EV Calculator: Is Switching to Electric Worth It?

An electric car can be significantly cheaper per 100 km than a comparable gasoline car when used correctly – our calculator demonstrates this.

This statement might be surprising at first glance, especially considering the often higher upfront purchase costs for electric vehicles. However, a long-term view of the total cost of ownership reveals that investing in an EV often pays off. And frequently, sooner than one might expect.

This trend is driven by several factors: decreasing prices, government incentives, and a continuously expanding network of charging stations.

The Real Cost of Charging: Energy Consumption and Cost per 100 km

The most significant cost advantage of an EV lies in its energy consumption. An average electric car consumes approximately 18 to 20 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometers. At a typical household electricity price of €0.32 per kilowatt-hour, the cost per 100 kilometers amounts to around €5.80 to €6.40.

Let’s compare this to a gasoline car: A comparable model typically consumes 7 to 8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. At a price of, for example, €1.75 per liter, this results in costs of €12.25 to €14.00 per 100 kilometers. In this scenario, the gasoline car is more than twice as expensive in terms of pure energy consumption per kilometer driven. These cost differences are substantial and add up significantly with regular use. They form the basis for the economic viability of electric cars.

Purchase Price vs. Annual Savings: The Break-Even Calculator Explained

It’s tempting to focus solely on the purchase price. However, the true economic benefit of a vehicle only becomes clear through the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – the total costs over an extended period, typically 5 or 10 years. This approach considers not only the acquisition costs but all relevant expenses incurred during ownership. Tools like the Voylt cost calculator or the WattPlaner TCO calculator offer detailed analyses for this purpose.

Key cost factors include:

Purchase Price & Depreciation: While EVs often have a higher initial purchase price, their prices tend to decrease. Depreciation is the largest cost driver for any type of powertrain. A higher residual value for the EV can help offset initial additional costs.
Energy Costs: As outlined, electricity per kilometer is cheaper than gasoline or diesel.
Maintenance & Repair: Electric cars have fewer moving parts and lack traditional wear components like spark plugs, oil filters, or a clutch. This can significantly reduce maintenance costs or even eliminate them altogether. An example from the WattPlaner TCO calculator shows maintenance and repair costs of €1,500 over 5 years for an EV, compared to €3,000 for a gasoline car.
Insurance: Insurance costs can vary but are an important item. In the WattPlaner example, they amount to €3,500 for an EV over 5 years, compared to €4,000 for a gasoline car.
Vehicle Tax: A significant advantage for EVs in Germany is the exemption from vehicle tax until 2030. WattPlaner estimates €0 for the EV compared to €600 for the gasoline car over 5 years.
Wallbox Costs: The one-time investment in a home charging station is a factor that must be included in the overall calculation.
THG Quota (Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota): EV owners can generate additional income by selling their saved greenhouse gas emissions (THG quota), which reduces running costs. In the WattPlaner example, this amounts to €400 over 5 years.
Residual Value: The expected resale value at the end of the consideration period is also factored in by calculators like Voylt and WattPlaner.

A specific example from the WattPlaner TCO calculator indicates that a gasoline car can incur total costs of €22,613 over 5 years, while a comparable electric car comes in at €20,965. In this instance, the EV pays for itself within 5 years and is ultimately more economical over this period.

Impact of Charging Location: Home Electricity vs. Fast-Charging Rates

Where and how you charge your EV directly impacts its running costs. Charging at home with household electricity, as in the example with €0.32/kWh, is generally the most economical option. Many users can benefit from cheaper off-peak tariffs or utilize their own solar power.

It becomes particularly attractive for owners of balcony power plants or solar panels. These can reduce the annual operating costs of an EV by €200 to €600. Providers like KleinesKraftwerk and Tepto enable the direct use of self-generated, free electricity for the vehicle. Additionally, intelligent charging solutions like Tibber automatically shift the charging process to times with the cheapest electricity prices – for example, at night or when ample solar power is available in the grid.

Fast charging at public stations is convenient for longer journeys but often more expensive than home charging. A smart combination of affordable home charging and strategic fast charging on the go significantly optimizes the cost advantages of an EV.

Practical Example and Decision Guide: When Does the Electric Car Pay Off?

The question of when an EV pays off heavily depends on individual usage. Those who drive a lot and can charge at home will experience the benefits sooner. However, even with moderate use, the cost advantages often outweigh the initial investment over the vehicle’s lifespan.

Yet, uncertainties persist. Issues such as resale value, the practicality of range, or the availability of charging stations concern many potential buyers. Furthermore, the framework conditions are constantly changing: legal requirements for CO₂ reduction, fluctuating fuel prices, government subsidies, and the expansion of charging infrastructure all influence the overall calculation.

Nevertheless, the trend is clear: EVs often make more financial sense than not. To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to factor your own driving habits and preferences into the equation. This is precisely where online calculators, such as the free cost calculator on voylt.com, come in. There, you can input your specific data and receive a personalized projection of when your potential EV will pay for itself. This helps you navigate the complexity of the various cost factors and find a clear answer to the question: Is an electric car worth it for me?

Tags: auto, ev, costs, tco, electricity, gasoline, charging station, wallbox

Try it yourself: EV vs. Combustion Car Calculator

The Real Cost of Charging: Energy Consumption and Cost per 100 km

Purchase Price vs. Annual Savings: The Break-Even Calculator Explained

Impact of Charging Location: Home Electricity vs. Fast-Charging Rates

Practical Example and Decision Guide: When Does the Electric Car Pay Off?

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