If you choose a Mercedes-Benz G 580 instead of a Microlino, the cost per kilometer will be four times higher. Why? Because the G 580 consumes 28.0 kWh/100 km, while the Microlino only needs 7.1 kWh/100 km. Before taking the big step into electric mobility, you should understand the factors that determine an electric car's energy consumption.
How much energy does an electric car consume?
On average, an electric car consumes around 15 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometers. "Energy consumption" refers to the amount of electricity an EV uses to travel a certain distance, typically measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers (kWh/100 km).
For example, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a highly efficient electric car, with consumption ranging between 13.9 kWh and 15.1 kWh per 100 km (WLTP), depending on the configuration.
How much does one kilowatt-hour cost for an electric car?
If you charge your EV exclusively at home, the cost per kWh is €0.4092. This is ideal for those who have their own wallbox and can charge when the car is stationary. On the other hand, if you prefer public charging stations, the price is around €0.59 per kWh. Electricity prices in Germany naturally depend on the tariff and the charging station you use.
What is the cost per 100 km for an electric car in Germany?
In Germany, charging an EV at public stations costs about €8.85 per 100 km. If you charge exclusively at home at €0.4092/kWh, the cost drops to €6.14 per 100 km (based on 15 kWh/100 km consumption). If you split charging between home (50%) and public stations (€0.59/kWh), the cost per 100 km is approximately €7.49.
Thus, if you primarily charge at home, you could save up to €400 per year (assuming an annual mileage of 15,000 km). Savings can be even higher with a smart wallbox, which allows you to take advantage of flexible electricity tariffs and charge when rates are cheapest.
If you want to calculate the charging costs for a specific EV, you can use the European Alternative Fuels Observatory’s EV electricity consumption calculator. Simply select your country and car model, enter average consumption, monthly mileage, and other factors, and you’ll receive an estimated monthly cost.
How to calculate the electricity cost for an electric car?
If your EV consumes 15 kWh/100 km (e.g., the Fiat 600e*) and you drive 500 km per month, your charging costs depend on where you charge. With a 50/50 split between home charging (€0.4092/kWh) and public fast charging (€0.59/kWh, EnBW rate), your monthly cost would be around €37.45.
*15.1 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
How much electricity does an electric car use in a year?
Based on Germany’s average annual mileage of 12,440 km, a typical EV consumes about 1,866 kWh per year. If you charge exclusively at home, the annual cost would be around €381. With a mix of home and public charging, the yearly expense would be approximately €932.
