Life as a seafarer is unique. You spend months navigating the oceans, and when you finally hit dry land, your time is precious. Every moment with family and friends counts. So, when it comes to choosing a car that sits idle for half the year and then goes on a whirlwind of adventures, the age-old question—Electric Vehicle (EV) or Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)?—needs a special lens.

This isn’t just about mileage or price; it’s about a lifestyle. Let’s dive into which vehicle truly deserves a spot in your driveway.

Why Your Decision as a Seafarer is Different

Before we compare specs, let’s understand your unique needs:

Long-Term Parking: Your car will be parked, untouched, for 4-9 months at a time. This is the most critical factor.
Intermittent, High-Intensity Use: When you’re home, the car isn’t just for groceries; it’s for road trips, family vacations, and making up for lost time.
Financial Pattern: You have a high earning potential during contracts, making strategic investments smart.
Value of Time: Minimizing hassles like fuel stops and service center visits is a premium benefit.

The Showdown: EV vs. ICE

Let’s break it down factor by factor.

1. Running Cost: The Clear Winner

EV: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 / km (if charged at home). Even with fast charging, it’s around ₹3.5 – ₹5 / km. The savings are monumental.
ICE: ₹8 – ₹12 / km (for petrol/diesel). Fuel bills add up quickly during your intense home periods.
Verdict: 🏆 EV. The cost advantage for daily driving is simply unbeatable.

2. Maintenance: The Silent Benefit

EV: Radically simple. No engine oil, air filters, or spark plugs. Regenerative braking also means less wear on brake pads. You sign off for a contract and have virtually no maintenance worries.
ICE: Requires regular and scheduled servicing. Leaving it parked for months can lead to 12V battery drainage and fuel degradation, potentially requiring service upon your return.
Verdict: 🏆 EV. The peace of mind of having a car that needs almost no maintenance while you’re at sea is a huge advantage.

3. Long-Term Storage: The EV Edge (With One Simple Step)

EV: The ideal garage queen, with one easy rule. The key is to store it with the high-voltage battery charged between 40-60%. This simple step minimizes battery degradation while parked. There are no stale fluids or complex mechanical systems to worry about.
ICE: Requires more preparation. The 12V battery may drain completely, fuel can deteriorate, and internal engine components can be subject to corrosion without periodic use.
Verdict: 🏆 EV. With basic battery care, it is objectively better suited for the long periods of inactivity inherent to your job.

4. Charging & Refueling Infrastructure

EV: Growing at an incredible pace. As of August 2025, India has over 29,700 public charging stations, and this number is growing every month. While home charging is your primary method, this vast network makes inter-city travel increasingly feasible.
ICE: The proven champion for freedom. A 5-minute refuel is available anywhere in the country, offering unmatched flexibility for the most remote journeys.
Verdict: 🏆 Tie. For daily use, home charging wins. For absolute freedom to go anywhere, anytime, ICE still leads, but the gap is closing fast.

5. Purchase Price & Resale Value

EV: Higher upfront cost. Technology is evolving rapidly, which can impact the future resale value of current models.
ICE: Lower entry price and a stable, well-understood resale market.
Verdict: 🏆 ICE. If initial budget or short-term ownership is your primary concern, ICE holds the edge.

The Seafarer’s Smart Strategy: The “Best of Both Worlds” Approach

Here’s a brilliant solution many savvy seafarers are adopting: Own an EV for daily use, and rent an ICE for long road trips.

This hybrid strategy leverages the best of both worlds:

For 90% of Your Time at Home: Use your owned EV for all daily chores, commutes, and short getaways. You save a fortune on fuel and enjoy a premium, quiet drive.
For that Annual 10% Long Road Trip: When you plan a pan-India drive to the hills or across states, simply rent a comfortable SUV or sedan for that specific period.

Why this works so well:

Cost-Effective: The massive savings from using the EV all year easily offset the one-time cost of renting a car for a vacation.
No Compromise: You get the perfect vehicle for every need without any drawbacks. Enjoy eco-friendly efficiency at home and effortless range on vacation.
Hassle-Free: The rented car is someone else’s maintenance and depreciation problem. You return it after your adventure and go back to your low-cost EV.

The Final Verdict: Which Car Should You Moor In Your Driveway?

Choose an EV if:

You have dedicated parking at home where you can install a charger. (This is non-negotiable).
You remember the one simple rule for storage: leave the battery at 40-60% charge.
Your daily driving during leave is mostly local and predictable.
You want to maximize savings and minimize maintenance hassles.

Choose an ICE if:

You lack reliable home charging.
Your time at home is filled with frequent, unplanned long-distance driving to the most remote places with uncertain infrastructure.

The Winning Strategy for Many:

Seriously consider owning an EV + renting an ICE for trips. This modern approach offers unparalleled savings and convenience, perfectly tailored to the seafarer’s intermittent but intense lifestyle.

What’s your take? Are you Team EV, Team ICE, or will you adopt the hybrid rental strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Support the community that supports you. Consider contributing to Shippy’s.org, a platform for Indian seafarers.

EV vs ICE: Which Vehicle Should Seafarers in India Choose?