Automotive: purchase, rental, use… how much does it really cost to drive 100% electric

the essential
At first glance, it is more interesting to drive electric provided you can afford the change, but it is better to do some calculations before deciding. The solution is not yet ideal for all motorists.

The figures lie a bit of course but remain very favorable to the connected car in terms of cost of use. A clear observation to begin with: a standard rider, who travels an average of 15,000 kilometers per year, must plan an energy bill (at the price of a liter of unleaded at €1.77 on average recorded yesterday) of 1 €332 for a combustion engine vehicle. Only €375 (with a kWh at €0.25) for the equivalent electric model.

Overall we can estimate that the cost price of a “full” at home (allow €1,500 to install a fast terminal) is three to four times cheaper (less than ten euros once morest fifty) than a full essence and, at this moment, this reality is something to think regarding. The calculation seems quick and so does the demonstration, but before running to your nearest dealer with a checkbook in hand, we still suggest that you go a little further in your thinking.

First prizes at Dacia, €10,990 once morest €16,990

It is obviously necessary, to begin with, to take into account the purchase price. Staying at the bottom of the scale (it is the most modest and the middle classes who will tip the park), the Dacia Spring is invoiced at 16,990 €. The cheapest on the thermal side and still at Dacia, is the Sandero with 10,990 €.

The difference for a “small” model is already impressive, it increases of course when you go upmarket.
Second element, the purchase or rental of the battery which largely “leads” the bill. That of a Renault Zoé guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 kilometers is billed at €8,900. Beyond that is for your pocket.

Renting avoids this inconvenience but you have to count a monthly payment (between 70 and 120 €) whether you are driving or not. Even if the aid remains interesting, President Macron did not fail to insist on it on Sunday during a dinner with the bosses of the brands preceding the opening of the World Cup and the next day during his visit (read elsewhere) , the price of these “reputed” clean cars is not likely to drop any time soon. Their production because of these famous batteries remains very expensive.

Cheaper electricity, not before 2027

Observers estimate that it will be necessary to wait until at least 2025 for the cost price of an all-electric car, whatever the segment concerned, large and small, to align with that of a thermal one. We cannot then hope to see these prices become more advantageous than in 2027. We will then not be very far from the date set by Europe for the ban on the sale of petrol or diesel vehicles…

In a changing automotive world (an understatement at the start of the third millennium), consumption habits are changing. More than ever, because of the price to pay, customers are turning to long-term rentals. Advertisements now always encourage more on the monthly bill to pay to drive differently (from €220 per month for the Megane E not given for purchase, Dacia had launched its Spring at €89 including battery).

Almost flawless for scheduled daily use (short journeys, connections at the office or at home), the electric car continues, despite ever-increasing ranges, to cause some problems on very long journeys. The terminals are not numerous enough, they do not always work and beware of the “painful” if you are forced to refuel on a network that is not yours or not associated with your car. A certainty in this flood of uncertainties, electric or not, the calculator still has a very bright future ahead of it!