Editorial review: 21 September 2026. DAT Report 2026 covers the German market and surveys from 2025. These historical figures are retained; they are neither current offers nor a ranking of ownership costs.
In DAT’s survey covering 2025, 72% of private car owners made considering an EV conditional on being able to charge at home (A2). This is a stated preference, not evidence that every EV without a home charger is uneconomic.
Reasons for buying
Among buyers of new BEVs, 45% cited home charging, 39% interest in the technology and 38% environmental motives. Respondents could select multiple answers (E11). EV driving experience stood at 30% of owners, 36% of new-car buyers and 17% of used-car buyers (E1).
Charging without a private wallbox
Check workplace charging, accessible public AC and DC points, opening hours and subscription terms. Having no home charger does not necessarily mean relying exclusively on rapid DC charging. Your actual charging mix, charging losses and additional fees determine the cost.
Why the previous cost table was removed
The electricity and petrol rates and savings per 100 km were unsupported by DAT or a documented calculation run. They are therefore not presented as current tariffs. Energy cost is also only part of TCO: purchase and resale, financing, maintenance and any charger installation belong in the comparison. Solar surplus has to be assessed using the relevant settlement terms and alternative use of that electricity.
Experiences of BEV owners
83% valued quiet driving, 79% the technology, 74% noticed weather affecting range and 67% disliked opaque charging prices (E4). These responses help identify practical questions; they do not establish which vehicle is cheapest to own.
Calculate your own scenario
Select the appropriate country, ownership period and mileage. Enter the terms of the actual vehicle and offer in the TCO calculator.
Source: DAT Report 2026, Kurzbericht, A2, E1, E4, E11; Autojahr 2025, DAT / NIQ GfK.