Electric or thermal car : the debate continues

While oil prices are slowly decreasing, those of charging stations are increasing. Electric or thermal ? The debate resurfaces, but what is the right solution?  

The queues at the pump have been lengthening all weekend in France. Nationally, 29.7% of gas stations were short of at least one fuel. While electric cars have no trouble charging in the city.

Electric versus thermal : the context 

Currently the French government offers a discount of 0.30 euros per litre of fuel purchased. After falling below the 2 euro mark, gasoline is once again very advantageous, while electrical energy may no longer be. As the government announced on September 21, the price of electricity will increase by 15% in February 2023. This increase should represent about 20 euros more on your bills each month. 

Last year, the Cost Car Index, conducted by Lease Plan, showed that the maintenance of an electric car was cheaper than that of a car with a thermal engine. But why ?

The cost of a car per month 

Comparing several compact vehicles, and taking into account insurance, maintenance, fuel and taxes, the investigation showed that : 

In France, cars using gas cost around 737 euros per month. Diesel fueled card cost approximately 768 euros. But electric car cost only 644 euros per month. 

The confrontation : thermal berline versus electric berline

According to a Canal+ article, we can compare thermal berline’s to electric ones :

To travel 100 kilometres, a thermal berline consumes an average of 6 litres of diesel fuel. This costs a little less than 12 euros.

An electric berline uses about 20 kilowatt-hour for the same distance. It costs 0.69 euros per kWh at certain recharge stations such as Ionity and Allegro stations, which costs about 14 euros for 100 km.

For 100 kilometres on the highway, the thermal berline wins the duel. But charging at home remains a much cheaper option, with a regulated price fixed at 0.17 euros per kWh, bringing the 100 kilometres to 3.40 euros. 

In the city, the thermal berline would not win. Thermal cars consume much more gas with the all stops and starts required by traffic. While the electric car takes advantage of these brakes and small paces.