Car costs Germany are among the highest in Europe, driven by fuel prices, annual Kfz-Steuer, and the mandatory TÜV inspection. This guide breaks down every major expense so you can budget accurately for 2026.
We use verified September 2026 figures from the EU Oil Bulletin and Eurostat, covering petrol, diesel, electricity, road tax, and inspection fees. Plug your own mileage into our calculator for a personalised total.
Fuel prices in Germany (2026)
Petrol averages €2.236 per litre and diesel €2.232 per litre according to the EU Oil Bulletin (week of 31 August 2026). Both sit well above the EU averages of €1.840 and €1.966 respectively.
A 50-litre tank of petrol costs about €112. At 12,000 km per year and 7 L/100 km consumption, annual fuel spend reaches roughly €1,880 for petrol and €1,875 for diesel.
- Petrol: €2.236/L (EU Oil Bulletin, 31 Aug 2026)
- Diesel: €2.232/L (EU Oil Bulletin, 31 Aug 2026)
- EU average petrol: €1.840/L, diesel: €1.966/L for comparison
Prices fluctuate weekly; use the fuel cost calculator for current estimates.
Electricity costs for EV charging
Household electricity in Germany averages €0.387/kWh (Eurostat, H2 2025, band DC, incl. taxes). This is the highest in the EU and well above the EU average of €0.220/kWh.
Charging a 60 kWh battery at home costs about €23. At 15 kWh/100 km and 12,000 km annually, expect roughly €695 per year in electricity — far below petrol or diesel equivalents.
- Household electricity: €0.387/kWh (Eurostat, H2 2025)
- EU average: €0.220/kWh
- Home charging a 60 kWh EV: ~€23 per full charge
Public fast-charging rates are significantly higher than household tariffs.
Kfz-Steuer — annual road tax
Germany charges Kfz-Steuer based on engine displacement and CO₂ emissions. A typical petrol car in the 111–120 g/km band pays around €180 per year. Diesel vehicles often face higher rates due to the CO₂ component and a surcharge.
The tax is collected annually by the customs authority (Zoll). Electric vehicles are exempt until 2030, then pay a reduced rate based on weight.
- Typical petrol (111–120 g/km): ~€180/yr
- EV exemption until 2030, then reduced weight-based rate
- Paid annually to Zoll (German customs)
Exact amount depends on your specific vehicle's displacement and CO₂ figure.
TÜV inspection (HU/AU) — cost and frequency
The Hauptuntersuchung (HU) and Abgasuntersuchung (AU), commonly called TÜV, cost roughly €160 combined. New cars get their first inspection at 36 months, then every 24 months thereafter.
The inspection covers safety, emissions, and roadworthiness. Failing means repairs and a re-test within a month. DEKRA, GTÜ, and KÜS are authorised organisations alongside TÜV itself.
- HU + AU combined: ~€160
- First test at 36 months (new cars), then every 24 months
- Authorised: TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS
Booking early avoids expiry fines; many garages offer pre-checks.
Insurance, depreciation, and other running costs
Insurance varies enormously with driver profile, region, claims history and level of cover, so we do not publish an average German premium. Third-party cover (Haftpflicht) is the legal minimum and cheaper; comprehensive cover (Vollkasko) costs more. Regional differences within Germany are significant — use your own quote.
Depreciation follows the general pattern: roughly 15–25% in year one and about 50% over five years. Maintenance, tyres, parking, and potential Low Emission Zone (Umweltzone) fees add to the total.
- Vollkasko (comprehensive cover): costs more than Haftpflicht and varies widely by insurer, driver and region — use your own quote
- Haftpflicht (mandatory): lower cost, covers third-party damage
- Depreciation: ~15–25% year one, ~50% over five years (approximate)
Insurance varies widely by insurer, driver history, and postcode.
Annual cost summary for a typical petrol car
Combining the major fixed and variable costs gives a rough picture for a petrol car driven 12,000 km/year at 7 L/100 km:
| Cost item | Annual estimate (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol) | ~1,880 |
| Kfz-Steuer | ~180 |
| TÜV (amortised per year) | ~80 |
| Insurance (Vollkasko, indicative) | ~900 |
| Maintenance & tyres (indicative) | ~500 |
| Total (indicative) | ~3,540 |
Actual totals vary by vehicle, mileage, region, and personal circumstances. Use the calculator below for your exact numbers.
Use the free calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much is Kfz-Steuer for a typical petrol car in Germany?
A typical petrol car in the 111–120 g/km CO₂ band pays around €180 per year. The exact amount depends on engine displacement and CO₂ emissions; diesel cars often pay more due to a surcharge. Electric vehicles are exempt until 2030.
What does the TÜV inspection cost and how often is it required?
The combined HU (safety) and AU (emissions) inspection costs roughly €160. New cars have their first test at 36 months, then every 24 months. You can use TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, or KÜS for the inspection.
Is charging an EV cheaper than petrol in Germany?
Yes. Household electricity averages €0.387/kWh. Charging a 60 kWh battery at home costs about €23. At 15 kWh/100 km and 12,000 km annually, electricity costs roughly €695 per year — far below the ~€1,880 for petrol.
Are there Low Emission Zone fees in German cities?
Many German cities operate Umweltzonen requiring a green emissions sticker (Feinstaubplakette). The sticker is inexpensive and available from authorised outlets, but ordering and any admin costs vary — check locally. Driving without the required sticker in a zone can result in a fine, and there is no separate daily charge like London's ULEZ.
Where can I calculate my personal car ownership cost for Germany?
Use the KnowCarCost car ownership cost calculator. Enter your vehicle, annual mileage, fuel type, and region to get a detailed breakdown including fuel, tax, insurance, depreciation, and inspection costs tailored to your situation.