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Fraunhofer Analysis: Profitability of Electric Cars Depends Less on Electricity Prices

How quickly an electric vehicle pays off compared to a combustion engine vehicle depends less on the development of energy prices and more on the location and type of charging, according to a study by the institute.

Electric cars and electric taxis always have a cost advantage over combustion vehicles. Those who can charge them at their own photovoltaic system, like Taxi Wimmer in Hauzenberg, save faster. (Photo: Dietmar Fund)
Electric cars and electric taxis always have a cost advantage over combustion vehicles. Those who can charge them at their own photovoltaic system, like Taxi Wimmer in Hauzenberg, save faster. (Photo: Dietmar Fund)
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von Dietmar Fund

When comparing the total costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle, electric vehicles have clear long-term cost advantages over combustion engine vehicles. However, these advantages depend less than previously assumed on the price development of fossil fuels and electricity. Additionally, the question of whether one can charge with self-generated electricity or only publicly has a significant impact on profitability. These are the main findings for taxi and rental car operations from a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI). It was commissioned by NOW GmbH, bears the title "Economic Analysis of Propulsion Methods for Passenger Cars," and was presented at the end of March 2023.

CO2 Pricing: Combustion Engines Are Becoming More Expensive

The study assumed that due to increasing CO2 pricing, fuel costs for combustion engines would rise, while the costs of electric vehicles would decrease due to the expansion of renewable energies. The study considered all costs incurred over the vehicle's lifespan, including costs for any charging infrastructure and resale value. It relied on the ADAC car database, which is geared towards much lower mileage than is usual in taxi and rental car operations. For example, mid-size electric models amortize faster than smaller models in these operations.

42 Percent Higher Costs with Public Charging Compared to Own PV

When exclusively using public charging infrastructure, energy costs can be up to 42 percent higher than if charging with a personal photovoltaic system, according to the study. Over 15 years, one could save up to 12,000 euros with a personal PV system compared to a gasoline engine. These absolute values are not directly applicable to taxi and rental car operations with their much higher mileage and consequently shorter usage periods, but the trend is clear. The exact structure of the study and its detailed results have been documented by the institute in a "Fact Sheet" that can be accessed via a link.

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