Findings from Ayvens’ 2025 Car Cost Index

Ayvens’ 2025 Car Cost Index is a comprehensive analysis of the costs of leasing and driving a subcompact to mid-sized passenger car (B1-D2 segments) in 29 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom).

The data is based on a four-year operational lease contract for corporates and assumes an annual mileage of 30,000 km. The analysis focuses on the average costs per month in each country. A true like-for-like comparison is important, but difficult due to so many possible vehicle combinations and fundamental differences between EVs and vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). Therefore, to fairly assess the cost competitiveness of EVs compared to ICEs, the study strived to evaluate approximately the same balance of the same total cost of ownership (TCO) components for all types of vehicles, including fuel/energy, depreciation, taxes, insurance, tyres, and maintenance. An EV is defined as ‘cost competitive’ when its TCO is within a 5% margin of the TCO of the most comparable ICE vehicle.

The study shows that, in 2025, EVs in the popular compact (C1) segment have a lower total cost of ownership in 16 out of 29 countries. Looking at the mid-sized standard segment (D1 & SUV D1), this is the least affordable segment for battery electric vehicles with BEVs being cheaper in only 13 countries. But it’s a different story for the premium mid-sized vehicle segment (D2 & SUV D2) where BEVs are within a 5% cost margin in all countries compared to comparable ICE vehicles.

• •
  It’s not just about the price, but about the TCO: When comparing BEVs to ICEs, it is important to include all cost elements in your calculations. In general, for example, due to BEVs having lower running costs (maintenance, electricity), a longer lease duration will increase the EV’s cost advantages over the ICE vehicle.
• •
  Always try to match similar vehicle specs when comparing the TCO: Although a perfect like-for-like comparison is not always feasible between BEVs and ICEs, it is often possible to find fairly close matches in terms of aspects such as size, power and trim level. An entry-class BEV typically has higher specifications compared to an entry-class ICE vehicle, which can mean you effectively get more for your money with the BEV.
• •
  Don’t forget the fuel/energy costs: The costs of fuel/electricity are often left out of the scope. To achieve a correct comparison, these costs should therefore be included in your calculations, even if the current lease policy budgets exclude fuel and electricity.
• •
  Take the other trade-offs into consideration: Besides just the TCO, there are other factors to take into account when switching to BEVs. It is important to explore the impact of driver taxation (benefit in kind), for instance. Meanwhile, earlier obstacles to the BEV transition such as range and charging infrastructure are continuing to improve rapidly. And although driver communication/training may be necessary relating to the different driving style associated with BEVs.

The findings from Ayvens' 2025 Car Cost Index highlight the increasing affordability of battery electric vehicles as a lease option in many European countries, surpassing petrol and diesel vehicles in certain segments. Fleet managers should consider all cost elements, match vehicle specifications for comparison, and evaluate other trade-offs such as driver taxation and charging infrastructure when making decisions about vehicle selection.