How many kilometers can an electric car travel on 1 kWh? Real consumption and cost comparison

How many kilometers can an electric car travel on 1 kWh: real consumption, model comparison, and charging costs

The short answer: between 5 and 7 km. A B-segment electric car (such as a Lancia Ypsilon or a Fiat 500e) travels on average between 6 and 7 kilometers on a single kWh of energy. A larger, heavier vehicle, such as an SUV like the Volvo EX30 or a smart #1, gets around 4.5 to 5 km/kWh. In terms of consumption, this means a range of between approximately 15 and 22 kWh per 100 km, depending on the model and driving conditions.

For those who still think in terms of liters per kilometer, the comparison helps to orientate oneself: 1 kWh is equivalent, from an energy point of view, to about 0.1 liters of gasoline. But the electric motor is much more efficient than the combustion engine (over 90% efficiency compared to 30 to 40%), which explains why the cost per 100 km is significantly lower. In this article, we analyze the actual consumption of the most popular models in Italy, the factors that influence them, and the actual cost in euros for each trip.

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Real-world consumption: how much does each electric car model consume?

The most reliable data on the actual consumption of electric vehicles in Italy comes from the independent test "From 100% to 5%, " organized by Motor1.com and InsideEVs with the sponsorship of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE). The 2025 edition, held on Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare ring road, tested 12 electric cars in real traffic conditions: average speed of around 90 km/h, air conditioning set to 22°C, normal driving mode. The results are expressed in kWh/100 km and offer a much more concrete benchmark than the WLTP data declared by manufacturers.

Fiat 500e consumption: Quattroruote test center. Actual range calculated from 100% to 5% battery.

Some figures are striking. The Lancia Ypsilon, thanks to its low, aerodynamic body and low weight (1,561 kg), proved to be the most efficient with 6.3 km per kWh consumed. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the smart #1 (taller, heavier, and with almost 300 hp) stopped at 4.6 km/kWh. The difference is not negligible: on a 50 kWh battery, it means about 90 km more or less range. It is worth noting that the actual range measured in the test was on average 28% lower than the WLTP figure, which is useful information for anyone considering purchasing an electric vehicle.

Why km per kWh varies: factors affecting consumption

The "km per kWh" figure is not fixed: it varies depending on the vehicle, the route, driving style, and external conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for estimating the actual range of your electric car before setting off on a journey.

Vehicle type: weight, aerodynamics, and power

Weight is the number one enemy of energy efficiency. The heavier the vehicle, the more energy the battery consumes to move it. Similarly, a tall car (SUV, crossover) offers greater air resistance than a sedan or compact car. The GRA test proves it: the Lancia Ypsilon (1,561 kg, low body) beats the smart #1 (1,820 kg, high body) by almost 2 km per kWh. Engine power plays a more subtle role: it is not so much the maximum power that matters as the calibration of the power delivery, which unconsciously influences the driver's driving style.

Route: city, suburban, or highway

An electric car performs best in the city. Regenerative braking recovers energy every time you slow down, and low speeds reduce aerodynamic drag. Urban consumption can drop to 12 or 14 kWh/100 km, bringing efficiency to 7 or 8 km per kWh. On the highway, the opposite happens: at 130 km/h, air resistance increases exponentially and the regenerative braking system almost never comes into play. Consumption easily rises to 20 or 25 kWh/100 km (4 or 5 km/kWh), and range is reduced accordingly. For long motorway journeys, it is therefore important to plan charging stops in advance: there are now numerous fast charging stations along the Italian motorway network, allowing you to get back on the road in less than half an hour.

Temperature and weather conditions

Cold weather is the second enemy of range. Below 5°C, the chemistry of lithium cells slows down, reducing the effective capacity of the battery. Added to this is the consumption of cabin heating: in electric cars, unlike combustion engines, there is no 'free' heat from the engine. The combined effect of these conditions can reduce range by 20 to 30% compared to a mild day. Models equipped with heat pumps (now found in almost all recent electric vehicles) significantly limit this impact. In summer, air conditioning has less of an impact, reducing range by around 5 to 10%, which is acceptable for passenger health and comfort.

Driving style and habits

Sudden acceleration, consistently high speeds, and aggressive use of the accelerator pedal consume more energy. Activating Eco mode and maximizing regenerative braking can improve efficiency by 10 to 15% on mixed routes. Tires also matter: winter tires or underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption. Finally, the load on board (heavy luggage, roof racks) affects the total mass of the vehicle and consequently the energy required to move it. To learn more about optimizing fuel consumption, it is useful to regularly consult the on-board computer of your electric car.

kWh/100 km and range: how to read the on-board computer

Unlike gasoline cars, where fuel consumption is measured in "liters per 100 km," electric cars display consumption in kWh/100 km. The principle is the same: the lower the number, the more efficient the vehicle. A consumption of 15 kWh/100 km is excellent; 20 kWh/100 km is average; over 25 kWh/100 km means challenging driving conditions (fast highway, intense cold, full load).

To calculate the total range based on consumption, the formula is simple:

Battery capacity (kWh) ÷ Consumption (kWh/100 km) × 100 = Range in km

Practical example: a Fiat 500e with a 42 kWh battery and actual consumption of 16.9 kWh/100 km will travel approximately 42 ÷ 16.9 × 100 = 249 km on a full charge. The WLTP cycle states 320 km for the same model: the difference (approximately 22%) can be explained by the fact that the WLTP is a standardized laboratory test that does not take into account real traffic, air conditioning, and inclines. Another example: the Hyundai Inster, with a 42 kWh battery and 16.4 kWh/100 km of actual consumption, achieves approximately 247 km in real terms compared to the 355 km stated in the WLTP.

The remaining range indicator on the dashboard is based on recent average consumption: if you have been driving mainly in the city, it will show an optimistic range. If you are about to take the highway, it is prudent to consider a margin of 20 to 30% less than the figure displayed. Navigation apps for electric vehicles (such as ABRP) can help you plan your trips by calculating the energy required based on speed, altitude, and weather conditions.

From kWh to euros: how much does it really cost to drive 100 km?

The real advantage of electric mobility emerges when you translate kWh into euros. Let's take three specific models, from compact to family cars, and compare them with an equivalent gasoline car, using charging rates updated at the beginning of 2026. The cost varies greatly depending on whether the car is charged at home or at Electra fast charging stations and other operators.

• Home charging: €0.25 to €0.30/kWh (average home energy rate in Italy in 2026, source: ARERA). \HPC with subscription: starting from €0.29/kWh (Electra+ tariff via app, source : go-electra.com). HPC without subscription: from €0.61 to €0.95/kWh (average Italian operators). Gasoline: from €1.75 to €1.85/L.

The comparison speaks for itself. When an electric car is charged at home, perhaps with a wallbox connected to a photovoltaic system, the cost per 100 km is between €4 and €6, compared to €10 or €11 for gasoline. The savings range from 45% to 60%. But even fast charging at public charging stations, which many consider "expensive," becomes competitive with a subscription. At Electra stations, the app rate starts at €0.29/kWh with the Electra+ subscription, bringing the cost per 100 km to less than €5 for a Fiat 500e: less than half the cost of gasoline.

The economic aspect also affects companies with fleets of electric vehicles, which can drastically reduce operating costs thanks to domestic charging at company premises and dedicated subscriptions. For frequent travelers, the Electra station map makes it easy to locate fast charging points along the highway network, while the no-commitment Electra+ plans, with the first month free (code PLUS2), offer real savings on every session.

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Frequently asked questions about electric car consumption and range

How many kWh are needed to travel 100 km in an electric car?

On average, between 15 and 20 kWh per 100 km. An efficient compact car such as the Lancia Ypsilon consumes around 16 kWh/100 km, while a heavier crossover such as the Volvo EX30 consumes 20 or 21 kWh. Consumption is lower in the city and higher on the highway, and the latest models tend to be more efficient thanks to new-generation batteries and motors.

How many kilometers can an electric car travel on a full charge?

It depends on the battery capacity and the actual consumption of the vehicle. With a 50 kWh battery and an average consumption of 17 kWh/100 km, you can travel about 290 km. With an 80 kWh battery, the same consumption leads to about 470 km. The WLTP figure is on average 25 to 30% higher than the actual range. To find out more, it is useful to consult independent tests and compare the actual range of the models you are interested in.

Does consumption vary between city and highway driving?

Yes, significantly. In the city, thanks to regenerative braking and low speeds, consumption can drop to 12 or 14 kWh/100 km. On the highway at 130 km/h, aerodynamic drag increases consumption to 20 or 25 kWh/100 km. The difference can exceed 50% and directly affects the vehicle's range and charging costs during the trip.

Is an electric car more economical than a gasoline car?

From an operating cost perspective, yes. Home charging costs between €4 and €6 per 100 km, compared to €10 or €11 for gasoline. Maintenance is also less expensive (no oil changes, filters, clutch, spark plugs). The purchase cost remains higher on average, but the difference is decreasing year after year thanks to incentives and the arrival of more affordable models. For companies, the advantage is amplified by the possibility of recharging their fleet on site at low cost and benefiting from tax advantages.

Does fast DC charging ruin the battery?

Modern electric vehicles have advanced thermal management systems (BMS) that protect battery health during each charging session. The BMS automatically adjusts the input power based on cell temperature and state of charge. Regular use of DC fast charging stations, alternating with home charging, does not compromise battery life under normal conditions of use.

How can I improve the efficiency of my electric car?

Three tips: activate Eco mode and regenerative braking at the highest level, maintain a moderate speed (especially on the highway, where every 10 km/h increase significantly increases consumption), and check your tire pressure. In winter, pre-heating the passenger compartment while the car is still connected to the home power supply reduces battery consumption during the journey. These measures can increase efficiency by up to 1 km/kWh.

Written by Giulia, Electra mobility expert