EV Road Trip Proves Cheaper Than Gasoline, Even With Expensive Charging

A long-distance road trip through New York, spanning over 900 kilometers to the Catskill Mountains, has challenged conventional wisdom about the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles (EVs). Reporter Suvrat Kothari of InsideEVs found that even when relying solely on expensive fast chargers and using the air conditioning, the overall cost of his EV journey was still lower than that of a comparable gasoline-powered SUV.

Kothari initially faced challenges finding affordable transportation, as train tickets were sold out and car rental prices were inflated due to holiday demand. To his surprise, the cheapest rental options were EVs. After comparing a Kia Niro EV with a Hyundai Ioniq 5, he opted for the latter due to its fast-charging capabilities and respectable range.

During the trip, Kothari utilized the Ioniq 5's 800V platform, which allowed for rapid charging. Each stop for charging was conveniently combined with breaks for meals or rest, minimizing perceived downtime. In approximately 20 minutes at high-power charging stations, the battery was replenished enough to cover hundreds of kilometers.

The total cost for three primary charging sessions amounted to about $67. After an additional charge to return the battery to the rental company's required level, the total electricity expense reached approximately $80. This figure is notably less than the estimated fuel cost for a similar gasoline SUV, which would have required over $100 based on New York's average gasoline price at the time and a typical fuel consumption rate. Even when compared to more fuel-efficient internal combustion engine crossovers, the cost savings remained significant, further enhanced by the EV's lower rental price during the peak season.

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Even when using air conditioning, driving an electric car is still cheaper than a gasoline car.