How to calculate your fuel cost in Ireland

This calculator provides an estimate based on standard mathematics. It is important to remember that actual fuel consumption varies based on driving style, traffic conditions, tyre pressure, and whether you are driving in urban areas (like Dublin city centre) or on motorways.

The Calculation Formula

• Litres Used: (Distance ÷ 100) × Consumption (L/100km)
• Total Estimated Cost: Litres Used × Fuel Price per Litre
• Cost per Kilometre: Total Cost ÷ Distance

How do I find my car's L/100km?

The most accurate way is to check your vehicle's dashboard trip computer. Alternatively, you can look up the official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) "combined economy" figure for your specific make and model online, though real-world figures are often slightly higher.

Related Calculators

• → Cost Per KM Calculator
• → Commute Cost Calculator

What does Cost Per Kilometre actually mean?

Most drivers only think about the fuel they put in the tank when considering the cost of a journey. However, every kilometre you drive contributes to the overall wear and tear of the vehicle, requires eventual servicing, uses up insurance validity, and crucially, contributes to the depreciation (loss in value) of the vehicle.

By summing all your annual costs—both fixed (like tax and insurance) and variable (like fuel and tyres)—and dividing by your annual distance, you find the true economic cost of moving your car 1 km.

Why is this number important?

• Claiming Expenses: If you use a personal vehicle for work in Ireland, knowing your true cost helps you understand if employer mileage rates (e.g., Civil Service rates) actually cover your costs.
• Transport Decisions: It helps you objectively compare the cost of driving versus taking the bus, train, or a taxi for a specific journey.

Understanding the EV vs Petrol Comparison

Important Note: This calculator compares estimated running costs only based on the figures you input. It does not factor in the purchase price, potential SEAI grants, finance costs, or vehicle depreciation, all of which are critical for determining the true total cost of ownership.

Electricity Costs Vary Significantly

The cost of running an EV in Ireland depends heavily on how and where you charge it. When entering your "Elec Price (€/kWh)":

• Home Charging (Night Rate / EV Tariff): Often the cheapest option, sometimes below €0.15/kWh depending on your provider.
• Home Charging (Standard Day Rate): Typically higher, often between €0.30 and €0.40/kWh.
• Public Fast Charging: Can be significantly more expensive, sometimes exceeding €0.60/kWh on fast-charge networks without a subscription.

To get an accurate comparison, try to estimate a blended rate based on where you will do the majority of your charging.

Maintenance Differences

EVs generally have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles (no oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust systems). This often results in lower routine maintenance costs, though tyre wear can sometimes be higher due to the vehicle's weight and instant torque. You should adjust the maintenance inputs based on quotes for the specific cars you are comparing.

How does Motor Tax work in Ireland?

The Irish motor tax system is complex because it has changed several times over the years. The amount you pay depends on when the car was first registered and its environmental impact.

The Three Main Systems

• Pre-July 2008 (Engine CC): For older cars, tax is based purely on the engine size in cubic centimetres (CC). A 2.0L (2000cc) engine pays significantly more than a 1.0L (1000cc) engine, regardless of emissions.
• July 2008 to Dec 2020 (NEDC CO2): The system moved to emissions-based taxing. Vehicles are placed in bands (A to G) based on their Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions tested under the NEDC standard.
• Jan 2021 onwards (WLTP CO2): A new, more stringent emissions testing standard (WLTP) was introduced globally. Cars registered in Ireland from 2021 are taxed based on this newer CO2 figure.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) currently enjoy the lowest rate of motor tax in Ireland, typically €120 per year.

Understanding Car Depreciation

Depreciation is the difference between what you pay for a car and what you eventually sell or trade it in for. While you don't write a cheque for depreciation every month, it is a very real cost that hits your wallet when you change cars.

Note: This calculator provides a straight-line average over the ownership period. In reality, cars usually depreciate fastest in their first year and the curve flattens out as they get older.

What affects resale value?

• Make and Model: Some brands hold their value much better in the Irish market than others.
• Mileage: High annual mileage accelerates depreciation.
• Condition and Service History: A well-maintained car with a full service history will command a higher resale price.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides an estimate based on a standard mathematical amortisation formula. It does not include specific lender documentation fees, setup fees, or completion fees.

If you enter a "Balloon Payment", the calculator attempts to estimate a PCP-style payment where interest is paid on the full loan amount, but the principal reduction is offset by the balloon. Always check the official European Standardised Information Sheet (ESIS) provided by your lender or dealership before signing any financial agreement. CarCost Ireland is not a lender or financial advisor.

Why separate Finance Interest and Loan Repayments?

When calculating the true Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), a common mistake is adding the purchase price of the car (or the monthly loan repayments) AND the depreciation together. This is double-counting.

The true cost of owning the physical car is its loss in value over time (Depreciation). If you borrow money to buy it, the cost of that borrowing is the Interest. Your loan principal repayment is just converting cash into car equity, not a running expense.

Therefore, this comprehensive calculator sums: Running Costs + Depreciation + Finance Interest to give you an accurate economic picture.