- Electric cars are generally cheaper to run, but not always cheaper to own: the biggest factors are the purchase price, how much you drive and where you charge
- Charging at home makes a big difference: public charging can cost several times more, reducing the savings compared with petrol or diesel
- Don't forget the hidden costs: insurance, vehicle tax, servicing, depreciation and parking all affect what you pay
- Help with buying an electric car is available to some households: a targeted electric-car premium was introduced in March 2026, but strict income and location rules apply
- Calculate before you buy: a cheaper used petrol car can still be the better financial choice if you drive relatively little or cannot charge an EV cheaply
the cost of owning a car
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Working out what a car will really cost involves more than comparing the price on the windscreen. There's fuel or electricity, vehicle tax, insurance, maintenance, parking and the amount your car loses in value over time.
And then there's the big question: should you buy petrol, diesel or electric?
We compare the options to help you understand the local rules and regulations, and avoid any costly surprises.
For a fair comparison, imagine you drive 15,000 km a year, or 1,500 Swedish miles:
annual fuel and charging costs*
- Petrol car: Approximately SEK 17,250 a year in fuel costs
- Diesel car: Approximately SEK 13,800 a year in fuel costs
- Electric car (home charging): Approximately SEK 5,550 a year in electricity costs
- Electric car (public charging): Approximately SEK 12,750 a year in electricity costs
* Example based on average 2025 running-cost figures published by Mobility Sweden in February 2026. These figures cover fuel or electricity only, not the full cost of ownership.
The takeaway? With these assumptions, an electric car charged at home saves around SEK 11,700 a year in energy costs compared with a petrol car. If you rely entirely on public charging, the saving falls to around SEK 4,500.
That's a meaningful difference, but it isn't the whole story. This comparison excludes the purchase price, depreciation, insurance, vehicle tax, servicing and parking. It also compares energy costs, not necessarily identical vehicles.
Official source: Mobility Sweden's fuel-cost comparison
what about diesel?
Diesel can be more fuel-efficient than petrol, so it deserves a place in your comparison too. In Mobility Sweden's 2025 figures, the average diesel running cost was SEK 9.20 per Swedish mil, or approximately SEK 13,800 a year at 15,000 km.
That's cheaper than petrol in this example, but still more expensive than charging an electric car at home. The actual difference depends on the vehicle's fuel consumption, the price you pay at the pump and your charging arrangements.
In Sweden, a mil is 10 kilometres, so don't be surprised when car adverts and running-cost calculations use it instead of kilometres.
The price you pay for energy is only one part of owning a car. Before choosing a vehicle, budget for the following:
- Buying the car: cars lose value over time, so you probably won't get back what you paid when you sell it. Compare cars of a similar age and condition
- Vehicle tax: most cars have an annual tax (fordonsskatt). Petrol and diesel cars with higher emissions may cost more to tax, especially when new
- Insurance: you must have compulsory car insurance (trafikförsäkring) if your car is in use. You can also pay extra for more comprehensive cover. Get a few quotes before choosing a car
- Servicing and repairs: petrol and diesel cars need regular engine maintenance. Electric cars have fewer moving parts, but all cars need tyres, brake checks and occasional repairs
- Batteries: If you're buying a used electric car, check its battery condition and warranty
- Parking and charging: check parking costs where you live and work. If you're considering an electric car, find out whether you can charge at home or will need to pay for public charging
Add up these costs before you buy. A car that's cheap to run isn't necessarily cheap to own.
↗︎ Sweden's Energy Agency — an analysis of EV charging costs
↗︎ Swedish Transport Agency's guide to vehicle tax
Sweden introduced a targeted electric-car premium (elbilspremien) in March 2026 for eligible households in rural areas and places with limited public transport.
Eligible applicants can receive up to SEK 46,800 over 3 years, with some lower-income households qualifying for an additional SEK 18,000.
The scheme covers qualifying new and used fully electric cars, but not everyone is eligible. Your location, household income, vehicle price and recent car ownership all matter. Having a Swedish personal identity number doesn't automatically qualify you.
- You don't have to own a car to get around: public transport, cycling and car-sharing may work out cheaper, particularly if you live in a city and drive only occasionally
- The cheapest car to run may not be the cheapest car to own: purchase price, depreciation, insurance and repairs can outweigh savings on fuel
- Charging access matters: check whether your home, housing association or landlord allows you to install or use a charger, and find out what it costs
- Check vehicle tax for the specific car: don't rely on general vehicle tax estimates for petrol, diesel or electric vehicles
- Used-car purchases need care: when buying from a private seller, your legal protection is weaker than when buying from a dealer. Check the car's history, inspect its condition and confirm that there are no outstanding vehicle-related debts
- Rules and incentives can change: always verify current conditions with the relevant authority before making a financial decision
Cost figures in this article are based on 2025 averages and are for guidance only. Actual costs vary depending on your vehicle, driving habits and charging arrangements. Government incentives and eligibility rules may change, so check the official sources before making a purchase.
- Get an insurance quote first, where possible
- Test your charging options if considering electric (public charging is expensive)
- Calculate the break-even point:
- Suppose an electric car costs SEK 30,000 more to buy than an otherwise comparable petrol car. If it saves you SEK 11,700 a year in energy costs, it would take about 2.6 years to recover that extra purchase cost from energy savings alone
- That's a simplified calculation: tax, insurance, depreciation, servicing, financing and any eligible subsidy also need to be considered
- Think about how you would actually use your car:
- If you drive long distances every day and can charge at home, an EV may offer substantial savings. If you drive only a few thousand kilometres a year, the savings on energy may be too small to justify paying much more upfront
is it cheaper to own an electric car?
It can be, especially if you charge at home and drive regularly. However, the purchase price, insurance, depreciation and charging costs all affect the total. Compare the full cost of ownership before deciding.
do I get a government subsidy if I buy an electric car in sweden?
Some households qualify for Sweden's targeted electric-car premium, but it isn't available to everyone. Eligibility depends on factors including where you live (certain rural areas), household income (total household income must not exceed 80% of the national average) and the vehicle you buy. Check the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's official guidance before relying on financial support.
can I charge an electric car if I live in an apartment?
Often, yes, but it depends on your building and local charging facilities. Ask your landlord or housing association about installing a charger, and compare the cost of nearby public charging if home charging isn't available.
what taxes do I pay when I own a car?
Most cars are subject to annual vehicle tax, although the amount varies by vehicle and applicable rules. You must also have compulsory motor third-party liability insurance if the car is in use. Check the Swedish Transport Agency's vehicle information for details.
is it worth buying a car if I live in a city?
Not necessarily. Public transport, cycling and car-sharing may be cheaper if you drive occasionally. If you live outside a city or need a car for commuting and family activities, owning one may make more sense. Compare your expected annual costs before committing.