Comparing the cost per km between an electric vehicle and a combustion car goes beyond the price of energy or fuel. There are everyday habits that weigh more than they seem — and that also influence safety.
For those just starting out, the good news is that complex spreadsheets are not necessary. With three consistent practices, you can achieve a fairer comparison and avoid surprises.
How to look at cost per km without falling into traps
Cost per km is the sum of what you spend to drive divided by the distance traveled. For electric vehicles, this includes energy, basic maintenance, and occasional charging away from home. For combustion vehicles, fuel, oil, filters, and more frequent maintenance.
For a practical and safe comparison: - Use the same type of route (urban, highway, or mixed). - Consider real-world consumption, not just the published figures. - Include recurring safety-related expenses, such as tires and brakes.
Habit 1: Drive in a predictable and steady manner
The way you accelerate and decelerate directly influences the cost per km for both types of vehicles.
In electric vehicles: - Progressive acceleration makes better use of energy. - Proper use of regenerative braking reduces brake wear.
In combustion vehicles: - Avoiding hard acceleration reduces fuel consumption. - Shifting gears at the right time reduces engine strain.
Beyond cost, predictable driving increases safety by making it easier for other drivers to read traffic.
Habit 2: Plan charging and refueling with a safety margin
In electric vehicles, charging up to what is needed for daily use is usually more efficient than always aiming for 100%. In combustion cars, keeping an adequate fuel level avoids route deviations and emergency refueling.
Best practices: - Plan charging at known and safe locations. - Avoid driving with very low battery or fuel levels. - Consider the impact of fast charging on total cost.
This planning reduces the cost per km and lowers the risk of unexpected stops.
Habit 3: Keep tires properly inflated and maintenance up to date
Under- or over-inflated tires increase consumption in both electric and combustion vehicles. In electric vehicles, the impact is often even more noticeable due to the vehicle’s weight.
Items that make a difference: - Tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. - Regular alignment and balancing. - Attention to unusual noises or vibrations.
Preventive maintenance helps keep costs predictable and preserves essential safety systems.
Practical comparison: where the cost per km changes the most
In urban driving: - Electric vehicles tend to benefit from stop-and-go traffic and regenerative braking. - Combustion vehicles usually consume more fuel under these conditions.
On the highway: - The difference may decrease, depending on speed and driving style. - Planning and consistency remain decisive.
Quick checklist for beginners
Before comparing costs, confirm: - Same route and usage conditions. - Updated average consumption. - Safety-related maintenance costs included.
With these precautions, the comparison between electric and combustion becomes clearer, more realistic, and aligned with safe driving.
Comments
Comments are public and the sole responsibility of the author. Don’t share personal data. We may store technical signals (e.g. IP hash) to reduce spam and remove abusive, illegal, or off-topic content.