Ayvens Car Cost Index 2026: Electric Cars Now a Viable Option for Swiss Fleets

Ayvens (formed from the merger of ALD Automotive and LeasePlan) has published the second edition of its Car Cost Index. This annual index is a comprehensive analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a car, from small cars to larger luxury cars for businesses. It is based on estimates from Q4 2025 in 30 European countries. The Car Cost Index takes into account the various costs associated with owning and operating a company car in each country, including depreciation, interest, repairs, maintenance, tires, energy/fuel, taxes (excluding VAT), and comprehensive insurance. The study covers all vehicle segments from small cars to large premium models and provides companies contemplating the transition to sustainable fleets with comprehensive guidance.

Even though a complex mix of regulatory pressures, unequal market maturity, and infrastructure gaps characterizes the European e-mobility market, this year’s edition highlights a marked shift in the European mobility landscape. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are becoming the most economical leasing option in more countries and vehicle segments than ever before.

**Key Findings:**

- In most Western and Northern European countries, leasing a battery electric car is generally cheaper than leasing a petrol or diesel vehicle. This trend is now gaining momentum in Southern Europe, where BEVs are becoming increasingly competitive against vehicles with conventional combustion engines.

- In 2025, car leasing across all vehicle categories was most expensive in Switzerland, whereas it was cheapest in Portugal, Belgium, and Romania, with costs below CHF 739 per month.

- Portugal and Belgium were the most affordable countries in Europe for driving a battery electric vehicle, with costs below CHF 595 per month.

- Switzerland remains the most expensive country for vehicle leasing, regardless of powertrain type.

- Compared to the TCO of combustion vehicles, BEVs now have a more competitive TCO rate in an increasing number of segments in European countries. For example, a high-end BEV like the BMW i4 is already cheaper to maintain in 66% of the surveyed countries (20 out of 30) than the closest comparable petrol model.

**Switzerland: Highest Leasing Costs in Europe – Electrification Still Pays Off**

For Swiss companies, the outcome is clear: in 2025, Switzerland was one of the most expensive countries in Europe for leasing company vehicles – regardless of the provider. Due to generally higher vehicle, energy, and tax costs, the average total operating costs here are significantly above the European average. At the same time, the index shows that battery electric vehicles are increasingly able to compete with petrol and diesel vehicles even in this high-cost environment and are already the more economical choice in some segments.

"With the rapidly changing market, the Ayvens Car Cost Index is intended to help our customers make informed decisions when selecting their fleet vehicles," says Antonio Arcaro, Commercial Director at Ayvens Switzerland. "For companies in Switzerland, looking at total costs over four years is crucial: those who only consider the monthly leasing rate often draw the wrong conclusions. Because once energy, maintenance, and taxes are factored in, the electric vehicle that seems expensive on the first day often becomes the most cost-effective option over its entire lifecycle."

**Note to Editors:**

- The 30 countries included in the Car Cost Index are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

- The data is based on estimated TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) by Ayvens from the 4th quarter of 2025.

- In the 2026 index, the TCO is averaged based on a four-year term and an annual mileage of 30,000 km.

- Within the index, the term 'competitive' is defined as electric vehicles that are no more than 5% more expensive than their combustion engine counterparts.

- The TCO includes depreciation, interest, repairs, maintenance, tires, energy/fuel, taxes/incentives (excluding VAT), and comprehensive insurance.

- The BMW i4 (BEV) has a lower TCO in 20 out of 30 EU countries than the BMW 3 Series (petrol).

Includes petrol, diesel, PHEV, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. Only passenger vehicles, excluding commercial vehicles. Monthly leasing costs include: depreciation, interest, repairs, tires, fuel/energy, taxes/incentives, and insurance.

**Media Contact:**

Diana Hagen
Head of Marketing & Communications
diana.hagen@ayvens.com
+41 58 272 32 56

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: bop Communications