More and more drivers are considering switching to electric, driven by the desire to contribute to a sustainable future and the need to reduce the associated costs of gasoline and diesel fuel. But the question many are asking is: how much does an electric car consume? Let’s find out together how to calculate the consumption of an electric car, what affects consumption, and how to compare it with gasoline cars.
How do you calculate the consumption of an electric car?
The consumption of an electric car is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100 km). This value indicates how much energy is required to travel 100 kilometers. For example, if a car has a consumption of 15 kWh/100 km, it means that it consumes 15 kWh of energy to travel this distance.
What does consumption depend on?
Several factors influence the consumption of an electric car. First, the weight of the vehicle plays a crucial role: heavier cars tend to consume more. In addition, road conditions and the type of driving (such as acceleration or hard braking) can increase energy consumption.
Other important elements include outside temperature. The heat and the cold affect fuel consumption, because the electric car must use some of its energy to keep the passenger compartment and battery at appropriate temperatures. The same is true for gradients. Mind you: nothing new compared to conventional cars, but it is always best to remember that these rules apply to electrics as well.
Electric car vs. gasoline: a comparison of fuel consumption
If we compare the fuel consumption of an electric car with that of a gasoline car, the difference is striking. On average, a gasoline car consumes about 6 liters per 100 km. Considering that the price of gasoline is about 1.70 euros per liter, the cost to drive 100 km is about 10.20 euros.
On the other hand, with a consumption of 15 kWh/100 km and an average electricity cost of 0.25 euros per kWh (if we consider recharging using the home power grid), the cost to travel the same distance will be only 3.75 euros. This means that, on average, an electric car can cost less than half as much as a gasoline car for energy consumption if home charging is used more frequently. In short, the economic benefits are obvious!
Tips for reducing electric car consumption
If you decide to invest in an electric car, there are some simple steps you can take to optimize fuel consumption. First of all, try to adopt a balanced driving style : gradual acceleration and gentle braking can make a big difference. Also, maintaining a steady, moderate speed will help reduce your energy consumption. You will not only benefit in terms of fuel consumption, but also in terms of driving enjoyment.
Another useful tip is to use the air conditioner intelligently. In summer, consider not overdoing the thermal delta between the interior and exterior of the car: too great a difference not only affects consumption but is also counterproductive for the body. In winter, especially if you recharge at home, plan to heat the interior while the vehicle is still charging. In this way you will reduce the impact on consumption on the move. In any case, go easy: the thermal management of an electric vehicle does not affect the state of charge that much, especially for vehicles equipped with a heat pump. We wrote a specific article on this, go read it!
Finally, it is always good to check tire pressure: deflated tires can increase rolling resistance, leading to higher consumption. Checking them regularly will allow you to optimize the energy efficiency of your electric car.
The consumption of an electric car is a key aspect to consider in order to take full advantage of all the benefits of the new mobility. The advantages in economic and environmental terms are undeniable. Knowing the factors that influence consumption and taking some simple steps can make your electric driving experience even more rewarding.
