⚡ Electric vs. petrol or diesel
Compare what driving costs you per year with an electric car and with a petrol or diesel car.
💡 How is it calculated?
The formula behind the comparison.
Fuel per year = km × (litres ÷ 100) × price per litre
Electricity per year = km × (kWh ÷ 100) × price per kWh
If you enter the extra cost of the electric car, we calculate after how many years and kilometres you earn that difference back through cheaper driving.
Note: differences in insurance, road tax, maintenance and resale value are not included. Use our total car cost calculator for those as well.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions.
🔌 How much does an electric car use?
Most electric cars use about 15 to 20 kWh per 100 km. Larger cars and motorway driving in winter use more.
🏠 Does it matter where I charge?
Yes, a lot. Charging at home is usually cheapest. Public chargers, and especially fast chargers, often charge a much higher price per kWh. If you often charge on the road, enter an average price.
📊 What else matters in the choice?
Besides energy, also the purchase price, insurance, road tax, maintenance and resale value. Electric cars usually need less maintenance, but it varies by model.
🔗 Other calculators
Check out these handy tools too.