have gained a serious following, mainly because they’re more affordable upfront and cost less to run than traditional petrol or diesel models. The CNG pump network has also grown significantly, making refuelling easier than ever.

On the other hand, EVs are the darlings of the green mobility movement. They offer zero tailpipe emissions and unbeatable running costs. But their higher sticker price and the still-evolving charging infrastructure can make buyers hesitate.

Still, Why Are Buyers So Conflicted?
Well, both CNG and EVs are trending right now. Automakers know this and they’re expanding their lineups across both segments. While this is great for variety, it’s also left many buyers scratching their heads: “Should I go with the cheaper, familiar CNG option? Or take a leap into the electric future?”

Let us unpack this with a side-by-side comparison, practical, no fluff.

A Quick Recap: How Did We Get Here?
CNG Cars: These aren’t new. In fact, cities like Delhi and Mumbai have relied on CNG for years, especially in the taxi and fleet sector. But for a long time, private car buyers just didn’t bite. That changed when fuel prices went through the roof. Suddenly, CNG looked like a much smarter deal for the everyday commuter.

EVs: A newer kid on the block in India. It’s only in the last few years that electric cars have entered the mainstream, thanks to government subsidies, rising eco-awareness, and serious players like Tata, MG, and Hyundai getting into the game. Yes, people had range anxiety in the beginning, but that’s gradually easing.

Cost Showdown: Who’s Cheaper, Really?
1. Initial Purchase Cost
If you’re looking at your bank balance before anything else, CNG wins this round.

CNG Cars: Models like the Maruti WagonR CNG, Hyundai Exter CNG, and Tata Punch CNG are all available in the ₹6–12 lakh range.

EVs: Even the so-called “affordable” EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV start at ₹14–16 lakh, even after applying subsidies like FAME-II.

2. Running Costs: Electricity vs. CNG
Here’s where EVs start to flex.

CNG: Prices across India are hovering around ₹60–80 per kg. For example, in Delhi it’s about ₹76/kg. A car like the Maruti Ertiga CNG, with a mileage of about 26 km/kg, ends up costing ₹2.91 per km to run.

EVs: Electricity costs between ₹5–10 per unit (kWh). Take Delhi again, where it’s around ₹8.5/unit. Fully charging a Nexon EV (30.2 kWh battery, 200 km range) would cost ~₹256, or ₹1.28 per km. That’s less than half the running cost of a CNG car.

So yes, EVs are much cheaper to run, especially if you charge at home during off-peak hours.

Infrastructure: Where Can You Top Up?
CNG: India has seen a CNG station boom, more than 7,400 outlets already, with plans to scale to 17,500 by 2030. That’s huge. Long gone are the days when you’d drive 10 km just to refuel.

EVs: The charging grid is growing, but it’s still a work in progress, especially in smaller cities. Public fast-chargers are still not as widespread as CNG stations. And home charging isn’t always possible for apartment dwellers.

So for ease of refuelling, CNG still has the edge, at least for now.

Practical Drawbacks: Don’t Ignore These
CNG cars lose boot space because of the gas cylinder in the trunk. But some carmakers, like Tata and Hyundai, have introduced twin-cylinder setups that free up more storage space.

EVs, while zippy and quiet, have long charging times unless you find a fast-charger and they’re not exactly scattered across every neighbourhood yet.

Verdict – What Should You Choose?
It really comes down to what you value most: – 

If you want something affordable, familiar, and easy to refuel, and you’re okay with a slightly higher running cost, CNG is a smart, reliable choice.

If you’re thinking long-term, have charging access (like a home garage), and don’t mind a higher upfront investment, EVs offer fantastic running cost savings and future-proofing.

Its In The Details…

In 2025, India’s alternative fuel scene is buzzing. The good news? Buyers finally have choices that go beyond just petrol or diesel. And whether you’re Team CNG or Team EV, the road ahead is looking a lot greener.

When it comes to everyday running costs, EV owners with access to home charging definitely have the upper hand. Residential electricity tariffs in India are generally lower than commercial ones, which makes overnight charging at home both convenient and affordable. However, for those depending on public fast chargers – especially in metro cities or along highways – the rates can be notably higher, typically falling between ₹10–₹20 per unit depending on the service provider and location. That gap in pricing can significantly affect long-term savings, particularly for those without private parking or charging setups.

Maintenance is another key consideration where EVs and CNG cars diverge quite a bit.

EVs come with fewer moving parts, meaning there’s no need for oil changes, clutch replacements, or spark plug issues. But they’re not maintenance-free. Battery health is the big ticket item here. While most EV batteries are designed to last 7–8 years (often under warranty up to 160,000 km), replacement costs can still burn a hole in your pocket – ranging from ₹2–5 lakhs, depending on the battery size and make.

Plus, occasional motor servicing and software updates are things to keep in mind. CNG cars, on the other hand, involve routine engine maintenance, including oil and filter changes. The CNG kit components like the regulator, valves, and piping need regular checks and servicing too.

These additional layers make CNG cars slightly more maintenance-heavy than their petrol counterparts, and potentially more expensive to keep in top shape over time.

Resale value is where things get a bit murky for both options.

CNG vehicles are often seen as budget-friendly and practical, but factors like reduced boot space and higher perceived upkeep can work against them in the second-hand market.

EVs, meanwhile, have historically struggled with resale due to battery degradation concerns and the constant evolution in EV tech. However, this is slowly changing. As battery technology becomes more reliable and the public grows more comfortable with electric mobility, the resale perception is gradually improving. That said, resale still depends heavily on brand, condition, and regional market preferences – so it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario.

EVs may eventually win out in terms of resale appeal, but for now, CNG cars still offer a safer bet in terms of upfront value and familiarity.

And of course, there’s the matter of actual performance.

If you love a smooth, instant pick-up, EVs definitely deliver. Electric motors provide full torque from the moment you tap the pedal, which makes them feel quick and responsive, especially in city traffic.

CNG cars, by comparison, are more laid-back. Their internal combustion engines take a second longer to gather momentum, making acceleration feel gentler and less thrilling. So if you’re after that zippy, futuristic vibe, EVs are the clear winner here.

But then, there’s the elephant in the room: refueling versus charging time.

CNG cars refuel just like petrol ones – fill up the tank in a few minutes, and you’re good to go.

EVs? Not so much. Even with a fast charger, you’re looking at a minimum of 30 minutes to top up the battery to a usable range. And if you’re charging at home with a regular socket, be prepared to plug in overnight. For those on the go or without easy access to charging points, this remains one of EVs’ biggest pain points.

All in all, both fuel types come with their own quirks and advantages. Choosing between them depends less on which is “better” and more on which fits your lifestyle. Frequent city driver with home charging? EVs might just be your thing.

Budget-conscious commuter with easy access to CNG stations? Then CNG could be your ideal match.

One of the most common concerns that both CNG and EV drivers share is range anxiety—that creeping fear of running out of fuel or charge mid-journey. CNG cars generally offer range figures similar to petrol models, giving them a sense of familiarity and reliability.

EVs, on the other hand, have historically had limited driving ranges, which made potential buyers a bit hesitant. But things are changing fast. Thanks to improvements in battery technology, many modern EVs now deliver 300+ km on a single charge, which is more than enough for most urban and even intercity drives. That’s helped ease a lot of the early fears.

India is also putting in serious work when it comes to strengthening the EV ecosystem. Charging stations are popping up across major cities and highway corridors, and companies are stepping in too – installing chargers in office complexes, residential societies, and malls.

These efforts are making EV ownership far more viable than it was even a couple of years ago. Still, when it comes to sheer convenience and current infrastructure, CNG cars have the upper hand. With over 4,500 CNG pumps spread across the country – especially dense in places like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad – owners rarely have to stress about finding a station.

EV infrastructure is improving, but there’s ground to cover.

As of now, India has around 1,800 public EV charging stations. And while the government aims to cross 6,000 by 2025, these chargers are mostly limited to metro cities. Smaller towns and rural highways still remain largely uncovered. That said, the government’s proactive approach, particularly through schemes like FAME-II, is giving the EV segment a strong push. Incentives such as purchase subsidies, road tax exemptions, and registration fee waivers are making electric vehicles increasingly affordable.

Meanwhile, CNG cars too are enjoying a bit of policy love – states like Delhi and Maharashtra are offering reduced road taxes on CNG models to keep them appealing for budget-conscious buyers.

The future looks interesting on both fronts.

EV manufacturers are now racing to roll out next-gen battery technologies like solid-state batteries, which promise faster charging, longer life, and better safety.

On the CNG side, companies are experimenting with hybrid models and turbo-CNG engines to make them more powerful and efficient. So, it’s clear that neither fuel type is sitting still, both are evolving rapidly to cater to India’s changing automotive needs.

Now, let’s talk about the planet.

From an environmental perspective, EVs do appear greener, especially when powered by clean energy sources like solar or wind. When charged using renewables, they have zero tailpipe emissions and a minimal carbon footprint. But the story isn’t quite that simple. If the electricity powering the EV is generated from coal or gas, then some of that environmental benefit is eroded. Even then, EVs generally emit less CO2 over their lifetime than CNG or petrol cars.

CNG, being a fossil fuel, emits CO2 when burned though less than diesel or petrol. However, what’s more concerning is methane leakage during production and transportation.

Methane is far more potent than CO2 when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere, which makes it a major contributor to climate change. Add to that the fact that natural gas is a non-renewable resource, and the long-term sustainability of CNG starts to look questionable.

EVs aren’t completely off the hook either.

The mining, manufacturing, and eventual disposal of lithium-ion batteries come with their own set of environmental challenges. Extracting lithium, cobalt, and other rare metals used in EV batteries can lead to habitat destruction, water shortages, and pollution. Plus, once these batteries reach the end of their life, disposal becomes tricky. If not properly recycled or reused, they could end up adding to the growing problem of e-waste.

So, in the grand scheme of things, both CNG and EVs come with environmental trade-offs.

EVs offer a cleaner path in the long run, especially as India shifts towards greener power sources. But they also need responsible manufacturing and disposal ecosystems to truly be sustainable. CNG, while cleaner than petrol and diesel today, still carries the baggage of fossil fuel dependence.

The Last Bit, Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
When it comes to deciding between a CNG car and an electric vehicle (EV) in 2025, several factors need to be considered.

To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare them across various aspects:

Factor                              CNG Cars            Electric Cars
Initial Cost                       ✅ Cheaper          ❌ Expensive
Running Cost                   ❌ ₹4/km             ✅ ₹1-2/km
Maintenance                    ❌ Higher             ✅ Lower
Refueling Time                 ✅ 5 mins             ❌ 30-60 mins
Boot Space                      ❌ Limited            ✅ Full Space
Charging Infrastructure    ✅ Widespread      ❌ Still developing
Sustainability                   ❌ Fossil fuel        ✅ Zero-emission

Final Recommendation:
Buy a CNG car if you frequently drive long distances and need quick refueling. CNG cars have a lower initial cost, and the refueling time is comparable to traditional gasoline vehicles. However, they have higher running costs, maintenance expenses, and are less environmentally friendly due to their reliance on fossil fuels.

On the other hand, buy an electric vehicle if you primarily drive within cities and want to enjoy lower running costs. EVs have significantly lower per-kilometer costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and zero direct emissions, making them a more sustainable choice. However, they have a higher initial cost, and the charging infrastructure, while rapidly improving, is still developing in India.