With the growing search for more economical and sustainable mobility solutions, the comparison between electric car and combustion becomes increasingly relevant.
The Association of Electric Vehicle Users (UVE) has been updating average costs to travel 100 kilometers with different types of vehicles monthly, based on the final values of March 2025.
Combustion vs. Electric: How much if it really saves?
According to UVE calculations, a car with gasoline engine consumes, on average, 5.62 liters per 100 kilometers. At a price of 1.75 euros per liter, the cost around 9.83 euros.
Already a car diesel, with an average consumption of 4.57 liters at 100 km and the price per liter to 1,662 euros, has a cost of 7.60 euros for the same distance.
In the electric car, the values are much lower, but with one condition: the loading site makes all the difference.
The trick is in carrying at home (and at night)
Loading an electric vehicle in the public network, where the average KWh price is € 0.504, results in an average cost of € 7.88 per 100 km, yet cheaper than gasoline.
However, when charging at home with simple fare (0.203 €/kWh), the amount goes down to € 3.19.
And if you choose the bi-hourly fare, taking advantage of the periods of emptiness (at night), the low cost for an impressive 2.11 € for every 100 km.
That is, the “trick” to save is programming the shipments to night times, with smaller rates.
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A typical scenario: how much does it cost after all?
UVE also proposes a representative scenario, in which 75% of shipments are made at home, with bi-agrarian tariff, and the remaining 25% on the public road.
In this case, the average cost per 100 km is at € 3.55, about one third of what is paid with a gasoline vehicle.
These values, as the association recalls, include VAT and are updated monthly and may vary according to the rates applied by energy suppliers and driving behavior.
More than a savings
In addition to direct savings in use costs, electric vehicles also represent less environmental impact, lower emissions and less maintenance, becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for Portuguese drivers.
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