The question more and more drivers are asking: is it worth paying more for an EV if I save on fuel? The answer isn’t simple – it depends on how much you drive, where you charge, and which purchase prices you’re comparing. Let’s do the math.
Why comparing fuel costs alone isn’t enough
Most online calculators only compare running costs – how much does 100 km cost in an EV vs. a gas car. But that’s only part of the story.
An electric car typically costs €10,000–€20,000 more than a comparable gas car. That price premium needs to be “earned back” through lower fuel costs – and that can take tens of thousands of kilometres.
That’s why we built motocost.info – a calculator that accounts for both: purchase price and running costs.
Example: Škoda Octavia vs. Škoda Enyaq
Let’s compare two popular models:
| Parameter | Škoda Octavia 1.5 TSI | Škoda Enyaq iV 60 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | €25,000 | €45,000 |
| Consumption | 6.5 L / 100 km | 16 kWh / 100 km |
| Fuel / energy price | €1.60/litre | €0.18/kWh |
| Cost per 100 km | €10.40 | €2.88 |
| Breakeven point | approx. 133,000 km | |
This means the Enyaq only “pays off” vs. the Octavia after 133,000 km. At an average of 15,000 km per year, that’s nearly 9 years.
Want to see how your cars compare? Try the free calculator.
When does an EV pay off sooner?
- If you charge at home (electricity at ~€0.10–0.13/kWh instead of €0.20/kWh at public chargers)
- If you drive more than 20,000 km per year
- If you’re comparing against a premium gas car of similar price
- If you can take advantage of government EV incentives
Conclusion: Calculate it yourself
A generic “EVs are worth it / not worth it” verdict isn’t enough – it depends on your specific situation. We recommend using the calculator at motocost.info, where you enter your own numbers and instantly see the breakeven point and a full cost breakdown table.
It’s free, no registration needed, available in English, Slovak, German, Hungarian, and Polish.