EV vs petrol running-cost calculator
Enter each car's consumption, the applicable electricity and petrol prices, and your yearly distance. The tool compares energy cost per 100 km and per year. A positive difference means the EV costs less for energy; a negative one means it costs more. Nothing is assumed about your country.
Energy and fuel only. Servicing, tax, insurance and depreciation differ too and are not included here.
Yearly energy-cost difference by distance
At the prices you entered above. A positive figure means the EV costs less for energy; a negative figure means it costs more.
| Distance per year | Difference |
|---|---|
| 10,000 km | €605 |
| 15,000 km | €907 |
| 20,000 km | €1,210 |
| 30,000 km | €1,815 |
How this is calculated
EV cost per 100 km = consumption ÷ charging efficiency × electricity price. At 18 kWh per 100 km, 90% efficiency and 0.25 per kWh, that is 5.00.
Petrol cost per 100 km = litres per 100 km × price per litre. At 6.5 litres and 1.70 per litre, that is 11.05.
Difference per 100 km = petrol cost − EV cost. With those figures, the difference is 6.05 per 100 km in the EV's favour.
Yearly difference = difference per 100 km ÷ 100 × distance per year. At 15,000 km, those example inputs give about 908 a year in the EV's favour; a negative result would favour petrol.
Assumptions and limits
- The EV result uses the electricity price you enter. If you use public charging, include the applicable tariff and any session or time fees when choosing that value.
- The default models 90% charging efficiency. Actual wall-to-battery efficiency varies, so treat the result as an estimate.
- Energy and fuel costs only. Maintenance, road tax, insurance and depreciation also differ between EV and petrol but are outside this tool.
- Currency shown as euro for display; the arithmetic holds in any currency as long as both prices use the same one.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electric car really cheaper to run than petrol?
It depends on the vehicles, consumption, energy prices and charging mix. Enter your own figures: the calculator compares energy and fuel costs without assuming which car is cheaper.
Does public fast charging change the answer?
It can. Public tariffs and fees may differ from your home price, so use a price that reflects where you actually charge. A higher electricity price moves the difference towards petrol and can reduce, remove or reverse an EV cost advantage.
What about servicing, tax and depreciation?
This tool compares energy and fuel only. Servicing, tax, insurance and depreciation vary by vehicle and country, so compare those separately for a full ownership-cost estimate.
Which prices should I enter?
Your real electricity rate (use your night rate if you charge overnight) and the fuel price you actually pay. Using your own numbers makes the result specific to you rather than a national average.
