Annual cost of an electric car in : Is it cheaper than a combustion car?

With growing environmental concerns and government incentives, more and more people in Switzerland are turning to electric cars. But one key question remains: how much does an electric car really cost per year, and is it cheaper than a combustion-powered car? Here's a detailed analysis of annual costs to help you make an informed choice.

Cost of using an electric car

1. Purchase price and subsidies
   • Purchase price Electric cars generally have a higher purchase price than combustion-powered cars. For example, the average electric car can cost between CHF 35,000 and CHF 50,000.
   • Grants : Switzerland offers various financial incentives for the purchase of electric cars, including federal and cantonal subsidies, which can reduce the initial cost.
2. Cost of Recharge
   • Domestic Rates : The cost of recharging at home depends on the price of electricity, which averages CHF 0.20 per kWh in Switzerland. For a car with a 60 kWh battery, this works out at around CHF 12 for a full charge.
   • Public charging stations Costs can vary between CHF 0.30 and CHF 0.60 per kWh. A full charge can cost between CHF 18 and 36.
3. Autonomy and Cost per Kilometre
   • Autonomy Most modern electric cars offer a range of 300 to 500 km per full charge.
   • Cost per Kilometre With a cost of CHF 12 for 400 km, the cost per kilometre is CHF 0.03.
4. Maintenance
   • Less frequent maintenance Electric cars require less maintenance than combustion engines because they have fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes. Annual maintenance costs can be around 30% lower than for combustion cars.

Comparison with internal combustion cars

1. Purchase price
   • Internal combustion cars generally have a lower purchase price, ranging from CHF 20,000 to CHF 40,000 for models of comparable size and performance.
2. Fuel costs
   • Petrol The average price of petrol in Switzerland is around CHF 1.70 per litre. For a car consuming 7 litres per 100 km, the cost per kilometre is CHF 0.119.
   • Diesel The average price of diesel is slightly lower, but the savings are offset by higher maintenance costs and emissions taxes.
3. Maintenance
   • Internal combustion cars require more regular and costly servicing, including oil changes, filter replacements and emissions checks. Annual maintenance costs can run from CHF 800 to CHF 1,200.

Total annual cost

Electric cars

• Recharging (15,000 km per year) CHF 450 (15,000 km x CHF 0.03/km)
• Maintenance 300 - 600 CHF
• Insurance and taxes CHF 700 - 1,200 (similar for both types of vehicle)
• Total : Approximately CHF 1,450 - 2,250 per year

Thermal car

• Fuel (15,000 km per year) CHF 1,785 (15,000 km x CHF 0.119/km)
• Maintenance : 800 - 1,200 CHF
• Insurance and taxes : 700 - 1,200 CHF
• Total Approximately CHF 3,285 - 4,185 per year

In Switzerland, the annual running and maintenance costs of electric cars are significantly lower than those of combustion-powered cars. Although the initial purchase price is higher, savings on fuel and maintenance can offset this difference over the life of the vehicle. What's more, with the financial incentives available, buying an electric car is becoming an increasingly attractive option.