For many people the leap from petrol to electric is the biggest question. The short answer: for most people with access to charging, an EV is both cheaper to run and more pleasant to drive, but there are differences worth knowing before you switch.
Running costs and economics
| Tesla (electric) | Petrol car | |
|---|---|---|
| "Fuel" | Electricity - typically cheaper per km, especially at home | Petrol - tracks the pump price |
| Maintenance | Lower - no oil, fewer wear parts | Higher - oil, spark plugs, etc. |
| "Refuelling" | Charge at home overnight; Supercharger on trips | Filling station |
| Driving experience | Quiet, instant torque | Engine noise, gear changes |
| Taxes | Depends on the current Danish rules | Depends on the current rules |
Where electric typically wins
- Cheaper energy and less maintenance, see total cost of ownership.
- Comfort: a quiet cabin and instant acceleration.
- You leave home every morning with a "full tank", see home charging.
- Software: the car gets better over time via updates.
What to consider
- Can you charge at home or at work? This is the single most important factor.
- Long trips: take a little planning, but are stress-free with the route planner.
- Range drops in the cold, completely normal, see winter range.
- Purchase price: can be higher, but is often offset over time, and a referral lowers the effective price.
When does a Tesla make the most sense?
If you can charge at home or at work, drive a fair amount and value a quiet, quick and cheap-to-run car, a Tesla is a strong choice. If you rarely have access to charging, the electric life takes more planning, but even then the Supercharger network makes it manageable.