Findings from Ayvens’ 2026 Car Cost Index
Analysis from Ayvens' second Car Cost Index shows that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are already the lower-cost lease option in a growing number of scenarios (countries/segments) compared with the total cost of ownership of petrol and diesel vehicles.
Analysis from the second edition of Ayvens’ Car Cost Index reveals a significant shift in the European mobility landscape: battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are increasingly becoming the most economical lease option across more countries and vehicle segments than ever before.
The 2026 Car Cost Index provides a granular look at the total cost of owning and operating a corporate car (TCO) across 30 European countries. The study spans everything from sub-compact models to large premium vehicles, offering a comprehensive map for businesses navigating the transition to sustainable fleets.
To ensure a fair and reliable comparison, the data is based on a standard four-year operational lease for corporate clients with an annual mileage of 30,000 km. The analysis utilizes lease quotes from Q4 2025 and calculates the average monthly costs by including all critical TCO components: depreciation, interest, repairs, maintenance, tyres, energy/fuel, taxes/incentives (excluding VAT), and comprehensive insurance.
Electric momentum across Europe
The findings confirm that BEVs have moved beyond a niche choice to become a dominant cost-competitor. In Western and Northern European countries, leasing a battery electric car is typically cheaper than its petrol or diesel counterparts. This trend is now also gaining momentum in Southern Europe, where BEVs are becoming increasingly competitive against traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
In the sub-compact car segment, the shift is "slow but sure," with BEVs now proving to be cost-competitive in 17 out of the 30 countries analysed. A standout example of this transition is seen in the premium segment: the battery-electric BMW i4 now boasts a lower TCO than the petrol-powered BMW 3 Series in 20 out of 30 European countries.
Key findings from the 2026 Car Cost Index
Leasing a car was most expensive in Switzerland and cheapest in Portugal, Belgium & Romania.
BEV Competitiveness: In 66% of the surveyed countries (20 out of 30), a high-end BEV like the BMW i4 is already cheaper to run than its closest petrol equivalent.
Portugal and Belgium were the most affordable countries in Europe for driving a battery electric vehicle.
Switzerland remains the most expensive country overall to lease a vehicle, regardless of the powertrain.
What can fleet managers learn?
- TCO is the only metric that matters: Looking at the monthly lease rate alone doesn't tell the full story. By factoring in energy, maintenance, and taxes, the "expensive" electric car often becomes the cheaper choice over a four-year term.
- Geography dictates strategy: While Northern and Western Europe are the leaders in BEV affordability, the gap is closing in the South. Managers should review their policies in countries like Portugal and Spain, where the financial case for EVs is now very strong.
- Segment-specific transitions: Small cars are becoming electric-ready, but the premium segment is where the most immediate savings are found. Prioritizing the electrification of mid-to-high-end vehicles may yield the fastest ROI.
- Future-proof your fleet: The data is based on the latest Q4 2025 quotes, reflecting a market that is rapidly adjusting to new regulations and infrastructure improvements. Staying updated with the annual Car Cost Index ensures your fleet remains both cost-efficient and compliant with sustainability goals.
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