One of the biggest reasons drivers hesitate to switch to electric vehicles is cost uncertainty. That’s why we’re introducing the Electric car savings calculator as part of our electrification efforts. Built with Volteum, a leading electric vehicle (EV) fleet software provider, this tool helps drivers understand the personal financial impact of going electric.

The calculator lets drivers compare the cost of owning their current car to an electric vehicle. Transparent, personalised estimates make spotting savings and finding the best EV options easier, helping drivers make confident, informed choices.

What is the Electric car savings calculator?

Explicitly designed for ride-hailing drivers, the Electric car savings calculator helps compare the costs of owning an electric car to those of a conventional petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle.

By entering details about their current vehicle, fuel type, mileage, and procurement method, drivers receive a personalised list of electric car alternatives ranked by potential monthly savings, charging costs, list price, and real-world driving range.

The tool also considers whether the driver charges at home or uses public charging points. Default values for mileage and electricity prices are based on market data but can be adjusted to match individual circumstances.

The calculator is available for free on the Bolt website.It’s powered by real-time data from over 3 billion local data points and analyses costs across various EV models to determine the best cost-saving options.

Breaking down the results

The calculator provides a side-by-side comparison of electric car models, including:

Monthly charging costs based on regional electricity prices.
Estimated savings compared to the driver’s current vehicle.
Range, tailored for city-based ride-hailing.
Purchase price to help evaluate upfront costs.

Drivers can select from multiple electric car models to find the best fit for their needs. While many will see significant savings, results may vary. Some EVs may cost more than internal combustion engine vehicles due to upfront prices.

However, the calculation doesn’t factor in incentives, tax breaks, and subsidies from local authorities that might make the EV purchase more affordable. The electric car savings calculator helps clarify costs so drivers can make the most informed choice.

Addressing driver concerns about going electric

Our research shows that many drivers hesitate to switch to electric vehicles due to high upfront costs and uncertainty about long-term savings. In fact:

35% of drivers cite the high cost of EVs as a barrier.
38% are concerned about charging accessibility.
1 in 5 drivers want more information on EV running costs.

The Electric car savings calculator aims to break down these barriers by offering transparent cost comparisons and highlighting how EVs can be a financially wise choice — especially for ride-hailing, where high mileage can lead to greater long-term savings.

While the calculator helps drivers understand cost savings, policy incentives — such as subsidies and tax breaks — are crucial in making electric vehicle adoption even more accessible.

Beyond the calculator: supporting the electric vehicle adoption

While cost transparency is crucial, charging infrastructure remains a major concern. Studies show that 91% of EV drivers charge at least once a day, yet many lack access to private charging stations.

To support ride-hailing drivers in this transition, Bolt is investing in:

However, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association reports that the EU will need 8x more charging points by 2030 to meet electric vehicle demand. We’re committed to working alongside public and private partners to accelerate this progress.

Working together for a better future

At Bolt, we believe sustainable transport is not just an option but a necessity.

Our commitment to carbon net zero by 2040 drives us to continually explore innovative solutions that benefit drivers and align with our environmental goals.

The Electric car savings calculator is just one of many steps in our Project Zero electrification strategy, ensuring that EV adoption is affordable, practical, and rewarding for ride-hailing drivers.

Stay tuned for updates, or explore collaboration opportunities through Project Zero. Contact us at partnership@bolt.eu to join us in driving the shift towards more sustainable cities.

Bolt’s calculator makes electric car costs transparent

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