Question 1

Is an electric car really cheaper than a petrol car?

Accepted Answer

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 until 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.

Question 2

How much does it cost to drive an electric car 100 km?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do I calculate the total cost of ownership of a car?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Are there still subsidies for electric cars in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The federal subsidy (Umweltbonus) expired at the end of 2023. However, some federal states and municipalities still offer regional funding programs, e.g., for wallbox installation or commercial EVs. Manufacturers sometimes also offer their own EV premiums. Enter any received subsidies in the 'Subsidy / Grant' field to correctly calculate the TCO.

Question 5

Are electric cars really cheaper to maintain?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How much do electric cars depreciate compared to petrol cars?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

At what annual mileage does an electric car pay off?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How does the 0.25% rule work for EV company cars?

Accepted Answer

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 €70,000, the rate is only 0.25% per month (instead of 1% for combustion engines). For an EV with a €40,000 list price, this means: €100/month vs. €400/month for a combustion car — a tax saving of €300/month. This regulation applies until at least the end of 2030.

Question 9

Do electric cars have to pay road tax?

Accepted Answer

No, electric cars are exempt from road tax until 2030 (maximum 10 years from first registration). 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.

Question 10

How does home vs. public charging affect costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Guide: EV Cost Calculator

Electric Car vs. Petrol 2026: Which Really Costs Less? The Honest TCO Comparison

Charging an EV: Home vs. Public — What Does Electricity Really Cost?

EV Subsidies 2026: Who Gets How Much?

EV as Company Car: The 0.25% Rule Explained

Electric Car Depreciation 2026: Residual Value Risk Compared

EV Not Worth It? These Driving Profiles Are the Exception