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
- Lower running costs: cheaper energy and less maintenance — see total cost of ownership.
- Comfort: a quiet cabin and instant acceleration.
- Everyday convenience: leave home every morning with a "full tank" — see home charging.
- Software: the car gets better over time via updates.
What to consider
- Access to charging: 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.
- Winter: 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.