The electric JMEV EV3 and the petrol-powered Suzuki Alto show a clear difference in day-to-day expenses. Here is a comparison between the vehicles.
Car prices have increased sharply, making cost an important factor for buyers in Pakistan.
How was the cost calculated?
To estimate real-world running costs, three key factors were considered: electricity price, driving range, and battery size.
Electricity rates in Pakistan vary depending on usage, but the highest residential tariff can reach around Rs68 per unit.
This figure was used to reflect a maximum-cost scenario.
The EV3 has a battery capacity of 30.24 kWh.
While its official range is higher, a more realistic estimate based on stricter standards brings it closer to 232 kilometres on a full charge.
Cost of charging an EV
Charging is not perfectly efficient, and some energy is lost in the process.
Taking this into account, a full charge requires about 35.5 units of electricity.
At the highest electricity rate, this brings the total cost of a full charge to roughly Rs2,400.
When spread over the vehicle’s range, the running cost comes to about Rs10.4 per kilometre.
Petrol costs remain higher
For comparison, the Suzuki Alto, often seen as a fuel-efficient option, runs on petrol priced at around Rs321 per litre.
With an average fuel economy of about 17 kilometres per litre, its running cost comes to nearly Rs18.9 per kilometre.
This means the EV3 costs almost half as much to run under these conditions.
What affects the final cost?
The actual cost of running an electric car can vary. Charging at home is usually the cheapest option.
Using commercial fast chargers can increase the cost significantly, sometimes bringing it closer to petrol expenses.
Electricity rates also differ from household to household. Those with solar panels may see much lower costs, especially if they charge during the day.
The figures suggest that, in terms of running cost alone, the JMEV EV3 has a clear advantage over the Suzuki Alto.
However, buyers may still consider other factors such as upfront price, charging access, and driving needs before making a decision.
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