When is it worth switching to an electric car?

Q: What ranges do current electric cars achieve?

The range depends on many factors. Small cars often manage 200-300 km, family cars 300-500 km. Luxury models can achieve up to 600 km and more. Charging speed is also crucial for long distances .

E-cars cost more than petrol cars. But in the long term, lower operating costs make up for this. E-cars save on energy and maintenance costs. A Peugeot E-208 costs 59% less to maintain than its gasoline counterpart. After four years, they are usually cheaper than combustion engines. However, e-cars lose value more quickly.

Important findings

Acquisition costs for electric cars are often higher than for gasoline vehicles, but lower operating costs make up for this in the long term. This is because the battery is also paid for with electric cars, which guarantees that regionally produced energy can be stored and used for propulsion.
Electricity costs for electric vehicles are around 60% lower than petrol costs for comparable models. It should be noted that charging at home or at work is the cheapest option.
Maintenance costs are significantly lower for electric cars. Up to 59% less for a Peugeot E-208 compared to a petrol engine. By eliminating wearing parts such as V-belts, spark plugs, starting clutches or oils and filters from combustion engines as well as exhaust systems with storage catalytic converters, most electric cars can be serviced by specialists at regular intervals without having to replace many parts. Only tires and brakes still need to be replaced depending on the driving style. The extremely complex injection and exhaust gas aftertreatment systems of combustion engines are very susceptible, especially on short journeys, as they first have to reach operating temperature. This can result in unscheduled repairs.
The emission-free operation means lower taxes for operation, as there are tax concessions in most countries. Even if insurance tax is payable, operating an electric car is considerably cheaper.
Electric cars currently have a higher depreciation rate than combustion vehicles.
Electric drive types are steadily gaining market share. Government subsidies, a greater variety of models and better charging infrastructure are making electric cars more attractive. More and more buyers are opting for this environmentally friendly option.
Electric drive systems are steadily gaining market share. Government subsidies, a greater variety of models and better charging infrastructure are making electric cars more attractive. More and more buyers are opting for this environmentally friendly option.

Costs of electric car models

The purchase costs for electric cars are often higher than for combustion engines. However, state subsidies can reduce the costs. In Austria, there is a subsidy of up to €4,000 for the purchase of an e-car (as of 2024).

The standard consumption tax (NoVa) does not apply to electric cars. There is also no motor-related insurance tax. This makes them financially more attractive for buyers.

Prices have become massively cheaper in recent years. This has mainly been made possible by advances in battery chemistry and their supply chains as well as higher production volumes. Increasing competition between manufacturers is also contributing to this. Here is a brief overview of the vehicle sizes and price positioning.

Microcar

A Dacia Spring Electric or Leapmotor T03 is already available from around €16,000. With these vehicles, up to 250 km are already possible in urban areas.

Small car

The Renault 5 costs from around €25,000.
From approx. 7,000 kilometers per year, E-small cars cheaper than combustion engines. This makes them a cost-effective option for city drivers.

Compact class

The VW ID.3 costs around €30,000. At 13,000 km/year, it is 43.7 cents/km cheaper than a comparable petrol VW Golf (source ÖAMTC).

Middle class

This vehicle category now has the largest range on offer. Whether Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4, the traditional body styles and also the cross-over models from around €35,000 to around €70,000 leave nothing to be desired. Especially in this vehicle category, electric cars cost about the same as gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Luxury cars

Top e-cars such as the Tesla Model X or BMW iX Audi e-tron GT cost over 80,000 euros. Here, the percentage loss in value is similar to that of the mid-range.

E-cars can reduce the total costs quickly catch up with combustion engines. The reasons for this are lower electricity, maintenance and repair costs.

Depending on the vehicle category, switching to an electric car pays off from 7,000 to 15,000 km per year. The savings often make up for the higher purchase costs.

Future developments in e-car batteries

The progress made in battery life, optimal charging and recycling are already considerable today and range from 250,000 to 1,000,000 km. The future of electromobility looks bright.

For whom is it worth switching to an electric car?

Switching to an electric car depends on various factors. The most important is the G otal cost comparison of an electric car compared to a diesel, gasoline or hybrid vehicle. E-cars can be cheaper in the long term despite higher acquisition costs.

Electricity prices andade costs play a major role. If you can charge cheaply at home, you save money compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Comparison of the total costs of electric cars and combustion engines

Over five years, e-cars are in most cases cheaper than combustion engines.

If from 2025 the state subsidy e-cars will be able to benefit from favorable home charging and tax advantages still be attractive. Increased competition between manufacturers and CO2 fleet targets in particular are causing prices to fall. Increased production volumes also bring scaling effects and make vehicles cheaper.

Influence of electricity prices and charging costs on profitability

Profitability depends on individual electricity prices and charging costs from. Inexpensive charging options, such as own solar systems, significantly reduce operating costs.

Free or discounted charging stations at the workplace influence the total costs positive. Acquisition costs and depreciation should also be taken into account.

State subsidies and tax benefits for electric cars

Profitability depends on individual electricity prices and charging costs from. Inexpensive charging options, such as own solar systems, significantly reduce operating costs.

Free or discounted charging stations at the workplace influence the total costs positive. Acquisition costs and depreciation should also be taken into account.

FAQ E-Auto Umstieg

For whom is it currently worth switching to an electric car?

E-cars are particularly interesting for city dwellers, frequent drivers and homeowners in rural areas. The total costs over 5 years are often even lower than for combustion engines. Those who can charge cheaply at home usually drive even more cheaply. Discounts, reduced list prices and tax benefits make e-cars more attractive.

How can I eliminate my uncertainty about the purchase price and maintenance costs?

For new purchases, many manufacturers offer leasing deals with fixed monthly costs and a guaranteed residual value. This represents the lowest risk. When buying a used car, the long warranty of 7 years or more on the battery of many models is a signal that the quality and reliability are already very high.

How do electricity prices affect the economic viability of e-cars?

Increased prices at public charging stations often worsen the overall costs of e-cars. Those who can charge cheaply at home or at work can significantly reduce running costs. Tax benefits for employees can also be claimed here. With your own photovoltaic system, you can drive much more cheaply than with combustion engines.

How much do electric cars cost in different vehicle segments?

Prices for electric cars vary depending on the segment and battery capacity. Small cars start at around € 16,000, family cars at € 30,000 and luxury cars from around € 80,000.

Used e-cars and demonstration vehicles offer cheaper entry-level options.

What ranges do current electric cars achieve?

The range depends on many factors. Small cars often manage 200-300 km, family cars 300-500 km. Luxury models can achieve up to 600 km and more.
Charging speed is also crucial for long distances.

What state subsidies are available for the purchase of electric cars?

In Germany, the purchase premium for e-cars was discontinued at the end of 2022. Buyers will continue to benefit from reduced list prices and discounts from manufacturers. Vehicle tax is waived for up to 10 years. There are also regional and municipal subsidy programs.