When someone buys a petrol car, one question arrives before the keys do. "Kitna deti hai?" For decades, Indians have judged a car by one number, kil...

When someone buys a petrol car, one question arrives before the keys do.

"Kitna deti hai?"

For decades, Indians have judged a car by one number, kilometres per litre.

If a petrol hatchback gives 20 km/l, we immediately know how much fuel it will need and how much money will disappear from our wallet after every drive.

Electric cars work differently.

Instead of litres, they consume electricity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

So when Tata says the Tiago EV delivers around 11.53 km/kWh, it is simply the electric version of fuel efficiency.

Think of it like this.

Once you understand this, calculating the running cost becomes surprisingly easy.

What Does 11.53 km/kWh Mean?

The Tata Tiago EV can travel approximately 11.53 kilometres using just 1 unit of electricity (1 kWh).

That means,

• 1 kWh = 11.53 km

• 10 kWh = 115.3 km

• 20 kWh = 230.6 km

The formula is simple.

Running Cost per km = Electricity Price ÷ 11.53

For example,

If electricity costs ₹8 per unit,

₹8 ÷ 11.53 = ₹0.69 per km

That is less than one rupee for every kilometre.

Petrol Cars Work the Same Way, Just With a Different Fuel

Let's compare with the Tata Tiago petrol.

Suppose the Tiago petrol returns 20 km/l, and petrol costs ₹100/litre.

Running cost becomes

₹100 ÷ 20 = ₹5 per km

Now compare.

The EV costs almost 7 times less to drive if you charge it at home.

Electricity Cost to Drive 100 km

The Tiago EV needs around

100 ÷ 11.53 = 8.67 kWh

to travel 100 km.

State-wise Running Cost of Tata Tiago EV

Electricity prices differ across India. Below is an approximate calculation using average domestic electricity tariffs. Actual bills vary depending on slab, DISCOM, taxes and fixed charges.

Cost to Drive 1,000 km Every Month

Monthly Saving: ₹4,310

Yearly Saving: ₹51,720

Does Public Charging Increase the Running Cost?

Yes.

Fast chargers generally cost more than home charging.

Even with DC fast charging, the Tiago EV usually remains cheaper to run than a comparable petrol hatchback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 11.53 km/kWh good?

Yes. Anything around 10 to 12 km/kWh is considered efficient for a compact electric hatchback driven in mixed Indian conditions.

How much does it cost to drive the Tata Tiago EV for 1 km?

With electricity priced at ₹8 per unit, it costs around ₹0.69 per km.

How much electricity is needed for 100 km?

The Tiago EV consumes approximately 8.67 kWh for every 100 km.

Is Tiago EV cheaper than Tiago petrol?

Yes. Based on current fuel prices, the Tiago EV can cost around 7 times less per kilometre when charged at home.

How do I calculate EV mileage?

Divide the distance travelled by the electricity consumed.

Formula

km/kWh = Distance Travelled ÷ Electricity Used

Example:

115 km ÷ 10 kWh = 11.5 km/kWh.

Conclusion

The number 11.53 km/kWh may look unfamiliar at first, but it is no different from the mileage figures we have trusted for petrol and diesel cars for years. Instead of asking how many kilometres you can travel on one litre of fuel, you now ask how many kilometres you can travel on one unit of electricity.

For most owners, the bigger takeaway is not the unit itself. It is the money left in the bank. When a hatchback can cover a kilometre for well under ₹1 on home charging, daily office commutes, school runs and weekend errands become much lighter on the wallet. Over a year, those savings can easily add up to the cost of insurance, maintenance, or even a family holiday.