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BEUC’s latest total cost of ownership study reveals that electric cars are at a turning point in Europe, with the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of battery electric vehicle (BEVs) becoming competitive with conventional vehicles for first owners as early as 2026.
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New medium-sized electric vehicles will be cheaper overall to run1 than their petrol equivalents from 2026 according to a new BEUC study released today. Small vehicles will follow as of 2027.
Position papers
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To make a well-informed choice when buying a car (new or second-hand), consumers need clear and accurate information about a car’s real-world fuel or electricity consumption, its overall environmental impact or incentives available in their country. With many new models and powertrains available along with evolving purchase habits, current EU rules adopted in 1999 and are now completely outdated.
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This study explores the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric, petrol, diesel, and hybrid passenger cars, building on previous ERM analysis performed in 2021. This study quantifies the cost to the consumer of electric and petrol cars, for first- to third-hand buyers. This study considers the average cost of ownership of a vehicle in the EU, accounting for vehicle leasing costs and fuel/electricity prices, whilst excluding maintenance, insurance, and country-specific taxes and subsidies. The results of this study show that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are already the lowest cost option for used vehicle buyers and will be the most economical for new buyers of medium cars from 2026 onwards.
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Many consumers do not buy new cars. Due to skyrocketing new car prices over the last few years, they now heavily rely on the second- and third-hand market. Second-hand battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are the best financial choice for consumers, brining between €262 and €849/year savings compared to a used
petrol car. But the supply of second-hand BEVs is still low. Hence, electrifying large corporate fleets (representing 60% of new car sales in Europe and with a first ownership period of around four years) can be a game changer to make the BEV transition faster and fairer for consumers.
petrol car. But the supply of second-hand BEVs is still low. Hence, electrifying large corporate fleets (representing 60% of new car sales in Europe and with a first ownership period of around four years) can be a game changer to make the BEV transition faster and fairer for consumers.
Position papers
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A consumer-friendly charging ecosystem is a precondition to the mass adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). A growing number of charging stations are popping up in our cities, in parking lots and along EU’s roads. Yet, frustrations are still there when it comes to knowing the price of your charging session in advance, trying to compare offers, juggling between payment methods and facing high prices in certain locations.
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BEUC letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterating consumer groups’ position that the Green Claims Directive is essential to build consumer trust in markets.
Press releases
The European Commission today presented its Water Resilience Strategy, the aim of which is environmental protection, competitiveness and to secure clean and affordable water and sanitation for all at all times, and empowering citizens for water resilience. BEUC very much welcomes this action plan as much bolder action is needed to restore and protect the water cycle, to eliminate harmful chemicals, make agricultural practices more sustainable and invest substantially in the EU’s water infrastructure.
Press releases
The European Commission announced today that Coca-Cola has agreed to change some of its labelling practices, following a complaint for greenwashing that BEUC and its members lodged in November 2023 to European consumer authorities, with the support of Client Earth and ECOS. Today’s announcement is the first company commitment since BEUC’s complaint was filed.