TCO Tool

Research conducted in 2015 as part of Germany’s “Electromobility Showcase” programme provided the foundation for this online tool.

At the beginning of 2024, the tool was comprehensively revised and updated by Öko-Institut e.V. as part of the Power2U research project, which was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. At the end of 2025 Agora Verkehrswende took over the tool, revising it slightly. Data on vehicle costs as well as fuel and charging prices are updated every quarter.

This online resource has been developed with the greatest possible care. However, the provider accepts no liability for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. The user assumes any risks associated with use of the tool and the information it provides.

The technical revision of the tool was carried out by Senercon GmbH.

Minimum system requirements

The following browsers are supported by the online calculator: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge (current and previous versions). These browsers are available on all actively supported OS versions (e.g. Windows 10+, macOS 13+, and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS+). The tool is compatible with current mobile devices (Android 12+, iOS 15.8.1+).

The TCO tool relies on standardized data and assumptions to estimate costs. The first step when using the calculator is to enter the vehicle segment and year of purchase. The duration of ownership and annual driving distance can be directly adjusted if the user wishes to deviate from the standard settings. All figures can be customised under the detailed settings. 

The sources and assumptions underlying the default data are described below. The data are updated on a quarterly basis.

General assumptions

6 years of ownership, and an annual driving distance of 15,000 km (40% highways, 40% urban, 20% rural). An annual inflation rate of 2% is assumed.

Vehicle data

The fuel and power consumption data were obtained from the German automobile club ADAC. Consumption was calculated based on the segment average for the example models and drivetrain.

Depreciation

Vehicle costs and residual values are based on ADAC data and assume standard equipment for each model. Depending on the model, not all features are included in the manufacturer’s recommended retail price (RRP). Prices may therefore differ from the RRP. Residual values were calculated based on models with standard equipment.

By default, no discounts or EV purchase rebates are taken into account. However, price discounts and rebates can be manually added by the user. 

Annual costs (e.g. for battery rental) can also be manually entered.

Energy costs for combustion vehicles

Fuel prices were calculated based on ADAC data for Super E10 petrol and diesel, based on the average price over the last three months (mid-October 2025 to mid-January 2026). CO₂ prices for 2026 are based on the standard rates set by the Fuel Emissions Trading Act (BEHG) according to the emission levels for each fuel. CO₂ prices for subsequent years are based on the study Climate Neutral Germany 2045. CO₂ prices are slated to gradually increase over time, reaching 200 euros in 2050.

For energy costs (including those for electric cars), it is assumed that the stated prices – excluding the CO₂ price for fossil fuels – will only change over time by the selected inflation rate. Energy price scenarios can be selected manually so that prices (before inflation) rise by 1% annually (pessimistic scenario) or fall by 1% annually (optimistic scenario).

Energy costs for electric vehicles

By default, it is assumed that vehicles are only charged at home. The electricity prices for private charging are set at 39.6 euro cents per kWh and are based on BDEW data from October 2025.

The public charging share can be set manually. For public charging figures, 42 tariffs from the 15 largest providers were compared at the beginning of January 2026 and the median was calculated. A charging price of 60 ct/kWh is assumed. All prices are based on 2026 data and will be updated in line with the inflation rate. Actual costs may vary depending on the region and provider.

Possible revenues – e.g. from the sale of GHG certificates – are not taken into account in the default settings, as the prices for certificates fluctuate considerably. However, such revenues can be entered manually.

Taxes and insurance

Taxes and insurance costs are based on ADAC data. Insurance cost estimates assume comprehensive coverage and a 50% no-claims bonus (NCB).

Maintenance and repairs

Costs for repairs and maintenance – including inspections, tires, parts, and fluids – were calculated for each model based on ADAC data. 

Charging infrastructure

Standard costs for private charging infrastructure are estimated at €1,600 for planning and installation, plus a €1,030 purchase price for the home charging station, which is depreciated over a 10-year period. In addition, maintenance costs of 75 euros per year are assumed. The Mobility House platform was used to determine the standard price for a home charging station (“wallbox”). The underlying analysis includes a total of 80 wallboxes with the following features:

• a dedicated 11 kilowatt connection (including systems with a higher output that can be regulated to 11 kilowatts), and
• an energy management system (EMS), thus making them compatible with Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

The median was calculated based on prices researched at the beginning of January 2026. A review of the literature was conducted to estimate costs for planning, installation, and recurring maintenance.