Is an electric car really cheaper than a petrol car?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Are there still subsidies for electric cars in 2026?

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.

Are electric cars really cheaper to maintain?

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.

How much do electric cars depreciate compared to petrol cars?

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.

At what annual mileage does an electric car pay off?

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.

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

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.

Do electric cars have to pay road tax?

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.

How does home vs. public charging affect costs?

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.

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

What Does Electricity Really Cost for an EV?

Charging costs are the most important variable cost factor for an electric car. But unlike combustion engines, where the price per liter is clearly visible at the gas station, electricity costs vary considerably depending on the charging source. Between cheap home charging and expensive fast charging stations, the cost per kilometer can double.

Home Charging: The Cheapest Way

Those who charge at home at a wallbox benefit from the lowest costs. The average household electricity price in Germany in 2026 is about 35 cents per kilowatt-hour. With typical EV consumption of 18 kWh per 100 kilometers, costs are only EUR 6.30 per 100 km, or 6.3 cents per kilometer.

A wallbox for home including installation typically costs EUR 800 to 2,000. With annual savings of EUR 600 to 800 compared to public charging, the investment pays for itself in just 1 to 2 years. Most wallboxes charge at 11 kW, meaning a full charge from 20% to 80% (typical 40 kWh) takes about 3.5 hours — perfect overnight.

Even Cheaper with Solar Panels

Those with their own PV system on the roof can generate part of their electricity needs. The cost of solar electricity is 8 to 12 cents per kWh. In practice, 30 to 50% of charging needs can be covered by your own PV system, especially in summer and with a home battery storage.

A calculation example: With 50% solar electricity (10 ct/kWh) and 50% grid electricity (35 ct/kWh), the average price is 22.5 ct/kWh. That is only EUR 4.05 per 100 km. Compared to a petrol car (EUR 12.25/100km), this saves over 67% on energy costs.

Public Charging: Prices and Pitfalls

At public charging stations, prices vary widely depending on the provider, charging power, and tariff model. An overview of typical 2026 prices:

AC charging stations (11-22 kW, alternating current) cost between EUR 0.45 and 0.55 per kWh. DC fast chargers (50-150 kW) are at EUR 0.55 to 0.69 per kWh. HPC ultra-fast chargers (150-350 kW) at highway rest stops cost EUR 0.65 to 0.79 per kWh.

At 18 kWh/100km and a fast charging price of EUR 0.65/kWh, each kilometer costs 11.7 cents. This is almost at the level of an economical petrol car. Those who frequently use fast chargers lose most of the cost advantage over the combustion engine.

Comparing Charging Cards and Tariffs Pays Off

Choosing the right charging tariff can save hundreds of euros per year. There are two models: tariffs without monthly fees (higher kWh price, good for occasional chargers) and tariffs with monthly fees (lower kWh price, worthwhile for frequent drivers).

Recommendation: Use at least two charging cards for different networks. ADAC e-Charge, EnBW mobility+, and Maingau EinfachStromLaden offer good rates without monthly fees. For frequent drivers, a subscription tariff with major networks pays off.

The Optimal Charging Mix

Most EV drivers charge 60 to 80 percent at home and the rest on the road. This mix is economically optimal. Those who charge 70% at home (35 ct/kWh) and 30% publicly (55 ct/kWh) arrive at an average price of 41 ct/kWh — that is EUR 7.38 per 100 km. Significantly cheaper than any combustion engine.

Bottom line: The key to economical e-mobility is the ability to charge at home. Those who can charge at home drive significantly cheaper with an EV than with a combustion car. Those who rely exclusively on public chargers should carefully calculate whether switching makes financial sense.