What’s the real cost of driving 100 km in an electric car?

How much does it really cost to drive 100 km in an electric vehicle? It’s a question many of us ask before making the switch. With fossil fuel prices continuing to rise, understanding your actual expenses is key to managing your budget. Between common myths and economic realities, here’s a full breakdown of EV charging costs and strategies to optimize your mobility.

Prices vary depending on how you charge

In 2025, driving 100 km in an EV costs between €3 and €10.80. This wide range reflects the variety of charging options available in France:

The higher the charging power, the higher the price per kWh—but even at the top end, EVs remain cost-effective. Average consumption ranges from 15 to 22 kWh/100 km depending on the model and driving conditions.

Home charging: the most economical option

Off-peak hours: your best friend

Charging at home during off-peak hours is unbeatable for your wallet. For an average consumption of 18 kWh/100 km, expect around €3.

Example calculation: 18 kWh × €0.147/kWh = €2.65 at night, versus €3.86 during the day. Over 15,000 km per year, that’s more than €180 in savings.

Installing a wallbox: a smart investment

Installing a home wallbox transforms your charging experience. Beyond added safety, it lets you schedule sessions based on your battery’s capacity. Smart models include real-time monitoring, off-peak scheduling, and power adjustment based on your subscription. The initial investment (€500 to €1,500 including installation) pays off quickly through savings. Many energy providers offer EV-specific plans with up to 50% off nighttime rates: EDF Vert Électrique Auto, Engie Elec'Car, TotalEnergies.

Public charging: flexible but variable in cost

Slow chargers in cities

On standard public chargers (up to 22 kW), costs range from €0.30 to €0.50/kWh. That’s about €5.40 to €9 per 100 km depending on the operator.T hese chargers, found in parking lots and shopping centers, offer a good balance of accessibility and price. Some cities even offer free charging periods or discounted monthly plans for residents.

Electra is revolutionizing fast charging

Electra’s “Breathe” approach means you only pay for the energy you use, nothing more. Starting at €0.29/kWh with the Electra+ subscription, it’s the lowest guaranteed rate on the fast-charging market. That means 100 km for just €5.22.

The Electra app offers an unmatched experience: charger reservations, automatic payment, exclusive promotions.Prefer simplicity? Contactless payment at the station is also available.No hidden fees or time-based billing that penalizes slower-charging vehicles. With chargers up to 400 kW, Electra ensures ultra-fast charging while optimizing your budget. The network also accepts partner passes like Chargemap for maximum flexibility.

Other highway fast chargers

Highway fast chargers (50 kW+) cost between €0.50 and €0.80/kWh. That’s €9 to €14 per 100 km.These prices are justified by speed: recovering 80% range in 20–30 minutes changes the long-distance driving experience.

Compared to gas: EVs win hands down

A gas or diesel car consumes about 8L/100 km. At €1.85–€1.90/L, that’s around €15 per 100 km.The savings are huge:

• Home off-peak charging: 5× cheaper

• Public slow charging: 2–3× cheaper

• Electra fast charging: nearly 3× cheaper

• Highway fast charging: still 33% cheaper

Over 15,000 km/year, you save €1,500 to €1,800. For high-mileage drivers (30,000 km), the savings exceed €3,000 per year.

What affects your energy consumption?

Your driving style can change consumption by 30–40%. Eco-driving with regenerative braking makes a real difference—up to €2–€3 per 100 km.Weather matters too: winter is tough on range. Consumption rises 20–30% with heating and thermal management. A Tesla Model 3 that uses 16 kWh/100 km in ideal conditions may jump to 21 kWh at –10°C.In summer, air conditioning has less impact (10–15% max).

Beyond energy: total cost of ownership

EVs require less maintenance: no oil changes, less brake wear thanks to regen braking, no clutch.Maintenance costs are cut in half—saving €2,000 to €3,000 over 5 years.Add in the EV purchase bonus, trade-in incentives for old gas/diesel cars, registration tax exemptions in some regions, and free parking in many cities…These perks further improve the financial equation and reduce your total cost of ownership.

Strategies to optimize your budget

1. Prioritize off-peak home charging

2. Choose an EV-friendly electricity plan

3. Use Electra for the best fast-charging rates

4. Plan your trips to avoid emergency charging

5. Adopt eco-driving to reduce battery use

6. Take advantage of free chargers in shopping centers

7. Invest in a wallbox to optimize charging sessions

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Key takeaway

Driving electric is 2 to 5 times cheaper than gas.Off-peak home charging offers the best value at €3/100 km. Public stations, especially Electra (€0.29/kWh), remain affordable for travel.

With €1,500 to €3,000 in annual fuel savings and lower maintenance, EVs are the smart, sustainable choice.

Find and book your Electra charging stations easily with our IPhone app or Android app, designed for fast, stress-free EV charging.

Written by Nicolas – Electric mobility expert at Electra