Question 1

Is an electric car or petrol car cheaper in 2026?

Accepted Answer

An EV is usually cheaper to run when you drive over 15,000 km a year and can charge at home (~€0.18/kWh). Energy costs are typically €3–5/100km vs. €11–13/100km for petrol — a saving of €800–1,500/year. However, the higher purchase price and depreciation of an EV narrow the gap. This calculator shows the total cost.

Question 2

What is the difference between a hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)?

Accepted Answer

A regular hybrid (HEV) charges its battery via braking and cannot be plugged in — consumption is around 4–5 l/100km. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is charged from a socket and drives short trips on electricity alone (~40–60 km), keeping fuel use below 3 l/100km if you charge regularly. Without charging, a PHEV consumes like a normal car.

Question 3

Is leasing or buying a car better?

Accepted Answer

Leasing suits you if you want a fixed monthly fee with no resale risk and change cars every 3–4 years — service and depreciation are included. Buying (cash or loan) is usually cheaper long term, especially if you keep the car over 5 years. Leasing often costs more overall but is predictable and hassle-free.

Question 4

What makes up the real cost of a car?

Accepted Answer

Fuel/energy, vehicle tax, insurance (liability + comprehensive), service and repairs, financing costs (loan interest or leasing fee), and depreciation. Depreciation is often the biggest single cost on a new car — it can lose 15–20% of its value in the first year. This calculator accounts for all of these.

Question 5

How much does a gas car (CNG) cost to run?

Accepted Answer

A gas car (CNG/biogas) uses about 4–5 kg/100km, and gas costs around €1.30–1.50/kg, giving a running cost of about €6–7/100km — between petrol and electricity. Biogas is also eco-friendly. The downside is a sparser refuelling network concentrated in cities and main routes.

Question 6

How does vehicle tax affect costs?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle tax consists of a base tax (based on CO₂ emissions) and, for diesel cars, an additional driving-power tax that is clearly higher than petrol. That is why diesel only pays off with high mileage. EVs have a low base tax and moderate driving-power tax. The calculator uses powertrain-specific averages.

⛽ Polttoaine / energia	2 275 €
Ajoneuvovero	155 €
Vakuutus	750 €
Huolto ja korjaus	600 €
Arvonalennus	3 894 €
Yhteensä / vuosi	7 674 €

Käyttövoima	Yhteensä / vuosi	Säästö halvimpaan
⚡Sähkö (BEV)★ Halvin	5 762 €	—
🔌Lataushybridi (PHEV)	6 587 €	+825 €
💨Kaasu (CNG)	6 714 €	+952 €
🔋Hybridi (HEV)	6 969 €	+1 207 €
⛽Bensiini	7 674 €	+1 912 €
🛢️Diesel	7 699 €	+1 937 €

Car Cost Comparison 2026

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