The Zaptec Index: The EV running cost index comparing EV, petrol and diesel across Europe

High and unpredictable fuel and energy prices leave many people unsure whether an EV really pays off. The Zaptec Index makes the comparison straightforward: for a given amount, the Index shows how far you get with an EV charged at home, an EV charged at a public charger, a petrol car and a diesel car, across 17 European markets. 

"People shouldn't have to be energy analysts to know what it costs to drive a car. Fuel and electricity prices change all the time, and the debate about EVs versus petrol and diesel is too often driven by emotion rather than hard numbers. With the Zaptec Index, we're putting the numbers openly on the table, so people can see for themselves what actually pays off," says Kurt Østrem, CEO of Zaptec.

To ensure the comparison is verifiable and independent, the Index draws price data from official sources including Eurostat, the EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, Ofgem, Statistics Norway (SSB) and other national statistics offices. Home charging prices are based on Eurostat household tariffs. To keep the Index transparent and verifiable, public charging prices are drawn only from openly published tariffs at leading charging networks in each market. 

For Zaptec, the Zaptec Index also reflects a broader ambition about the company's role in Europe's energy system. 

"We're not just selling chargers. We're building the infrastructure Europe will run on. That means we also have to be willing to own the conversation about what it actually costs to drive a car," Østrem adds.