Over 8 years and 96,000 km, the MG Astor (petrol) still works out about Rs 38,288 cheaper to own than the MG ZS EV — the purchase-price gap outweighs the fuel savings at average mileage.
The MG ZS EV (Executive 50.3 kWh) is priced at Rs 17,99,000 ex-showroom against Rs 9,79,000 for the MG Astor (petrol) — a gap of Rs 8,20,000. What decides the comparison is running cost: at Rs 8 per kWh home charging the MG ZS EV costs about Rs 1.04 per km, while the MG Astor (petrol) at 14.8 km/l and Rs 104.95 per litre costs about Rs 7.09 per km. Figures as of August 2026.
MG ZS EV snapshot
| Battery | 50.3 kWh |
| Claimed range (MIDC) | 461 km |
| Realistic range | ~385 km |
| Real-world efficiency | ~7.7 km/kWh |
| Petrol rival | MG Astor (petrol) — Rs 9,79,000, 14.8 km/l |
8-year cost of ownership: MG ZS EV vs MG Astor (petrol)
Assuming 1,000 km a month, petrol prices rising 5% a year, electricity 3% a year, and typical SUV insurance and maintenance:
| Cost head (8 years) | MG ZS EV | MG Astor (petrol) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase (ex-showroom) | Rs 17,99,000 | Rs 9,79,000 |
| Charging / fuel | Rs 1,10,865 | Rs 8,12,578 |
| Insurance | Rs 3,04,000 | Rs 2,80,000 |
| Maintenance | Rs 96,000 | Rs 2,00,000 |
| Total | Rs 23,09,865 | Rs 22,71,578 |
Run the comparison with your own usage
The calculator below is preloaded with the MG ZS EV and MG Astor (petrol) figures. Change the monthly kilometres, electricity rate or ownership period to match your situation — the break-even point shifts a lot with mileage.
Prefilled with MG ZS EV figures (ex-showroom price, real-world efficiency). Adjust any value to match your usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MG ZS EV cheaper than the MG Astor (petrol) in the long run?
Over 8 years and 96,000 km, the MG Astor (petrol) still works out about Rs 38,288 cheaper to own than the MG ZS EV — the purchase-price gap outweighs the fuel savings at average mileage.
What is the per-km running cost of the MG ZS EV?
About Rs 1.04 per km with home charging at Rs 8 per kWh, versus about Rs 7.09 per km for the MG Astor (petrol).
When does the MG ZS EV break even with the MG Astor (petrol)?
At 1,000 km a month the MG ZS EV does not overtake the MG Astor (petrol) within 8 years — it needs higher monthly running to break even.
What is the real-world range of the MG ZS EV?
The claimed MIDC range is 461 km, but a realistic figure is around 385 km — roughly 84% of the claimed number.