EVs are closing the ownership-cost gap in Europe, but Germany still lags
EV ownership costs improve across Europe as Germany remains an outlier
EVs are closing the ownership-cost gap in Europe, but Germany still lags
Ayvens’ 2026 Car Cost Index shows electric cars are already cost-competitive across much of Europe, while Germany remains an exception because of high depreciation.
2026-04-29T23:30:02+03:00
2026-04-29T23:30:02+03:00
2026-04-29T23:30:02+03:00
Electric vehicles are gradually catching up with petrol cars on ownership costs, but the shift is uneven. The new Ayvens Car Cost Index 2026 shows that EVs are already often the cheaper choice in Europe, while Germany remains an exception.The study looks at total cost of ownership, from purchase price and maintenance to fuel, taxes and insurance. In most countries, electric cars are already competitive: they are cost-effective in the small-car segment in 17 of 30 countries and in the compact class in 19. In some markets, including Portugal and Belgium, monthly EV costs can fall below €650.Germany presents a different picture. There, an electric car has an advantage only in the compact class, and only by a narrow margin. In other segments, petrol cars are still cheaper. The main reason is the high level of EV depreciation, which offsets the benefit of lower electricity and maintenance costs.The gap is narrowing, however. Falling running costs and rising fuel prices are working in favour of electric vehicles. Some models, such as the BMW i4, already cost less to own than comparable petrol cars in several countries.Electric cars are becoming more financially attractive, but the case for switching still depends on the country and the segment. There is no universal answer yet.
electric vehicles, EV ownership costs, Ayvens Car Cost Index 2026, Germany EV market, BMW i4, total cost of ownership, petrol cars
2026
Michael Powers
news
EV ownership costs improve across Europe as Germany remains an outlier
Ayvens’ 2026 Car Cost Index shows electric cars are already cost-competitive across much of Europe, while Germany remains an exception because of high depreciation.
Michael Powers, Editor
Electric vehicles are gradually catching up with petrol cars on ownership costs, but the shift is uneven. The new Ayvens Car Cost Index 2026 shows that EVs are already often the cheaper choice in Europe, while Germany remains an exception.
The study looks at total cost of ownership, from purchase price and maintenance to fuel, taxes and insurance. In most countries, electric cars are already competitive: they are cost-effective in the small-car segment in 17 of 30 countries and in the compact class in 19. In some markets, including Portugal and Belgium, monthly EV costs can fall below €650.
Germany presents a different picture. There, an electric car has an advantage only in the compact class, and only by a narrow margin. In other segments, petrol cars are still cheaper. The main reason is the high level of EV depreciation, which offsets the benefit of lower electricity and maintenance costs.
The gap is narrowing, however. Falling running costs and rising fuel prices are working in favour of electric vehicles. Some models, such as the BMW i4, already cost less to own than comparable petrol cars in several countries.
Electric cars are becoming more financially attractive, but the case for switching still depends on the country and the segment. There is no universal answer yet.
