One of the most common questions I get when people hear I’m traveling the world in a Tesla is:
“Isn’t it more expensive?”
The truth is, it’s not. In fact, traveling in a Tesla can be cheaper, more predictable, and far more efficient than using a gas-powered car. In this article, I’ll break down real comparisons, numbers from my EchoRoute journey, and how much you can actually save by going electric.
1. How Much Does It Cost to Drive 100 km in a Tesla?
Costs vary depending on where and how you charge, but here’s a real-world average:
Cost per 100 km in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range:
- Charging at Tesla Superchargers: €0.40–€0.60/kWh
→ Average consumption: 15–18 kWh/100km
→ Approx. cost: €6–€10 per 100 km - Charging at cheaper public stations: €0.25–€0.35/kWh
→ Cost: €4–€6 per 100 km - Charging for free at hotels, homes, or public spots:
→ Cost: €0 per 100 km
💡 On EchoRoute, I regularly combine all three. Sometimes I pay nothing at all to charge.
2. What About Gasoline?
Let’s compare with a similar-sized and performance car, like an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or similar:
- Average consumption: 7 liters per 100 km
- Average fuel price in Europe: €1.65/liter
→ Cost: €11.55 per 100 km
💡 If you drive 20,000 km a year, that’s about €2,300 in fuel, versus less than €1,000 in electricity.
3. Maintenance: Another Big Difference
Electric cars have far fewer moving parts than combustion vehicles:
| Item | Tesla | Gas Car |
|---|---|---|
| Oil changes | ❌ | ✅ (every ~10,000 km) |
| Air filters | ✅ (minimal) | ✅ |
| Brake pads | ✅ (but much less wear thanks to regenerative braking) | ✅ |
| Belts, spark plugs, clutch | ❌ | ✅ |
| Technical inspection | ✅ | ✅ |
4. What About Insurance?
Depends on the country, but Tesla insurance costs can be:
- Slightly higher than a standard compact car
- But often cheaper than a premium gas car in the same category
💡 In my case, my Tesla Model 3’s insurance is about the same as what I paid for a gas SUV, with better coverage.
5. Accommodation + Charging = Unexpected Savings
Many hotels and Airbnbs offer free EV charging. When that happens:
- You sleep + charge at no extra cost
- You save time by avoiding external chargers
- You save €8–€15 per night in charging fees
💡 On EchoRoute, I always try to book places with EV chargers included when possible.
6. Starlink and Productivity On the Move
One of the smartest combos I’ve used is being able to work while the car charges. With Starlink:
- I get reliable internet in remote, rural or mountainous areas
- I can edit, upload, and hold video meetings while charging in ports, hotels or quiet stations
- I maximize time instead of wasting it during charging stops
💡 This also helps reduce indirect costs like lost workdays due to bad connectivity.
7. Final Thoughts: Is It Cheaper to Travel in a Tesla?
Absolutely. Financially? Yes. Operationally? Even more so.
- 🚗 Cost per km: significantly lower
- 🛠 Maintenance: minimal
- 🛏 Lodging + charging: often free
- 💻 Work while moving: totally doable
- 🌱 Environmental impact: much lower
In short, EchoRoute is not just about traveling for fun — it’s proof that you can travel the world more efficiently, economically, and sustainably in an electric car.