How much does it cost to maintain an electric car in 2025? The cost guide for Europe

In 2025, the adoption of electric vehicles in Europe continues to grow, driven not only by sustainability goals but also by tangible economic benefits for owners. But how much does it really cost to maintain an electric car in Europe today? In this updated guide, we analyze all the main factors affecting operating costs: maintenance, charging, insurance, and taxation.

Electric car maintenance: simpler and cheaper

Fewer components, fewer interventions

Maintenance is one of the areas where electric vehicles show their competitive edge. The absence of components such as engine oil, fuel filters, clutch, gearbox, and belts significantly reduces the amount of service needed over time. Additionally, regenerative braking helps reduce brake wear, extending the life of discs and pads.

Concrete savings across Europe

Comparative studies by Motus-E and Quattroruote Professional show that, over an average period of 8 years or 120,000 km, regular maintenance costs for an electric car can be up to 65–70% lower than those for an internal combustion engine car. For city cars, the average savings over 3 years of use range between 55% and 65%.

This is due to the reduced number of mechanical parts subject to wear, more efficient diagnostic software and a growing network of specialized EV service centers.

Charging costs in Europe

Home charging: the most cost-effective way to power up

Home charging remains the most economical solution across Europe. Costs vary depending on the country and electricity rates but generally range between €0.20 and €0.35/kWh. With an average consumption of 15–18 kWh per 100 km, the cost of home charging typically falls between €3 and €6 per 100 km.

Several European countries also offer discounted night-time rates, which are even more advantageous for those charging overnight with a wallbox.

Public charging: how much does it cost in 2025?

Public charging station prices vary more, depending on the country and the power output of the station. Average European rates in 2025 are:

• AC charging stations up to 22 kW: €0.50 to €0.70/kWh

• Fast DC charging (up to 50 kW): €0.60 to €0.85/kWh

• Ultra-Fast HPC (over 150 kW): up to €0.90/kWh or more

In some Nordic countries like Norway or Sweden, prices are lower thanks to local renewable energy production. In other areas like the UK or the Netherlands, rates can be higher but are often offset by a more widespread infrastructure and additional services.

Public charging vs traditional fuel

Driving 100 km with an electric car costs between €8.5 and €16 using public charging, compared to over €10 for a petrol car with an average consumption of 6 liters per 100 km and an average fuel price of €1.70/liter.

Electric car insurance: European trends in 2025

Dedicated policies and growing discounts

In many European countries, insurance companies are developing specific policies for electric vehicles, often with discounts linked to safety and low environmental impact. In France, Belgium, and Germany, discounts of up to 30% on third-party liability (RC Auto) are recorded for EVs, especially those equipped with advanced ADAS systems.

However, insurance can be more expensive for premium or sporty models, such as the Tesla Model Y or Porsche Taycan, due to more costly spare parts and specialized repair requirements.

Premiums also vary based on the country, driver profile, and area of residence: for example, in Poland and some Italian regions, average costs are lower than those in the Nordic countries or Austria.

Road tax and registration fees

Tax incentives by country

In 2025, many European countries continue to offer full or partial exemptions from road tax and registration fees to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles:

• Germany: full exemption until 2030 for EVs registered by the end of 2025

• France: exemption from registration tax and regional reductions on road tax

• Spain: up to 75% road tax discount in many regions, like Catalonia and Madrid

• Netherlands: full exemption until 2024, with reduced rates expected from 2026

• Portugal and Malta: full exemption from road tax for 5 or more years

• Norway: full exemption from VAT, road tax, and urban tolls
  
  
  

These incentives are one of the main reasons many European drivers are switching to electric.

Are electric cars worth it in Europe in 2025?

In 2025, the average cost of maintaining an electric car in Europe is lower than that of an internal combustion engine vehicle, thanks to:

• Lower regular maintenance expenses

• Reduced home charging costs

• Discounted insurance in many countries

• Often zero or reduced road taxes
  
  

The financial advantage varies by country, access to private charging, and the type of vehicle, but the trend is clear: electric is increasingly convenient, sustainable, and strategic for anyone looking to save in the medium to long term.