Total Cost of Ownership is the only honest way to compare an electric car with a combustion engine.
The purchase price says nothing, the monthly lease price says something, but only the TCO over 4 years gives the full picture.
The seven cost items
- Lease or depreciation: the monthly lease amount, or the investment divided by 4 years.
- Energy or fuel: kWh × price per kWh, or litres × price per litre.
- Maintenance: services, tyres, brake pads.
- Insurance: the premium depends on model and power.
- Registration tax and road tax: in Flanders, a 100% electric car only pays the minimum registration tax (€61.50) and the minimum road tax (€107.16 per year). Source: Vlaanderen.be, fully electric or hydrogen vehicles. With a lease, these amounts are usually included in the monthly fee.
- Benefit in kind: not for the company, but relevant for the employee’s net cost.
- Residual value: what the car is still worth after 4 years.
Worked example: Tesla Model 3 versus Volkswagen Passat diesel
The amounts are indicative and based on lease quotes from our files. Ask your leasing partner for a concrete comparison for your situation: the lease price and insurance premium weigh more heavily than the energy cost.
Tesla Model 3 RWD
- Lease: €580 per month × 48 = €27,840
- Energy: 4,500 kWh per year × (70% × €0.33 + 30% × €0.65) = €1,916 per year × 4 = €7,664
- Maintenance: €900 over 4 years (no oil changes, less brake wear)
- Insurance: €1,300 per year × 4 = €5,200
- Total employer: €41,604 over 4 years
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Business
- Lease: €620 per month × 48 = €29,760
- Diesel: 5.8 l/100 km × 30,000 km = 1,740 litres × €1.75 = €3,045 per year × 4 = €12,180
- Maintenance: €2,200 over 4 years
- Insurance: €1,300 per year × 4 = €5,200
- Total employer: €49,340 over 4 years
The €7,736 difference is in favour of the electric car, without even counting the tax deduction, which is more favourable for electric cars. Registration and road tax are included in the lease in both cases and are therefore not listed separately. The insurance premium is kept equal for both cars, as the list price is comparable.
For the employee: the benefit in kind
The employee gains €70 net per month with the electric car.
More calculation examples are in BIK for electric company cars in 2026.
The variables with the most impact
Mileage
The more you drive, the bigger the advantage of the electric car.
Share of home charging
A low share gives a small advantage, a high share a big one. Why: cost of home charging versus public charging.
Residual value
Highly model-dependent. Some electric cars lose value faster than German premium diesels.
What is often forgotten
- The home charger: a one-off installation cost of €1,500 to €2,500, which lasts 4 to 8 years.
- A management platform subscription for split billing: €10 to €25 per month.
- Unexpected costs such as a tyre repair or minor damage, equal for both types.
See also regional charging grants in 2026.
One contract, one invoice
Certipower installs, measures, manages and bills. At the employee’s home, on the company site and on the road, in one monthly invoice to the employer.
What does your fleet cost over 4 years?
Our fleet specialist compares electric and diesel for your fleet.
- With your actual mileage and charging profile
- Including BIK, charging costs and charging infrastructure
- Savings in euros per car
The amounts in this article are indicative and based on lease quotes, energy prices and tax rules at the time of publication. Your actual TCO depends on your contracts and driving behaviour.