EV Cost Calculator 2026

In many cases yes, especially regarding running costs. Electric cars have lower energy costs (electricity is cheaper than petrol/diesel per km), no road tax (exempt for up to 10 years for first registrations until the end of 2030), and significantly lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, less brake wear due to regenerative braking). The higher purchase price is offset by lower operating costs depending on driving profile and ownership period. Our TCO calculator shows the individual break-even point.

At an average consumption of 18 kWh/100km and a household electricity price of 35 ct/kWh, 100 km costs about €6.30. At public charging stations (55 ct/kWh), costs rise to about €9.90/100km. For comparison: a petrol car with 7 L/100km and €1.75/L costs €12.25/100km. Home charging is thus almost 50% cheaper than petrol.

Total Cost of Ownership includes all costs over the ownership period: purchase price minus residual value (depreciation), energy costs (electricity or fuel), insurance, maintenance and repairs, road tax, and one-time costs like wallbox installation. Our calculator also accounts for price increases in electricity and fuel, as well as progressive road tax calculation.

Yes. The old Umweltbonus expired at the end of 2023, but for new registrations from 1 January 2026 there is a new income-dependent federal subsidy (purchase and leasing): battery EVs receive a base grant of €3,000, plug-in hybrids €1,500, plus €1,000 for a taxable household income below €60,000, another €1,000 below €45,000 and €500 per child (max. two). The maximum is €6,000 (EV) or €4,500 (plug-in hybrid). Income limit: €80,000 taxable income, +€5,000 per child (max. €90,000). Applications are possible up to 12 months after first registration. Regional programs, e.g. for wallboxes, come on top. Enter any received subsidies in the 'Subsidy / Grant' field to correctly calculate the TCO.

Yes, significantly. EVs have fewer wear parts: no combustion engine, no transmission in the traditional sense, no exhaust system, no oil changes, no timing belt. Brakes wear less due to regenerative braking. Typical annual maintenance costs: EV €300-400, combustion engine €600-800. Over 5 years, you save €1,500-2,000 on maintenance alone.

EV depreciation has approached that of combustion cars in recent years. After 5 years and 75,000 km, EVs typically retain 40-50% of their new price, while combustion cars retain 45-55%. The battery warranty (usually 8 years / 160,000 km) supports residual value. Important: rapid technological change can cause stronger depreciation.

The more you drive, the faster the EV pays off. With low energy costs (home charging) and 15,000 km/year, many EVs reach break-even against a comparable combustion car after 3-5 years. At 20,000+ km/year, break-even can be reached in 2-3 years. Low-mileage drivers under 8,000 km/year benefit less from the cost advantage.

Employees who also use a company car privately must pay tax on the benefit in kind. For EVs with a gross list price up to €100,000 (acquired after 30 June 2025; previously €70,000), the rate is only 0.25% per month (instead of 1% for combustion engines), above that 0.5%. For an EV with a €40,000 list price, this means: €100/month benefit in kind instead of €400/month for a combustion car — €300 less taxable income per month. The rule applies to vehicles acquired until the end of 2030.

No. Battery electric cars first registered by 31 Dec 2030 are exempt from road tax for up to 10 years, until 31 Dec 2035 at the latest. Plug-in hybrids are not exempt. After that, tax will likely be calculated by weight. For combustion engines, road tax typically amounts to €100-400 per year depending on displacement and CO₂ emissions. Over a 5-year ownership period, an EV saves €500-2,000 in road tax compared to a comparable combustion car.

The difference is significant: home charging currently costs about 35 ct/kWh, public charging 45-79 ct/kWh. At 18 kWh/100km and 15,000 km/year: home charging €945/year, 100% public about €1,620/year — a difference of €675/year. Those with solar panels can charge even cheaper (8-12 ct/kWh). Home charging share is one of the most important factors for EV economics.