FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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What is TCO and what does CarCost include?
TCO (total cost of ownership) is everything a car costs you over a period: depreciation, energy (fuel or electricity), insurance, maintenance & tyres, fees, taxes and inspections, parking, tolls and loan interest. The resale value is subtracted at the end, so TCO reflects the money you actually lose.
How is true cost per km different from cash cost per km?
Cash cost per km is what you pay to run the car (energy, insurance, maintenance, fees, parking) divided by the kilometres driven. True cost per km adds depreciation — the value the car loses over time — and loan interest, so it is always higher and reflects the real price of each kilometre.
What happens to the TCO when free charging ends?
CarCost applies perks month by month: while valid, sessions within the quota are free; sessions over the quota and every session after the expiry date are charged at the public price. A 5–10-year EV TCO therefore shows exactly when charging costs go up.
Where do the default numbers come from? Are they accurate?
Car prices, fuel prices, electricity tariffs, fees and perks are compiled from public sources (manufacturer websites, retail price announcements, legal documents) and always carry an update date. They are reference values; you can edit every assumption to match your situation.
Is CarCost free?
Yes. Simulations on the web and in the app are unlimited and need no account; the Free plan tracks one car. Optional Premium adds more cars, 4-car comparisons and deeper analysis. CarCost takes no advertising or paid rankings from carmakers or dealers.
Is my cost data shared?
No, unless you actively turn on anonymous sharing for community data (off by default). Shared links and images contain only the assumptions — never personal amounts, plate numbers or locations.