Cost comparison: electric vs. combustion car – which is more cost-effective?

Rising fuel prices, rapid technological development, and growing environmental awareness mean that more and more drivers are weighing the choice between an electric car and a combustion one. Is an EV just an eco-friendly trend, or is it genuinely the more cost-effective option? Let's look at the running costs of both types of vehicles to find the answer.

1. Purchase costs – the first step toward savings

At first glance, electric cars can seem more expensive to buy. However, the gap closes quickly thanks to:

• Government subsidies: In Poland, programmes such as "Mój Elektryk" offer subsidies of up to PLN 27,000 for buying an electric car.
• Zero excise duty: Unlike combustion cars, EVs are not subject to excise duty.

Thanks to these incentives, EVs such as the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3 become priced similarly to their combustion counterparts.

2. "Fuel" costs – electricity wins

Comparing running costs quickly shows the advantage of EVs:

• Combustion car: With average fuel use of 7 litres per 100 km and a fuel price of PLN 7/litre, the cost of driving 100 km is about PLN 49.
• Electric car: Average energy use is 15 kWh/100 km, which at an electricity price of PLN 0.80/kWh comes to PLN 12 per 100 km.

If you use nighttime energy tariffs or your own photovoltaic panels, the cost of driving can be even lower – practically zero.

3. Service costs – less means cheaper

Electric cars are significantly simpler in design. The absence of a combustion engine, gearbox, filters and exhaust system means:

• Fewer parts to replace: No costs for oil changes, timing belts or particulate filters.
• Lower breakdown risk: Electric motors are less prone to failure, which translates into longer trouble-free operation.

For comparison: the annual service cost of a combustion car can reach PLN 2,000–3,000, while for an EV it is often just a few hundred zloty.

4. Tax benefits and fees

EVs enjoy a range of incentives that lower their total cost of ownership:

• Free parking in many cities.
• Lower insurance – some insurers offer special discounts for electric cars.
• Zero use tax in many European countries.

5. Residual value – the future is on the side of EVs

Electric cars lose value more slowly, especially given growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. In addition, in a few years combustion cars may face extra fees linked to CO₂ emissions, which will reduce their value on the used-car market.

6. Ecology – an investment in the future

Beyond the financial benefits, choosing an electric car is also a real contribution to environmental protection. Every kilometre driven means fewer exhaust fumes in the atmosphere, which translates into better air quality and a healthier life for all of us.

Summary – which is more cost-effective?

Although the initial purchase cost of an electric car may seem higher, over a period of several years it turns out to be the more economical choice. Cheaper running, lower service costs, tax incentives and rising residual value all favour EVs.

By choosing an electric car, you invest not only in your savings, but also in the future of the planet. The decision is yours – go for modernity and savings!