We will compare the operating costs of diesel, gasoline and electric cars over a 5-year period

In Lithuania, as in many other countries, vehicle operating costs are becoming increasingly relevant due to both economic and environmental reasons. In this article, we will thoroughly compare the operating costs of diesel, petrol, and electric vehicles, taking into account fuel prices, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and other key aspects.

1. Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are one of the main factors determining a vehicle’s operating expenses. In Lithuania, as of March 2025, the average fuel prices are:

Diesel: €1.60 per liter
Petrol: €1.50 per liter
Electricity: €0.22 per kWh
Let’s compare fuel expenses based on the average consumption of each vehicle type:

Diesel car: 5.0 l/100 km
Petrol car: 6.5 l/100 km
Electric car: 15 kWh/100 km
Calculating fuel costs per 100 km:

Diesel: 5.0 l × €1.60 = €8.00
Petrol: 6.5 l × €1.50 = €9.75
Electric: 15 kWh × €0.22 = €3.30
So, electric cars have significantly lower fuel costs compared to diesel and petrol cars.

2. Maintenance and Repair Costs

Electric vehicles have a simpler structure since they lack internal combustion engines, gearboxes, and other complex mechanical components. As a result, maintenance costs are lower. According to various sources, EV maintenance costs can be up to three times lower than those of petrol or diesel vehicles.
 

For example, annually:

Diesel car: about €600
Petrol car: about €500
Electric car: about €200

3. Insurance Costs

Insurance premiums depend on many factors, including vehicle value, driver age, and experience. Since electric cars are often more expensive than their combustion engine counterparts, their insurance costs may be slightly higher. However, the difference is usually minor and often offset by lower operating expenses.

4. Taxes and Incentives

EV owners in Lithuania can benefit from certain incentives:

Registration fees: EVs are often exempt or subject to lower registration fees.
Parking: Many cities offer free or discounted parking for electric vehicles.
Subsidies: Private individuals purchasing a new EV may receive a €5,000 subsidy, while a used EV may be eligible for €2,500.
 

5. Energy Consumption and Efficiency

Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient. Their energy consumption per kilometer is lower than that of diesel or petrol cars. For example, an EV may cost about €0.06/km, while a diesel car costs around €0.12/km.
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6. Charging Infrastructure and Time

EV charging infrastructure in Lithuania is rapidly expanding. Public charging stations are already installed in major cities and along main roads. However, charging time depends on the power of the station and the vehicle’s battery capacity. At fast charging stations, a battery can be charged in 30–60 minutes, while home charging using a standard outlet may take several hours.  

7. Total Operating Cost Over 5 Years

Combining all costs—including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes—results in the following:

Diesel car: €30,000 (purchase) + €9,600 (fuel) + €3,000 (maintenance) + €2,000 (insurance) + €750 (taxes) = €45,350

Petrol car: €28,000 (purchase) + €10,500 (fuel) + €2,500 (maintenance) + €1,900 (insurance) + €400 (taxes) = €43,300

Electric car:  €40,000 (purchase - €5,000 subsidy) + €3,740 (fuel) + €1,250 (maintenance) + €2,250 (insurance) + €0 (taxes) = €42,240

Conclusion

Although electric vehicles are still more expensive to purchase, their operating costs are significantly lower. Over a five-year period, EV ownership can be the most economical choice—especially if home charging with low-cost electricity is available. However, diesel and petrol cars may still be a suitable option for those who frequently drive long distances or lack convenient charging access.