Comparing costs: EV vs ICE

What are the cost components?

1. Depreciation

   Electric cars have higher depreciation than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. With leasing an electric vehicle, the amount you pay is based on the expected rate of depreciation. In the case of electric cars, as well as enjoying lower monthly payments, EV leasing is also a safe way to protect yourself against new technology in the field. EVs are almost certain to be more advanced at the end of a two, three or four-year lease. At the end of your contract, you simply hand the car back and take out a new lease on a brand-new EV which has the latest tech and don’t worry about the depreciation risk.

2. Energy & fuel costs

   Charging your car at home will also cause your electricity bill to rise, but how much will depend on factors like when you charge and where you live. Electricity costs can vary significantly by region. Keep in mind that charging your car overnight can save you up to 30 percent on that charge. Public charging stations tend to be more expensive than charging at home. The cost of charging your electric car at a public charge point depends on the charge point network and the location of charge points. Many local authorities offer a pay per session approach to on-street chargers. Public charge points cost also vary depending on the power rating.

3. Maintenance

   Electric and electrified powertrains have lower maintenance and repair costs than internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains for all vehicle sizes, relative to vehicle price. Based on our TCO report we can say it is 11% lower. Electric cars have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines (ICE), meaning that electric car service costs are much lower when compared to ICE vehicles. Despite that, they do still require some regular maintenance that incurs costs, such as: tyres and brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and washer fluid, battery repair or replacement (rare!), general wear and tear.

4. Tyres

   Drivers must note that since EVs run on batteries, the tyres need to carry the weight of the batteries as well. Therefore, they should have a solid construction and strong tyre compound to withhold such weight. EV tyres must have a stronger sidewall and robust compound (Nylon or heavier) to handle the weight of the battery and the car components.

5. Damage repair

   All vehicles are getting more complex, including ICE vehicles, in terms of high-tech features and far more sophisticated electronics that are expensive to replace. Repair facilities have to make investments in new equipment and training to work on EVs. While ICE vehicles also have more Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), EVs are really packed with these features, and they are expensive to replace. Battery packs make EVs heavier than similar-sized ICE vehicles. It also means that EVs make greater use of expensive, lightweight, high-strength materials to try and offset the battery weight. These materials are expensive to replace.

6. Insurance and costs

   In Switzerland, electric cars cost in general the same to insure as ICE vehicles. That said, the savings you earn on gas and tax incentives might more than make up for your extra cost.

7. Taxes

   In most cantons there are tax reductions or financial incentives for electric vehicles. Depending on the canton and municipality, these are contributions for purchase, a partial waiver of the annual motor vehicle tax or contributions for the installation of a charging station.