Calculate your own energy costs

The default figures use the price of Gasohol 95 in Bangkok on 4 October 2026, and the standard home electricity rate including the Ft charge and tax, for homes using over 150 units per month. Fuel prices change every week, so replace them with the figures for the day you read this.

The formula: fuel cost per km equals the fuel price per liter divided by km per liter. Electricity cost per km equals units (kWh) per 100 km, divided by 100, times the price per unit.

Where you charge can change the whole answer

Try changing the electricity rate in the calculator to 7.5 baht. You will see that if you charge only at public stations, the EV's monthly electricity cost rises by about 60 percent. Energy still costs less than petrol, but the yearly difference shrinks by about one fifth, and you also have to add the time lost waiting to charge. If you cannot charge at home, use this figure, not the home electricity figure.

Electricity rates, the Ft charge and each charging network's prices change periodically. The figures in the table are estimates as of October 2026. Check with the electricity authority and the charging station apps before using them to decide.

Where an EV costs more

• Insurance. First-class premiums are usually about 20 to 30 percent higher than for a comparable petrol car.
• Depreciation. Over the past three years, used EV prices have fallen much faster than petrol cars, because new cars were cut in price several times. If you change cars soon, this cost is bigger than the fuel you save.
• Home charger installation. A one-time cost in the tens of thousands of baht. See details in Installing a charger at home.
• Tires. The car is heavy and has high torque, so tires wear faster.

Where an EV costs less

• Energy, as in the calculator above.
• Scheduled maintenance. No engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs or drive belts, so the service checklist is shorter.
• Annual road tax. EVs are taxed by vehicle weight, not engine size. Most electric passenger cars pay a little over 1,000 baht per year. Check current rates with the Department of Land Transport (DLT).

Verdict: who saves, and who does not yet

Clearly worth it if you drive more than about 1,500 km per month, can charge at home, and plan to keep the car for many years. The more you drive, the bigger the gap.

Not clear yet if you drive little, such as under 500 km per month. The energy saving shrinks to around 10,000-something baht per year, which the higher insurance and depreciation can easily cancel out.

Think carefully if you cannot charge at home, or you change cars every two or three years.

If you are somewhere in the middle, consider a used hybrid as another option, or start with a used EV, where someone else has already absorbed the first big hit of depreciation.