Purchase price is only the starting point. Fuel and energy costs, insurance, tax bands, and depreciation all shift the real cost of ownership over a typical 3-year hold. Electric vehicles remain cheaper to run per kilometer in most Nordic markets, but often depreciate faster in the first year. Diesel holds value well for high-mileage drivers but faces tightening emissions rules in city centers. For most private buyers driving under 15,000 km a year, the differences average out — the better question is which car you will actually enjoy driving.