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.

EV Subsidies 2026: Who Gets How Much? | EV Cost Calculator

EV Subsidies 2026: What Is Still Available?

The golden era of EV subsidies with up to EUR 9,000 in environmental bonus is over. The federal portion expired at the end of 2023, and no successor program has been enacted. Nevertheless, there are still some funding opportunities in 2026 that can make switching to an EV financially more attractive.

Federal Funding: Current Status

The federal environmental bonus has been discontinued since December 18, 2023. There is currently no comparable federal program for private buyers. However, the federal government regularly discusses new incentives, particularly for company cars and commercial fleets. The 0.25% rule for company car taxation has been extended until at least the end of 2030 and represents a de facto indirect subsidy.

State Subsidies: Where Money Is Still Available

Some federal states have launched their own funding programs or extended existing ones. North Rhine-Westphalia subsidizes wallbox installation in connection with a PV system with up to EUR 1,500. Baden-Wuerttemberg offers grants for commercial EVs and charging infrastructure. Bavaria has a program for commercial EVs and e-taxis. Thuringia supports the purchase of EVs for municipalities and non-profit organizations.

Programs change frequently. Recommendation: Check the current funding landscape with your state development bank and your municipality before buying. Many cities and communities have their own subsidies for wallboxes or EVs.

Manufacturer Premiums and Special Offers

Many manufacturers compensate for the loss of the environmental bonus with their own discounts and leasing offers. Tesla, VW, Renault, and Hyundai regularly offer special conditions that can reduce the effective purchase price by EUR 2,000 to 5,000. Leasing rates have also dropped significantly in 2026, as residual values have become more stable.

Tax Benefits

In addition to direct subsidies, there are significant tax benefits for EV owners: Road tax exemption until 2030 saves EUR 500 to 2,000 over the ownership period. The 0.25% rule for company cars saves employees EUR 200 to 400 monthly in taxes. The employer can provide charging electricity tax-free.

Tips for Optimal Funding

Check with your state development bank, your municipality, and the manufacturer about current programs before buying. Check whether a combination of wallbox subsidy and PV system is possible, as this often yields the highest grants. For businesses, KfW programs for charging infrastructure are worth exploring. And do not forget: Even without a direct purchase premium, the lower operating costs often make the EV cheaper than the combustion car over the total ownership period.