Car & Household

E-car vs. combustion engine calculator

The calculator compares energy and fixed costs and shows which option is cheaper over the selected period.

Updated on Apr 21, 2026 Calculator, calculation path and examples on one page

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Calculator

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Calculation path

Step by step

  1. Annual energy costs for electric cars

    Formula: Kilometers / 100 × consumption × electricity price

    Result: €945.00

  2. Annual energy costs for combustion engines

    Formula: Kilometers / 100 × consumption × fuel price

    Result: €1,856.40

  3. Total costs of an electric car

    Formula: Annual cost × years + additional purchase price

    Result: €15,475.00

  4. Total costs for combustion engines

    Formula: Annual cost × years

    Result: €16,032.00

Instructions

How to use this calculator correctly

Input

  • Enter the running time, annual kilometers and typical energy consumption.
  • Add realistic fixed costs and the purchase price difference.

Read the result

  • The main number shows which option is cheaper in the selected period.
  • The annual values ​​help with a quick plausibility check.

Boundaries

  • Residual values, repairs, charging losses and regional electricity prices can significantly change the result.

Related guide: Classify car costs with fuel, electricity, credit and taxes

Examples

Typical calculations

15,000 km per year over 5 years.

Typical commuter

Advantage of electric cars over time: €557.00

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25,000 km per year.

Frequent traveller

Advantage of electric cars over time: €5,595.00

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Only 3 years viewing.

Short holding period

Advantage of combustion engines over the period: €4,490.80

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What costs does the calculator compare?

Energy or fuel costs, annual fixed costs and the purchase price difference entered.

Are residual values ​​taken into account?

No. Residual values ​​and resale can significantly change the comparison in practice.

Why is the purchase price difference important?

A cheap operation is of little use if entry is significantly more expensive.

Can I include wallbox or subsidies?

Not directly. However, you can approximate such amounts using the fixed costs or the purchase price difference.

Is the computer also suitable for hybrids?

Only limited. For hybrids you would have to manually estimate some of the cost on either side.

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Sources and notes

Rule status and context

Method
Comparison of annual energy and fixed costs plus entered purchase price difference.