Charging your electric vehicle (EV) while traveling in Europe can vary greatly in cost, and new data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) shows just how diverse these prices can be. Iceland and Portugal are emerging as the most affordable countries for EV charging, while Norway and Slovenia take the lead as the most expensive.
When comparing the public EV charging rates of various countries, France and Germany were found to be around the European average, alongside countries like Croatia, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden. To standardize the research, the calculations were based on charging a Tesla Model 3, which is the second most popular EV in Europe after the Tesla Model Y.
Charging Costs Breakdown
For the calculations, EAFO researchers used a 25-minute charging session designed to charge the battery from 10% to 80% at public charging stations. The pricing data was directly obtained from charge point operators (CPOs).
Iceland came out on top, with the cost to charge a Tesla Model Y at only €2.89 per 100 km. Portugal followed closely at €3.18. Finland placed third with a cost of €4.63 for the same distance.
In stark contrast, Norway was the most expensive country, charging a staggering €18.93 per 100 km, which is about six times more than Iceland. Slovenia also hit high costs at €17.02.
A Look at Southern Europe
In southern Europe, Spain was the cheapest option at €7.11, following Portugal. Other countries like Bulgaria (€7.34), Italy (€9.12), and Greece (€9.83) remained within €2-3 of the average.
Charging costs in northern and central Europe ranged from €7 to €10, with Germany and France featuring prominently. Estonia and Germany had the highest charges in this group at €9.99 and €8.93, respectively. France charged around €7.26, slightly lower than the UK, where drivers face €7.79 per 100 km.
Understanding the Disparities
Energy economists attribute these charging cost discrepancies across Europe to several factors, including the source of electricity, taxes, and government policies. Countries rich in renewable resources tend to have lower costs, reducing their dependency on imported fossil fuels. In contrast, high taxes and grid fees can inflate prices, as seen in Denmark and Germany.
Charging Infrastructure Growth
Europe is witnessing a significant increase in public charging infrastructure, with The Netherlands leading the way with over 154,000 public EV charging points. Germany and France are also doing well, boasting more than 125,000 charging stations each.
Germany ranks second to the Netherlands with 130,828 points, while France stands third with 127,530. However, despite the progress, recent figures indicate a potential slowdown in EV sales, especially in Germany, where the share of new EV sales has dropped by 16.4% compared to last year.
Overall, understanding the charging costs and infrastructure in different European countries is crucial for EV users. It’s essential for travelers to consider these factors when planning their trips to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Personally, I find it fascinating how charging prices can differ so much across borders; it truly emphasizes the importance of insurance in budgeting for travel!
