Car Cost Comparison 2026

Compare the real costs of different powertrains (petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric, gas) and financing options (cash, loan, leasing). See annual costs, cost per kilometre, and which option is cheapest for you.

Powertrain

1,00 €/l3,00 €/l

Financing

7 674 €

Total / year

0,38 €

Cost per kilometre

Total over period (5 years): 38 370 €

Fuel / energy2 275 €
Vehicle tax155 €
Insurance750 €
Service & repairs600 €
Depreciation3 894 €
Total / year7 674 €

🏆 Powertrain comparison

Annual cost with same mileage and price

PowertrainTotal / year
Electric (BEV)Cheapest5 762 €
🔌Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)6 587 €
💨Gas (CNG)6 714 €
🔋Hybrid (HEV)6 969 €
Petrol7 674 €
🛢️Diesel7 699 €
ℹ️ This is an indicative estimate using 2026 average prices. Actual costs depend on the model, driving style, energy contract, insurer and location. Home charging is cheapest for EVs — public fast charging may cost €0.40–0.60/kWh.
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The car cost comparison helps you find out which powertrain is cheapest for you when you compare electric, petrol, diesel and leasing cars on the same assumptions. Your choice then rests on real running costs, not just the purchase price.

How the calculator works and what it’s for

How the comparison works

The calculator gathers the total cost of a car for each powertrain and puts them on a comparable footing. Energy prices, your annual mileage and how long you plan to keep the car weigh especially heavily.

An electric car may cost more to buy but less to drive, while a combustion car can work out cheaper with low mileage. The comparison brings these differences onto the same line.

What you enter and what you get

You provide your mileage and the key costs of each option, such as energy or fuel prices and the car's consumption. You can also factor in the purchase and the leasing terms.

The result shows which option is cheapest for your usage profile and how large the gaps are. That helps you look beyond the price at the pump.

Who it is for

The comparison serves anyone considering a new car who is torn between electric and combustion. It also suits people weighing ownership against leasing for work or personal use.

For high-mileage drivers running costs matter most, and that is exactly when the comparison delivers the greatest value for the decision.

Tips for reading it

Use a realistic annual mileage, since it often decides the outcome of the comparison. An overly optimistic or pessimistic figure can flip the order.

Remember that energy price alone does not tell the whole story. Include servicing, insurance and how the car's value develops so the picture across powertrains stays fair.

🔄 Reviewed June 2026

Frequently asked questions

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