Electric charging vs. full tank of petrol: how do you compare the cost?
With the growth of electric vehicles, the comparison between the cost of an electric charge and the cost of a full tank of gasoline has become a topic at the center of many discussions. Drivers are seeking to understand the advantages of electric cars over combustion-powered vehicles.
Electric cars: high purchase costs
The cost of buying an electric vehicle remains a major obstacle for many people. Electric vehicles are often more expensive than combustion-powered cars, due to the high cost of lithium-ion batteries, which account for a significant proportion of the total price.
To narrow this gap, the French government has introduced a number of financial incentives, such as government grants and the ecological bonus. The ecological bonus can amount to up to €7,000, helping to reduce the initial purchase cost of electric cars. Find out more about the different solutions available when buying an electric vehicle in an article available here. These aids are solutions that can reduce the initial purchase cost and make electric cars more accessible. As technology advances and production capacity increases, battery prices are expected to fall gradually, making electric vehicles increasingly competitive with combustion engines.
Easier, less costly maintenance
Even so, maintenance of an electric car is less costly and less restrictive than that of a combustion-powered vehicle. Electric vehicles include fewer mechanical parts and components than combustion-powered vehicles. They don't need regular oil changes or air filter replacements, for example, which considerably reduces maintenance costs. An electric car can be serviced every 30,000 km, while a combustion-powered car can be serviced every 15,000 to 20,000 km. The average annual cost of servicing an electric vehicle varies from €320 to €600.
What's more, the braking systems of electric vehicles are very often equipped with energy regeneration, which reduces brake wear and prolongs brake life. Brake pad replacement, which can cost between €60 and €150, is therefore less frequent than on a combustion-powered car. The average annual maintenance cost of an electric vehicle ranges from €320 to €600, compared with €800 to €1,200 for a combustion-powered vehicle.
Electric vehicles enable owners to make substantial savings on vehicle maintenance costs.
Fuel savings
Electric vehicles obviously save on the cost of a full tank. Electricity is currently cheaper than petrol or diesel. According to the Automobile Propre website, the average electricity fill-up for an electric car is €3 per 100 km, compared with €9 for petrol and €7 for diesel.
In general, most motorists recharge their electric vehicles at home or at work. The price of recharging therefore varies according to the kWh rate charged by the electricity supplier, the type of subscription chosen, the time of day and the type of charging station selected. For example, with a regulated rate of €0.1740 per kWh in France, the cost of driving an EV 100 km is €3.13.
It's important to note that on public charging stations, the cost of recharging varies according to the type of station (fast or slow charge), or the electrical network to which it belongs. According to the Automobile propre website, recharging at a public station costs an average of €4 per 100 km with a subscription, and €6 without a subscription. All these fuel savings, accumulated over the lifetime of an electric vehicle, can add up to thousands of euros, making electric vehicles not only more economical for everyday use, but also more environmentally friendly.
The advantages of combustion-powered cars over electric vehicles
Despite the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, combustion-powered cars still have a number of advantages.
First of all, it's now very easy to find service stations nearby and within easy reach, enabling long-distance journeys without worrying about finding a recharging point. What's more, combustion-powered cars generally have a longer range, avoiding repeated stops to recharge the vehicle's battery. In comparison, a combustion-powered car can travel between 600 and 800 km on a full tank, compared with 300 to 500 km for most electric vehicles.
Their initial purchase cost is often lower than that of electric vehicles, making them accessible to a greater number of motorists.
Finally, engine technology is mature and well mastered, offering a wide range of models and performances to meet motorists' needs and preferences. Thermal cars also offer rapid refuelling, with a full tank of petrol taking just a few minutes, compared with several hours for a full recharge of an electric vehicle. Thermal cars therefore remain attractive, despite advances in electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles offer a significant economic advantage over combustion-powered cars in terms of energy and maintenance costs. With rising fuel prices and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, electric vehicles represent an increasingly attractive solution for budget-conscious and environmentally conscious motorists. However, combustion-powered cars still have undeniable advantages, particularly in terms of purchase cost, refuelling infrastructure and range.
It's up to you to carefully consider these factors when making your purchase decision, taking into account your specific needs and lifestyle.