One of the most common questions when you say you're traveling in an electric car is: "But isn't it more expensive?"
The reality is no. In fact, traveling in a Tesla can be cheaper, more predictable and much more efficient than driving a gasoline car. In this article I show you real comparisons, data from my EchoRoute trips and how much you can save if you dare to go electric.
1. How much does it cost to drive 100 km in a Tesla?
Charging at Tesla Superchargers (0.40-0.60 EUR/kWh): Average consumption 15-18 kWh/100km. Approximate cost: 6-10 EUR per 100 km.
Charging at cheaper public chargers (0.25-0.35 EUR/kWh): Cost: 4-6 EUR per 100 km.
Charging for free at hotels, homes or some public points: Cost: 0 EUR per 100 km.
On EchoRoute I combine all three methods. Sometimes I pay nothing to charge.
2. And how much does it cost with gasoline?
Let's take an equivalent car in size and performance, like an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or similar: Average consumption: 7 liters per 100 km. Average gasoline price in Europe: 1.65 EUR/liter. Cost: 11.55 EUR per 100 km.
If you drive 20,000 km per year, that's 2,300 EUR in gasoline, compared to less than 1,000 EUR in electricity.
3. Maintenance: another key difference
Electric cars have far fewer moving parts than a combustion one. No oil changes, no belts, spark plugs or clutch. Brake pads wear much less due to regenerative braking. Only technical inspection and minimal air filters.
4. And insurance?
It depends on the country, but Tesla insurance can be slightly more expensive than a standard car, but cheaper than a premium car of similar range. In my case, the Model 3 insurance is similar to what I paid for a previous thermal SUV, but with better coverage.
5. Accommodation + charging: an unexpected advantage
Many hotels and accommodations offer free charging for EVs. When that happens: you sleep + charge without paying more, you save time by not having to go to an external charger, you save between 8 and 15 EUR per night. On EchoRoute I book Airbnbs or hotels that include a charger whenever possible.
6. Starlink and work autonomy
One of the best combinations is being able to work while the car charges. With Starlink: I set up the equipment in rural areas, work while the car charges, maximize my time without having to choose between moving or producing. This efficiency also reduces indirect costs like losing days due to lack of connection.
7. Conclusion: is it worth traveling in a Tesla?
Yes. Economically, yes. Operationally, too. Cost per kilometer: lower. Maintenance: less. Accommodation + charging: can be free. Working on the road: smoother. Environmental impact: much lower.
In summary, EchoRoute isn't just a pleasure trip, it's also a real proof that it's possible to travel the world more economically and efficiently in an electric car.
