Costs of charging and driving an electric car

The future of energy is electric. The transformation to greener and more sustainable transport comes with many new opportunities in tune with the world around us. With any investment, there is always a cosy consideration. To get more of an idea it's worth calculating how much it costs to drive an electric car in detail. The initial price of an electric car may be higher than a conventional petrol or diesel car, but the long-term savings and benefits usually outweigh this. There are also various incentives and subsidies that can further reduce your expenses. These include schemes for buying electric vehicles or installing charging stations at home, as well as considering when it's best to charge your electric car and making small adjustments to your driving routine that can reduce costs.

How much it costs to charge an electric car depends on various factors, such as electricity tariffs in your region, the type of charger used and your driving habits. In general, it is cheaper to charge an electric vehicle at home than at public charging stations. Electricity tariffs for private households are usually lower, especially at nighttime. So, it's not only because of the long parking time that it's a good idea to charge your EV when you're asleep. In the long run, investing in a home charger pays off.

Charging costs are usually measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). To estimate the cost, you can multiply the kWh used by the charging tariff per kWh. Public charging stations, on the other hand, can have different pricing structures. Some stations charge per kWh, while others charge a flat fee or a combination of both. It is important to check the pricing policies of public charging stations in your area to determine the cost. There is also a price difference between stations. Fast charging offers convenience and speed but is usually more expensive due to higher infrastructure costs. You can find more details on charging and costs in our article Charging Electric Vehicles.

Driving an electric car also offers savings on fuel costs. The cost of running an electric car can be much lower per kilometre compared to petrol-powered vehicles. Electricity costs are generally lower than petrol costs, and electric cars are more energy efficient. This means you can drive further on the same amount of energy, reducing overall energy costs.

Electric cars are gaining popularity due to their many benefits. In addition to being more fuel-efficient than gasoline-powered cars, electric vehicles generally also require less maintenance. This can lead to even further cost savings over time, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. One of the reasons for this is that electric vehicles have fewer moving parts. As a result, they do not require oil changes, transmission repairs or exhaust system maintenance, which can be costly and time-consuming. By eliminating the amount of services your car needs, you can save significant amounts of money on service and repair costs in the long run.

Another factor that saves costs is the regenerative braking technology that most EVs have. This means that the battery is charging while you brake. This feature reduces wear on the brake pads and extends their life, which can reduce brake maintenance costs.

In addition, charging an electric car can be more convenient than refuelling a gasoline-powered vehicle. Depending on the model and charging station used, electric cars can be charged in a matter of hours while you are at work or sleeping. This means you don't have to put in the extra effort going to gas stations.