Electric vs CNG Three-Wheelers: The Complete 2025 Guide for Urban and Commercial Users

Three-wheelers are the unsung heroes of India’s urban and semi-urban transport system. Whether it’s the familiar yellow-and-green auto rickshaw ferrying passengers across crowded streets or small cargo three-wheelers delivering groceries, gas cylinders, and e-commerce parcels, these compact vehicles keep cities moving.

With India’s transport sector undergoing a green shift, the choice of fuel for daily-use three-wheelers is becoming a key business decision for drivers, fleet owners, and small businesses. The two most common options for clean and cost-effective operations are:

• Electric Three-Wheelers (E3Ws)

• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Three-Wheelers

Both have their strengths and challenges. This guide takes you through every detail, from costs and range to maintenance, government support, and environmental impact, and even compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) over 5 years.

Why the Choice Between Electric and CNG Matters

A daily-use three-wheeler typically runs 80–200 km a day, often carrying multiple passengers or goods. The cost of fuel, downtime for refueling/charging, and maintenance all directly affect driver earnings and fleet profitability.

• Choosing the right fuel type can save ₹5,000–₹6,000 per month in running costs.

• Over a 5-year ownership cycle, the right choice can mean savings of ₹4–₹6 lakh.

With fuel prices rising and stricter emission norms in place, this choice is not just about today’s costs, it’s about future-proofing your vehicle investment.

Electric vs CNG Three-Wheelers — Quick Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at the most important differences.

Electric three-wheelers cost more to buy (₹2.5–₹3.5 lakh) than CNG ones (₹2–₹2.5 lakh), but government subsidies of up to ₹66,000 help reduce the price gap. They are much cheaper to run at about ₹1.40 per km, while CNG costs around ₹3.40 per km. However, CNG vehicles can travel farther, 150–200 km on a full tank, compared to 80–120 km for electric models. Refueling is also faster for CNG, taking just a few minutes, while electric charging usually takes 3–4 hours unless fast chargers are available.

Electric three-wheelers need less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts, while CNG vehicles require regular servicing of the engine and filters. Charging stations for electric vehicles are growing but still not as common as CNG stations in cities. Environmentally, electric models have zero emissions, while CNG is cleaner than petrol or diesel but still pollutes. In short, electric three-wheelers are best for short city trips where charging is available, and CNG works better for longer distances and quick turnaround needs.

Running Cost Analysis - Why Electric Often Wins

Daily Use Savings

Let’s compare 100 km/day usage — a common scenario for urban three-wheelers.

Monthly Savings with Electric = ₹5,200

Annual Savings = ₹62,400

Case Study: Fleet of 10 Vehicles

For fleet operators, the savings multiply.

• Electric Fleet Monthly Savings: ₹5,200 × 10 = ₹52,000

• Annual Savings: Over ₹6.2 lakh

Over 5 years, the total fuel savings alone can reach ₹31 lakh.

Range and Refueling/Charging — Convenience vs Planning

• CNG Three-Wheelers

• Range: 150–200 km per full tank

• Refuel time: 5–10 minutes

• Ideal for: Continuous operations, long shifts, intercity trips

• Electric Three-Wheelers

• Range: 80–120 km per charge

• Charging time: 3–4 hours (slow chargers), 1.5 hours (fast chargers where available)

• Ideal for: Fixed routes, short-to-medium city trips, overnight charging at depots or homes

Infrastructure Status

Maintenance Costs and Reliability

Electric vehicles (EVs) have simpler mechanics — no engine oil, fuel pump, carburetor, or exhaust system.

CNG Autos Need:

• Engine oil changes

• Filter replacements

• Spark plug changes

• Regular tuning

• Engine overhauls (~₹25,000–₹30,000 every 3 years)

Maintenance Cost Over 5 Years

Result: Electric saves over ₹1.15 lakh in maintenance over 5 years.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) — The 5-Year Picture

Let’s see how costs stack up when you factor in purchase price, running cost, and maintenance.

5-Year TCO Example — 100 km/day

Savings: Electric is ₹4.42 lakh cheaper over 5 years.

Environmental Benefits

• Electric: Zero tailpipe emissions, quieter operation → Better air quality, less noise pollution

• CNG: 20–25% lower CO₂ emissions than petrol/diesel, but still contributes to greenhouse gases

For cities battling air pollution, electric three-wheelers can significantly cut particulate matter (PM2.5) and improve public health.

Government Incentives and Policies

Electric

• FAME II Subsidy: Up to ₹66,000

• Road tax exemption in multiple states

• Registration fee waivers

• Low-interest EV loans in some states

CNG

• Limited benefits — mostly from lower fuel tax compared to petrol/diesel

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: City Passenger Auto Driver

• Runs 90 km/day in Delhi

• Has home charging

• Switch to electric → Saves ₹5,000/month

Scenario 2: Delivery Fleet in Mumbai

• Runs 110 km/day

• No depot charging, relies on public stations

• CNG is preferred until fast charging becomes common

Future Outlook

By 2030:

• Electric: Expected to dominate urban three-wheeler sales due to falling battery prices and wider charging network

• CNG: Likely to remain strong in areas with poor charging infrastructure, but may gradually decline

Which Should You Choose?

Go Electric If:

• You operate within a 120 km/day range

• You can charge overnight

• You want low running costs and less maintenance

Go CNG If:

• You drive 150+ km/day

• You need quick refueling

• You don’t have reliable charging access

CMV360 Says

In 2025, whether you choose an electric or CNG three-wheeler mainly depends on how far you travel each day, the availability of charging or refueling points, and the nature of your work.

Electric three-wheelers are ideal for short, fixed urban routes. They offer lower running costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and the benefit of government subsidies, making them great for drivers who operate within cities and have access to charging facilities.

CNG three-wheelers, on the other hand, suit high-mileage and continuous-use operations. They provide longer driving ranges, quick refueling, and are supported by a well-established network of CNG stations, making them more practical for intercity or long-hour operations.

However, the future looks promising for electric three-wheelers. With rapid improvements in battery technology, falling EV prices, and an expanding charging infrastructure, they are expected to become the preferred choice for sustainable and cost-effective mobility in India’s urban areas.