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Electric or combustion car: how to choose wisely in 2025?

2 lug 2025

With the ban on new combustion vehicle sales coming in 2035 and the rapid rise of electric cars, comparing electric and combustion vehicles is crucial for your future mobility. Purchase price, running costs, average range, environmental impact, lifespan… There are many, sometimes conflicting, criteria to consider.

At Electra, we help drivers every day transition to more sustainable transport. Our goal? To give you all the tools to choose the car that truly fits your needs, with transparency about the pros and cons of each type.

Understanding the differences between electric and combustion cars

Two mechanics, two philosophies

Combustion cars run by burning gasoline or diesel in a complex engine with over 2,000 moving parts. This energy passes through a gearbox before reaching the wheels, with only about 35% of the energy actually used.

Electric cars directly convert electricity stored in their battery into motion via a motor with just 20 moving parts. No gearbox here—transmission is direct. This mechanical comparison reveals two opposing philosophies in modern vehicles.

While combustion vehicles (gasoline or diesel) take 5 minutes to refuel, electric cars charge overnight at home or in 20–30 minutes at a fast-charging station. Energy efficiency differs radically: electric motors offer 95% efficiency versus 35% for combustion engines. This translates into smoother, more economical driving—especially in urban settings.

Range and daily use

Modern electric cars offer an average range of 300 to 500 km, compared to 700 to 1000 km for combustion vehicles. But this raw comparison hides different usage realities depending on the country.

In cities, electric cars shine with regenerative braking that recovers energy, reducing energy costs. On highways, combustion cars still have the edge with more stable consumption.

In practice, 95% of car trips are under 100 km. Electric vehicles easily cover this with overnight charging, optimizing off-peak electricity use. For long trips, the charging network is growing: 100,000 public points in France, millions across Europe. Electra is deploying 500 stations by 2025.

Energy consumption varies by vehicle, but electric cars are more efficient in cities, while combustion cars perform better on highways. This cost analysis helps guide the optimal choice between electric and combustion vehicles.

Purchase and running costs: what you’ll really pay

Purchase price: combustion is cheaper upfront… but

A combustion car costs around €25,000 on average, compared to €35,000 for an equivalent electric car. But government incentives change the equation: up to €5,000 in eco bonuses for electric vehicles, up to €6,000 in conversion bonuses for trading in an old combustion car, and additional regional aid.

Social leasing makes electric cars accessible from €100/month for low-income households. Don’t forget indirect benefits: free registration, free parking in many cities, and toll discounts.

With all these incentives, the initial price gap between electric and combustion vehicles narrows significantly.

Maintenance and fuel: electric wins over time

Electric vehicles cost 30–50% less to maintain than combustion cars. No oil changes, no particulate filters, no clutch. Brake pads last 2–3 times longer thanks to regenerative braking.

This maintenance cost reduction directly impacts the vehicle’s economic balance. On the energy side, electricity in France costs €3–6 per 100 km for EVs, versus €10–15 for gasoline or diesel.

Over 15,000 km per year, that’s a €1,200 saving. Electra’s €0.29/kWh pricing makes EV charging competitive. And with France’s electricity being 90% decarbonized, the overall energy balance clearly favors electric vehicles.

These lower running costs quickly offset the higher purchase price.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): the real deal-breaker

TCO includes all vehicle costs: purchase, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and resale. Over 5 years and 75,000 km, a small electric car costs €35,000 versus €38,000 for a combustion equivalent.

This total cost analysis shows the gap widens with mileage: above 20,000 km/year, electric vehicles are consistently more economical.

Electric cars also retain value better than combustion ones, anticipating future restrictions. EV production is ramping up, ensuring parts and service availability.

This overall cost comparison confirms the economic case for switching to electric.

Environmental impact: is electric really greener?

Emissions in use vs production

Producing an EV battery emits more CO₂ than making a fuel tank. But according to Carbone 4, in France and most of Europe, EVs offset this “carbon debt” after 30,000 to 40,000 km thanks to low-carbon electricity.

Over a full lifespan, an electric car emits 2 to 3 times less greenhouse gas than a combustion car. EVs produce zero local emissions, compared to 120g CO₂/km plus particulates for combustion vehicles.

France’s decarbonized electricity improves this balance. In Nordic countries, where electricity is 100% renewable, the EV advantage is even greater.

Electric transport significantly reduces urban greenhouse gas emissions compared to combustion.

Resources, recycling, batteries: what you need to know

Contrary to popular belief, modern EV batteries don’t necessarily contain rare earths. Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are over 90% recyclable.

Europe mandates a minimum 65% recycling rate for EV batteries starting in 2025. European gigafactories reduce transport and carbon footprints.

The average EV battery lasts 8 years with 80–90% capacity remaining. Their second life in stationary storage extends usage by 10–15 years, optimizing recycling.

Did you know? A modern EV battery can last 500,000 km before needing replacement. After vehicle use, it can still serve 10 years storing solar energy at home!

Which vehicle for which driver profile?

Profile

Annual mileage

Ideal situation

Recommended vehicle

Urban

under 15,000 km

Parking with outlet, short trips

100% electric car

Suburban

15,000–25,000 km

Home with charging station

Electric car with home charger

Long-distance

over 30,000 km

Frequent long trips

Electric car if charging available, else PHEV

Rural/remote

variable

No nearby charging

Combustion or hybrid vehicle

Professional

over 40,000 km

Varied routes

Electric car with professional charging card

Charging availability is key in matching usage to technology. With home or workplace charging, EVs suit 90% of driving needs, optimizing consumption and lifespan.

Hybrids offer a transition for those unsure about switching. Automakers are adapting: all now offer full EV lineups.

If there’s no charging solution in your area, it may be best to wait. Your overall mobility balance depends on these usage factors.

Key takeaways to make the right choice

Electric or combustion car? The right choice depends on your driving habits, budget, and charging options.

Electric cars are ideal for urban and suburban transport, offering substantial savings over combustion. Public incentives ease the transition.

At Electra, we support this shift with our ever-expanding EV charging network.

Ready to calculate your savings? Check out our transparent pricing and explore our station map. Download the Electra app on the App Store or Google Play for easy charging!

Written by Nicolas – Mobility Expert at Electra

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