EV vs Petrol TCO

Yes, typically. Home electricity costs 3-5c/km versus 12-18c/km for petrol. At 16,000 km/year, that's a saving of €1,500-€2,000 annually. However, Ireland's public rapid chargers cost up to 50c/kWh, reducing the savings for those without home charging.

EVs have a 9% BIK rate on the first €35k of OMV (Original Market Value), while a typical petrol car (128g/km) falls in the 30-34.5% band. On a €45,000 car for a higher-rate (40%) taxpayer, EV BIK tax is ~€1,620/year vs ~€5,580/year for petrol — saving ~€3,960/year.

Over 5 years/80,000 km, a typical EV costs €38,000-€50,000 total, while a comparable petrol car costs €42,000-€58,000. EVs win on energy (€0.03-0.05/km vs €0.12-0.18/km) and maintenance, but face higher upfront prices and faster depreciation.

EVs depreciate faster in Ireland too — typically 15-19%/year vs 10-13% for petrol. After 3 years, an EV may retain 50-55% of value vs 60-65% for petrol. The SEAI grant (€3,500) and lower VRT help offset the higher initial EV price.

Yes. EVs have no oil changes, timing belts, exhausts or gearboxes. Annual servicing is typically €300-450 for an EV vs €500-800 for petrol/diesel. Regenerative braking also extends brake life significantly.

Yes. Salary sacrifice for an EV in Ireland combines the low 9% BIK rate (with €35k OMV relief) with income tax and USC savings. A higher-rate taxpayer could save €3,000-€5,000/year vs running a personal lease on a petrol car.

Select a preset car pair (e.g. Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 3 Series) or customise. Choose your annual km, ownership period, and energy costs. The calculator compares total costs including purchase, energy, BIK tax, maintenance, insurance, motor tax and depreciation.

At 16,000 km/year over 5 years, an EV costs €38,000-€50,000 total vs €42,000-€58,000 for petrol. The EV usually breaks even in year 3-4. Higher annual km and home charging strongly favour EVs.

For drivers doing 12,000+ km/year with home charging, yes. The lower energy costs (€0.03/km vs €0.15/km) offset the higher purchase price within 3-4 years. The SEAI grant and low motor tax (€120/year) further improve the case.

Top EVs for Irish BIK: Tesla Model 3 (9% BIK on €35k relief), MG4 EV, Kia EV6, BMW i4, Volkswagen ID.4. All qualify for the reduced BIK rate thanks to zero CO₂ emissions.

Home charging: €0.03-0.05/km (at 14c/kWh). Public rapid: €0.12-0.15/km (at 50c/kWh). Petrol at €1.65/L: €0.14-0.18/km. So home-charged EVs are ~70% cheaper, but rapid-only charging is roughly comparable to petrol.

Use our calculator above with your specific numbers. Key variables: purchase price difference, annual km (higher = more EV savings), home charging availability, and ownership period (longer favours EVs).