It is true that electric cars are expensive. More expensive than its thermal equivalent, for more complex use due to a shorter range and dependence on charging points which are not yet available everywhere. This is enough to crystallize the criticism on the one which has difficulty imposing itself precisely because of its purchase price. However, on closer inspection, it is far from being the only one to resemble a luxury good! The data published by the AAA-Data firm indeed highlights an upward pressure on new property prices. And this regardless of the engine. And if in one year, between 2022 and 2023, the median price of a new registered vehicle increased by 7%, it has completely exploded in a few years: + 35% since 2019!
Thermal remains more interesting than electric
Thus in 2023, the average expenditure for the purchase of a new car reached €33,380. We are talking about the list price, excluding options and excluding negotiations. A price which obviously varies depending on the type of engine chosen, but not in the same proportions. Obviously, thermal models remain a less expensive option than anything electrified. With a median price of €25,850 in 2023, gasoline is much more affordable than diesel which has a median price of €40,100. This is respectively around €6,000 and €9,000 more than in 2019. LPG is well below, with a median price last year of €20,008, an increase of just over €7,000. As for superethanol, its median price was €23,315 in 2023, a big drop of almost €7,000 compared to 2019!
There are even more expensive things than electric!
Now let’s talk about electricity. And the different engines that integrate it. And while in 2019, hybrids (non-rechargeable) were cheaper than 100% electric vehicles, the trend has since been reversed since with a median price of €33,238, the “full hybrid” is well below that of electric, at €42,375. It must be said that they have not evolved in the same proportions: + €1,500 for hybrid since 2019, + €16,000 for electric…
But if the median price of electric vehicles is expected to drop quickly as smaller vehicles priced in the €20 or €25,000 range hit the market, there are still more expensive than battery-powered cars. We are talking about those with a battery that recharges, and a thermal engine: rechargeable hybrids. If the median price of PHEVs has fallen since 2019 (€55,523), it is still €51,913 in 2023. Or €9,000 starting with electric.
