Our Calculation Methodology

1. Financial Analysis

We estimate the potential long-term financial implications based on several factors:

• Vehicle Purchase Price: We use generalized estimates for new ICE cars and new EVs within common segments (e.g., small, medium, large). For the "keep current car" scenario, we assume its purchase cost is sunk. Actual prices vary significantly by make, model, and location.
• Fuel & Electricity Costs: Based on the country you select, we use average national or regional prices for gasoline/diesel and residential electricity. These are updated periodically. Local prices can fluctuate.
• Vehicle Efficiency: We use average efficiency ratings (e.g., L/100km for ICE, kWh/100km for EVs) for typical vehicles in different categories. Individual driving style and specific models will affect actual efficiency.
• Maintenance Costs: EVs generally have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. We factor in an estimated average percentage difference.
• Annual Distance Driven: Your input for daily or annual distance is crucial for calculating fuel/energy consumption and projecting costs over time.
• Ownership Period: The costs of a car add up with each passing month. Only a vision over several year can allow you to make a meaningful, informed decision.

2. Environmental Impact

We assess the environmental aspect primarily through CO2 emissions:

• Driving Emissions (Tailpipe): ICE vehicles produce direct tailpipe emissions. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.
• Electricity Generation Emissions (Well-to-Wheel for EV): The environmental benefit of an EV depends heavily on how the electricity used to charge it is generated. We use country-specific data on the carbon intensity of the electricity grid (gCO2eq/kWh).
• Manufacturing Emissions (Embodied Emissions): Producing any car has an environmental footprint. EV battery production is currently more carbon-intensive. We include an estimated figure for average manufacturing emissions for both ICE and EV categories to calculate a "carbon payback period" – how long you need to drive an EV for its lower operational emissions to offset its higher manufacturing footprint compared to an ICE vehicle. This is an estimate and varies by specific model and manufacturing processes.

Data Sources

We strive to use publicly available and reputable data sources, which may include (but are not limited to):

• Governmental energy agencies for fuel and electricity prices (e.g., IEA, Eurostat, national statistics offices, electricity grid operators).
• Environmental agencies for electricity grid carbon intensity data (e.g., EPA, EEA).
• Automotive industry reports and publications for average vehicle efficiency and generalized maintenance cost estimates.
• Academic studies and lifecycle assessment reports for estimated manufacturing emissions.

Data is updated periodically, but real-time accuracy for all data points across all regions cannot be guaranteed.

Key Assumptions

To provide a standardized comparison, our calculator makes certain assumptions:

• Average vehicle prices, efficiencies, and maintenance costs for representative vehicle categories.
• Consistent driving patterns and energy prices over the assumed ownership period (in reality, these fluctuate).
• Average electricity grid carbon intensity (this changes over time and by region within a country).
• An estimated lifespan for calculations.

Limitations

While we aim for accuracy and relevance, please be aware of the following limitations:

• Generalizations: The tool uses averages and estimates. Actual costs and emissions will vary based on specific vehicle models, individual driving habits, local energy price variations, specific charging methods, and many other factors.
• Not Financial Advice: This tool is for informational and estimation purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
• Dynamic Variables: Fuel prices, electricity rates, government incentives, and vehicle technologies change over time.

We strongly encourage you to use our results as a starting point and conduct further research, including getting quotes for specific vehicles and considering your personal circumstances.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to improving the accuracy and scope of our calculator. We regularly review our data sources and methodology. If you have suggestions or feedback, please contact us.