Electric cars in comparison of costs: purchase expensive, operation cheaper

Electric cars are more environmentally friendly and efficient, but at Car purchase Many consumers lack: the necessary budget inside. Our Data analysis for the turnover of traffic shows: E-cars are usually cheaper in maintenance than Burner, however, only pay off after years.

High acquisition costs despite low operating costs

The SWR Data Lab compared over 5,500 models (2024-April 2025) based on list prices, vehicle tax, consumption and electricity costs at 15,000 km/year over 16 years:

• Electric cars: on average 7,000 € more expensive As a petrol engine, € 2,000 more expensive As a diesel

• Operating costs: E-cars freed from vehicle tax by the end of 2030 and usually cheaper in consumption

• Break-even: Cost advantage in the company often only compensates for the acquisition price after several years

Comparison of burners: petrol vs. diesel

1. Purchase price:

   • Compact petrol engine the cheapest

   • Diesel moderately more expensive

2. Operating costs:

   • Diesel due to lower mineral oil tax at the petrol station cheaper, higher motor vehicle tax is the same

   • Petrol engine in consumption mostly more expensive than diesel and electric car

3. Market shares 2025:

   • Petrol: ~ 60 %

   • Diesel: ~ 28 %

   • E-cars: ~ 17 % of new registrations, ~ 3 % of the fleet

Political levers to the turnover of traffic

CO₂ prize increases combustion costs

• With moderately rising CO₂ prices, gasoline and diesel are noticeably more expensive

• CO₂ income should flow into climate-friendly mobility

Environmental bonuses and funding

• E-car bonus (2023) lowered acquisition costs

• Abolition of the diesel privilege would make diesel trips more expensive

• Social leasing And further measures could reduce entry hurdles

Mobility behavior decisive

Dr. Gerfried Jungmeier (Joanneum Research) emphasizes:

"The best for the climate is to walk on foot, on foot, by bike or public transport.

Conclusion
E-cars offer cost advantages in the long term, but the high initial investment remains a wealth hurdle for many. A comprehensive funding policy and rising CO₂ prices could accelerate the change-as well as changed mobility behavior.