Which is cheaper for a trip: electric, petrol or diesel?

With fuel prices at their peak, the choice between petrol, diesel and electric power can make a significant difference on a long journey. A compact petrol car consuming 7 liters per 100 kilometers costs €13.70 to travel 100 kilometers when petrol costs €1.96 per liter. A 500-kilometer trip therefore comes to €68.50.

The same type of car with a diesel engine and consumption of 5 liters per 100 kilometers costs €9.80 per 100 kilometers at the same fuel price. The bill for 500 kilometers falls to €49.

Electric driving is considerably cheaper when the vehicle charges from a domestic supply. A compact electric car using an average of 18 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers costs €2.70 for that distance at €0.15 per kilowatt-hour. The calculation changes at a public motorway DC fast charger, where electricity costs €0.62 per kilowatt-hour. The cost then reaches €11.10 per 100 kilometers, or €55.50 for 500 kilometers.

The article presents hybrid vehicles as an especially economical solution both in the city and on the road. A plug-in hybrid can cover a large share of everyday travel using electric power, with some models offering up to 100 to 150 kilometers of urban electric range. Such vehicles also bring tax and operating advantages, as well as a lower overall cost of use for private drivers and company fleets. New electric models offer ranges of 400 to 500 kilometers, while some new proposals approach purchase prices of €20,000 to €22,000.