Multidimensional Comparison of Electric and Combustion Vehicles: A Clustering Based Analysis from the Polish Market

Electrification of transport is advancing, yet debate continues over whether battery electric vehicles (EVs) are a like-for-like and affordable alternative to internal-combustion engine (ICE) cars. Positioned in a rapidly evolving mainstream market, this study examines structural similarity and relative pricing of EVs versus ICE models available in Poland in 2025. Data on 373 base passenger-car models (excluding hybrids) were analyzed using two clustering methods: k-means and k-medoids. The optimal number of clusters was determined by 23 validity indices, identifying three clusters. The significance of mean price differences between EVs and non-EVs within the specified clusters was tested using a permutation test. Results indicate no statistically meaningful EV price premium within clusters: no EV price exceeded two standard deviations above its cluster mean, and no cluster consisted exclusively of EVs, which points to strong technical similarity across powertrains. Additionally, permutation tests indicated no differences within clusters, except in the cluster with the best technical parameters, where non-EV cars were more expensive, which suggests that the premium segment of the market continues to be dominated by combustion cars. These findings, which show that electric vehicles are price-comparable to non-EVs, challenge the perception that EVs are systematically more expensive and demonstrate that, within market segments defined by technical characteristics. Therefore, the evidence suggests that EVs are becoming a genuine competitive alternative to ICE cars in the Polish market.