Vergleich: Wo sich ein Elektroauto lohnt – und wo nicht

When seeking the most economical way to drive electrically, Norway currently offers the best conditions, according to a study by the business consultancy Arthur D. Little. This ranking of costs and regulations places the Scandinavian country at 32.2 points, surpassing Singapore at 27.6 and France at 26.8. Germany follows in eighth place with 23.7 points.

The cost ranking is not a mere comparison of electricity and gasoline prices, but also considers financial benefits when purchasing and operating electric cars of various sizes, subsidies for private charging infrastructure, the cost of household electricity and gasoline per kilometer, and vehicle registration restrictions for combustion engines.

In Norway, there are no longer any traditional purchase subsidies, but electric cars still enjoy substantial tax advantages. Up to a certain vehicle value, no value-added tax applies. Meanwhile, the operation of combustion engines is comparatively expensive. After decades of promotion, the market is essentially fully electrified.

State-run subsidies remain strong in Singapore, meanwhile, with the study estimating potential subsidies for car purchases based on vehicle class to be up to 16,300 euros. France also supports smaller and medium-sized electric cars with purchase subsidies, while heavily taxed high-emission combustion engines. Italy follows with purchase subsidies of up to 10,600 euros and tax advantages.

Germany ranks in the upper quarter. The comparison takes into account the 2026 reintroduced subsidies for private electric car purchases and tax advantages for electric company cars. Globally, Germany ranks ahead of China, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. At the other end of the scale are countries where direct purchase and usage advantages are lacking.

Saudi Arabia, for example, provides some customs and tax advantages, as well as free charging in some cases, but does not offer direct financial benefits for vehicle purchases or ongoing operation. Neighboring New Zealand has also seen the withdrawal of the purchase subsidy at the end of 2023, and electric cars now have to pay road usage fees.

Brazil and South Africa also offer little in the way of advantages for electric car drivers. More: Electricity instead of gasoline – how much does an electric car save on refueling? First publication: June 28, 2026, 06:54 AM.