Switching from a petrol car to an electric vehicle (EV) is one of the biggest motoring decisions a Polish household can make. While the purchase price and charging infrastructure get most of the attention, the real story for many drivers is running cost. How much cheaper is it to charge an EV at home than to fill a tank with petrol? This guide breaks down the numbers for Polish conditions in 2026 and shows how to estimate your own savings.
The two cost drivers
Comparing fuel costs comes down to two things: how much energy your car uses per kilometre, and how much that energy costs. For a petrol car, energy is measured in litres per 100 km and priced per litre at the pump. For an EV, it is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 km and priced per kWh of electricity. Once you express both in cost per 100 km, the comparison becomes straightforward.
Petrol running costs
A typical petrol family car consumes around 7 litres per 100 km in mixed driving. With petrol priced at roughly 6.50 zloty per litre, that works out to 7 x 6.50 = 45.50 zloty per 100 km. Over a year of 15,000 km, petrol alone costs about 6,825 zloty. Real consumption varies with driving style, traffic and the season, but this is a reasonable baseline.
EV running costs
An efficient EV uses around 18 kWh per 100 km. The cost per kilometre depends heavily on where you charge:
- Home charging at roughly 1.00 zloty per kWh gives 18 x 1.00 = 18 zloty per 100 km
- Cheaper night tariffs can bring the home cost down further
- Public fast chargers can cost 2.50 zloty per kWh or more, raising the cost to 45 zloty per 100 km - similar to petrol
The headline savings of EVs therefore depend overwhelmingly on charging mostly at home on a sensible tariff.
Worked example: annual savings
Take a driver covering 15,000 km a year. The petrol car costs 45.50 zloty per 100 km, or 6,825 zloty annually. The EV, charged at home for 18 zloty per 100 km, costs 2,700 zloty annually. The annual saving on fuel is 6,825 - 2,700 = 4,125 zloty.
If the same driver relied entirely on public fast charging at 45 zloty per 100 km, the EV cost would rise to 6,750 zloty - almost identical to petrol. This shows why charging strategy, not just the car, determines whether you save.
Beyond fuel
Running cost is only part of the picture. EVs typically have lower servicing costs, no oil changes and fewer moving parts, but higher insurance and tyre wear in some cases. Battery longevity and resale value also matter. Still, for high-mileage home chargers, the fuel savings alone can be substantial.
FAQ
1. Is charging an EV always cheaper than petrol? Not always - home charging is much cheaper, but frequent fast charging can match petrol costs.
2. How much electricity does an EV use? Efficient models use around 15-20 kWh per 100 km, more in cold weather or at high speed.
3. Do night tariffs help? Yes, charging on a cheaper night tariff can significantly cut your cost per 100 km.
4. How does cold weather affect EVs? Range drops in winter because heating and battery chemistry consume more energy.
5. Are public chargers expensive? They can be, with fast-charging rates several times higher than home electricity.
6. What about the higher purchase price? EVs often cost more upfront, so running-cost savings need time to offset the difference.
7. Do EVs need less servicing? Generally yes, with no oil changes and fewer mechanical parts to wear out.
8. How do I calculate my own cost per 100 km? Multiply your car's consumption per 100 km by the price of fuel or electricity.
9. Does driving style matter? Greatly - aggressive acceleration raises consumption for both petrol and electric cars.
10. Will fuel prices change the comparison? Yes, rising petrol prices favour EVs, while rising electricity prices narrow the gap.
To compare your own EV and petrol running costs and see your annual savings, use the EV fuel savings calculator on Liczbnik.pl.
Note: Prices for fuel and electricity vary over time and by supplier. The figures here are illustrative - check current tariffs for your own estimate.