How Much Fuel Do Electric Cars Consume? Complete Guide to Consumption and Actual Costs

March 6, 2025

Electric car consumption explained

The consumption of an electric car is measured in kWh/100 km, similar to how gasoline consumption is measured in liters per 100 km. On average, an electric car consumes between 12 and 20 kWh/100 km, depending on the model, driving type and external conditions.

To put it into perspective, if the average price of kWh in Spain is 0.15 €/kWh, an electric car with a consumption of 15 kWh/100 km will cost around €2.25 for every 100 km traveled. In comparison, a petrol car with a consumption of 6 L/100 km and a price of €1.50/L would spend €9 per 100 km.

Factors that influence the consumption of an electric car

The actual consumption of an electric car can vary due to several factors:

1. Vehicle size and efficiency

Urban and compact cars: They consume between 12 and 15 kWh/100 km. Example: Dacia Spring, Fiat 500e.
SUVs and sedans: They consume between 16 and 20 kWh/100 km. Example: Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4.
High-performance models: They can exceed 20 kWh/100 km due to their greater power. Example: Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S Plaid.

2. Type of driving and speed

In city, with dense traffic and regenerative braking, consumption may be lower.
In highway, where a constant high speed is maintained, consumption is higher.

3. Use of air conditioning or heating

In winter, electric cars can consume between 10 and 30% more due to the use of heating.

4. Loading the vehicle

Traveling with more passengers or additional cargo can increase fuel consumption. 5 and 10%.

Fuel consumption comparison between popular electric cars

Here's a table showing the approximate power consumption of some of the most popular electric models:

Model	Average Consumption (kWh/100 km)	Autonomy (km)	Battery (kWh)
Tesla Model 3	14.0	491	60
Volkswagen ID.3	15.5	420	58
Hyundai Kona EV	14.7	484	64
Renault Zoe	17.2	395	52
Dacia Spring	12.0	230	27.4

Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Car Fuel Consumption

1. Is it cheaper to charge an electric car than to fill up with gas?

Yes, the cost per km of an electric car is approximately 70% minor than that of a gasoline car.

2. How does temperature affect the consumption of an electric car?

The cold can reduce autonomy by up to 30%, especially if heating is used.

3. How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

It depends on the price of electricity, but with a night rate, charging a battery 50 kWh can cost around 7,5 €.

4. Can the consumption of an electric car be reduced?

Yes, with efficient driving, maintaining tire pressure, and using regenerative braking.

Conclusion: Is an electric car worth it because of its fuel consumption?

Electric cars are clearly more efficient and economical in terms of energy consumption than combustion-engine cars. Factors such as driving style, temperature, and vehicle weight influence actual consumption, but overall, their cost per kilometer is significantly lower.

If you're considering an electric car, analyzing fuel consumption is key to choosing the right model. We also recommend reading our Comparison of the best cheap cars of 2025 to find cars that can adapt to your needs.