Costs: BEM sees electric cars significantly below combustion engine level

In addition to the government environmental bonus for electric vehicles and the looming tax burden for CO2-emitting vehicles due to rising car taxes and increasing fuel prices, lower consumption costs and minimal maintenance requirements are strong arguments as well. For a compact car like the Opel Corsa, the electric model becomes almost 7,000 euros cheaper in total costs compared to the conventional gasoline variant after eight years of use and an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometers. The difference is also considered significant in the mid-range vehicle sector. Comparing the similar-performance Skoda vehicles, the cost advantage of the recently introduced electric SUV Enyaq is roughly 12,000 euros over the comparable combustion engine model Kodiaq. With these calculations, BEM aims to counter claims that electric mobility is only for high-income earners and promotes social division.

“We have already heard many far-fetched arguments against electric mobility, which, upon closer inspection, dissipate into thin air,” commented BEM President Kurt Sigl on the figures.

Given the favorable conditions, the association views this as an opportunity for broad societal acceptance. According to Sigl, commuters could also benefit from the cost advantages after businesses. Therefore, the expansion of private and public charging infrastructure, fast-charging stations, and the agreement on standardized European technology and payment solutions is crucial, the association chief further appeals.

The calculations assume that 80 percent of electric car drivers charge their vehicle at home, incurring the usual domestic electricity rate. For external charging, the present average between the EnBW DC tariff of 0.49 euros per kWh and the approximate 0.80 cents from IONITY was chosen as the basis for calculation.