Suzuki Access 125 vs. TVS Orbiter V2: A Detailed 6-Year Ownership Cost Comparison
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Choosing a new two-wheeler involves more than just comparing the showroom price. A truly informed decision requires a thorough analysis of the total cost of ownership over its expected lifespan. This article provides an in-depth, 6-year ownership cost comparison between two prominent scooters in the Indian market: the conventional petrol-powered Suzuki Access 125 STD and the electric TVS Orbiter V2. Our analysis is based on a consistent daily running of 30 km and meticulously accounts for various cost factors, including the crucial impact of inflation.
Understanding the Cost Components
To provide a comprehensive comparison, we have categorized the ownership costs into several key areas:
On-road Price: This represents the initial capital outlay for purchasing the scooter, including ex-showroom price, registration, and other mandatory charges.
Power/Fuel Consumption: This is a significant recurring expense, covering petrol costs for the Suzuki Access 125 and electricity charges for the TVS Orbiter V2. These calculations are heavily influenced by fuel/electricity prices and the vehicle's efficiency.
Maintenance: Regular servicing, minor repairs, and replacement of wear-and-tear parts fall under this category. Maintenance costs can vary significantly between conventional and electric vehicles.
Insurance: Annual insurance premiums are a mandatory expense, protecting against unforeseen damages or liabilities.
Tyres: The cost associated with replacing tyres over the 6-year ownership period, typically requiring multiple sets depending on usage and tyre life.
Battery Replacement (TVS Orbiter V2 only): A unique cost factor for electric vehicles, this accounts for the estimated expense of replacing the high-capacity battery pack, usually towards the end of its warranty period.
Suzuki Access 125 STD: Detailed 6-Year Ownership Costs and Calculations
The Suzuki Access 125 STD, a popular petrol scooter, incurs the following estimated costs over a six-year period:
On-road Price: The initial purchase price is approximately ₹95,000.
Power/Fuel Consumption: This is calculated based on daily usage and fuel efficiency:
-Daily running: 30 km
-Annual running: 30 km/day * 365 days/year = 10,950 km
-Mileage: 45 kmpl
-Annual petrol consumption: 10,950 km / 45 kmpl = 243.33 liters
-Assumed petrol price: ₹95/liter
-Annual petrol cost: 243.33 liters * ₹95/liter = ₹23,116.35
-Total 6-year petrol cost (without inflation): ₹23,116.35/year * 6 years = ₹138,700 (rounded).
Maintenance: Estimated at ₹21,000 over six years.
Insurance: Approximately ₹15,000 for the entire six-year period.
Tyres: An estimated ₹8,000 for two full sets of tyre replacements over six years.
Total Cost without Inflation: Summing these figures (₹95,000 + ₹138,700 + ₹21,000 + ₹15,000 + ₹8,000) yields a total of ₹2.77 lakh.
Total Cost with Inflation: To provide a more realistic long-term projection, inflation is factored in:
- Petrol prices: 5% per annum (p.a.)
- Service, Tyres, and Insurance: 6% p.a.
- Considering these inflation rates, the total ownership cost for the Suzuki Access 125 STD over six years is projected to be ₹3.04 lakh.
TVS Orbiter V2: Detailed 6-Year Ownership Costs and Calculations
The TVS Orbiter V2, as an electric scooter, presents a distinct cost structure due to its reliance on electricity and the eventual need for battery replacement:
On-road Price: The initial purchase price is approximately ₹109,894.
Power/Fuel Consumption (Electricity): This is a critical area where EVs offer significant savings. The calculations are as follows:
-Daily running: 30 km
-Annual running: 10,950 km
-Battery capacity: 3.1 kWh
-Electricity cost in Delhi: ₹8 per unit (kWh)
-Charging loss: 10% (meaning 1.10 times the battery capacity is drawn from the grid)
-Effective cost to charge 3.1 kWh battery from 0% to 100%: 3.1 kWh 1.10 (charging loss) ₹8/kWh = ₹27.28 per full charge.
-Range per charge: 115 km
-Annual charges needed: 10,950 km / 115 km/charge = 95.217 charges
-Annual electricity consumption: 95.217 charges 3.1 kWh/charge 1.10 (charging loss) = 324.69 kWh
-Annual electricity cost: 324.69 kWh * ₹8/kWh = ₹2,597.52
-Total 6-year electricity cost (without inflation): ₹2,597.52/year * 6 years = ₹15,585.18.
Maintenance: Estimated at a lower ₹6,000 over six years, reflecting the simpler mechanical nature of EVs.
Insurance: Approximately ₹18,000 for the entire six-year period.
Tyres: An estimated ₹10,000 for two full sets of tyre replacements over six years.
Battery Replacement: A significant cost unique to EVs. An estimated ₹67,500 is factored in for battery replacement in the 6th year, assuming an extended warranty of 5 years or 70,000 km, after which replacement might be necessary.
Total Cost without Inflation (including battery replacement): Summing these figures (₹109,894 + ₹15,585.18 + ₹6,000 + ₹18,000 + ₹10,000 + ₹67,500) results in a total of ₹2.26 lakh (rounded).
Total Cost with Inflation: Factoring in inflation for a more accurate long-term view:
- Electricity: 4% p.a.
- Service, Tyres, and Insurance: 6% p.a.
- Battery replacement in the 6th year is also included in this total.
- With these considerations, the total ownership cost for the TVS Orbiter V2 over six years is projected to be ₹2.36 lakh.
Comparative Summary of 6-Year Ownership Costs
The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison of the estimated 6-year ownership costs for both scooters, both with and without the consideration of inflation:
Cost Category | Suzuki Access 125 STD (₹) | TVS Orbiter V2 (₹) |
On-road Price | 95,000 | 109,894 |
Power/Fuel Consumption | 138,700 | 15,585.18 |
Maintenance | 21,000 | 6,000 |
Insurance | 15,000 | 18,000 |
Tyres | 8,000 | 10,000 |
Battery Replacement | - | 67,500 |
Subtotal (without inflation) | 277,700 | 226,979.18 |
Total (with inflation) | 304,000 | 236,000 |
Note: These figures are approximate and are subject to change based on actual market conditions, individual usage patterns, and regional variations in fuel/electricity prices and tariffs.
Conclusion: The Long-Term Financial Advantage of Electric
Based on this comprehensive 6-year ownership cost comparison, the TVS Orbiter V2 emerges as the more financially advantageous option, with an estimated total cost of ₹2.36 lakh (including inflation and the estimated 6th-year battery replacement). This stands in contrast to the Suzuki Access 125 STD's projected total cost of ₹3.04 lakh over the same period.
The primary driver of this significant difference is the substantially lower power/fuel consumption costs associated with electric vehicles. While the TVS Orbiter V2 has a higher initial on-road price and the consideration of a battery replacement cost in the long run, these are effectively offset by the ongoing savings on electricity compared to petrol. This analysis underscores a crucial point for prospective buyers: while the upfront cost of an electric scooter might appear higher, the long-term operational savings can make it a considerably more economical choice over an extended ownership period. Therefore, when deciding between a conventional and an electric two-wheeler, a holistic view of total ownership costs is paramount.
