When assessing whether a Tesla is a good investment, it's tempting to look only at the price tag. But the real economics, what's often called total cost of ownership (TCO), is the sum of all costs across the whole ownership period. For EVs the picture is often favourable on the running side, even if the purchase price can be higher.
The key items
| Item | Typical for a Tesla |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | Can be higher than an equivalent petrol car - but the referral benefit and campaigns can bring it down |
| Energy (charging) | Typically cheaper per km than petrol, especially with overnight home charging |
| Service/maintenance | Lower - no oil changes, fewer wear parts |
| Insurance | Varies; get quotes |
| Depreciation | Depends on model, market and mileage |
| Taxes | Depends on the current Danish rules |
Energy: the big everyday saving
One of the largest ongoing savings with an EV is energy. Electricity is typically cheaper per kilometre than petrol or diesel, especially if you charge at home overnight on a low tariff. If you often use fast chargers on the go, the price is higher but still often competitive.
Service and maintenance
An EV has markedly fewer moving parts than a combustion car: no engine oil, no gearbox change in the same way, and regenerative braking spares the brakes. You still budget for tyres, glass, washer fluid and occasional service, but maintenance is typically lower over time.
Depreciation and taxes
Depreciation is often the single biggest item in a car's economics. It depends on model, demand and mileage. Taxes (e.g. registration tax) affect both purchase price and overall economics and depend on the Danish rules, which can change, always check current rates.
The referral benefit counts
The current referral benefit either lowers your charging costs (free Supercharging) or the purchase price itself (discount/credit), so it counts directly towards total cost of ownership. If you're weighing leasing versus buying, also see the leasing vs. buying guide.
Note: This is a general overview, not financial advice. Specific figures depend on your situation, driving pattern and current prices and taxes.