The cost of 1 km of electric car mileage: a detailed analysis

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, as their operation promises significant savings compared to traditional cars. But how much does 1 kilometre of electric driving actually cost? In this article, we will take a closer look at the factors that affect this cost, provide examples of calculations, and answer the most common questions. We remind you that you can buy both home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand use our public charging stations ECOFACTORlocated throughout Ukraine. For easy access to charging, you can use our applicationavailable for the following platforms iOS and Android.

The cost of charging an electric vehicle

Charging an electric car is one of the main expenses for owners of such vehicles. Understanding how much charging costs helps you accurately estimate your travel expenses and plan your budget. To do this, you need to consider several important factors: the type of charging station, the cost of electricity in your area, battery capacity, and charging efficiency.

The cost of charging at home

Charging at home is the most convenient and cost-effective option for most electric car owners. The cost of charging depends on the cost of the electricity you use, as well as the efficiency of your charger and the type of battery in your car.

• Price per kWh: The cost of electricity can vary significantly from region to region. On average, the cost per kilowatt-hour ranges from UAH 1 to 1.5. For example, in large cities, there are often night-time tariffs for privileged consumers, which can reduce costs.
• Type of charger: The most common option for charging at home is to use a standard (220 V) socket. However, for faster charging, you can install a special on-board charger that provides more power and charging speed. This reduces the charging time, but the cost of the device for installation can range from 5,000 to 20,000 UAH.
• Saving money by charging at night: Some countries and cities have special nighttime electricity rates. This means that you can charge your car at night at a lower rate. If your electric car has a 50 kWh battery and is charged from 0 to 100% at night at a rate of 0.5 UAH per kWh, then the total charging costs will be 25 UAH.

An example of calculating the cost of charging at home:

If an electric car consumes 18 kWh per 100 km, and the cost of electricity at home is UAH 1 per kWh, then

• To charge for 100 km you need: 18 kWh * 1 UAH = 18 UAH.

The cost of charging at public stations

Although charging at home is cheaper, sometimes you may need to use public charging stations. The cost of charging at these stations can be significantly higher, but depends on several factors, including the type of station and the time of day.

• Types of charging stations: There are different types of charging stations that can provide different charging speeds: Slow charging (AC): It takes longer (6 to 8 hours for a full charge) and is usually cheaper. Fast charging (DC): It can charge the battery up to 80% in 30 to 40 minutes, but is often more expensive.
• Price per kWh: The cost of charging at public stations can vary. On average, it ranges from 4 to 10 UAH per kWh, depending on the type of station and the company that provides it. Charging at fast charging stations is often more expensive.
• Additional fees: In addition to the basic price per kWh, many stations charge additional fees for connecting to the grid or for renting a charging space by the hour.

An example of calculating the cost of charging at a public station:

Let's say you charge your car at a fast charging station where the cost of charging is UAH 8 per kWh. If your car consumes 18 kWh per 100 km:

• For charging for 100 km: 18 kWh * 8 UAH = 144 UAH.

Factors affecting the cost of charging

• Charging speed: Fast charging at specialised stations will be more expensive, but will save you a lot of time. If you can charge your car at home at night, it will be more economical.
• Time of day: Some countries have peak and off-peak electricity tariffs. During peak hours (usually during the day), the price for charging may be higher and during nighttime hours, the price may be lower.
• Vehicle type: Different car models have different battery capacities and different charging costs. Cars with a larger battery (e.g. Tesla) will require more kWh to charge.

The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies considerably depending on the location where the charging takes place, the type of charging station, and regional electricity tariffs. In general, charging at home is more cost-effective, while charging at public stations can be significantly more expensive, especially at fast charging stations. Given these factors, it is important to plan your trips based on available charging stations and electricity costs to minimise the cost of charging.

Calculation of the cost of 1 km of electric vehicle mileage

The calculation of the cost per kilometre of electric vehicle depends on several key factors, such as energy consumption per 100 km, electricity cost and charging efficiency. This allows you to more accurately estimate how much it will cost you to cover one unit of distance. Let's take a closer look at how these factors are interconnected.

Energy consumption per 100 km

Each electric vehicle has its own energy consumption, which is measured in kWh per 100 km. This indicator is important because it determines how much electricity is used to cover a certain distance. Typically, energy consumption for electric vehicles ranges from 12-25 kWh per 100 km, depending on the car model, driving style and road conditions.

An example of energy consumption:

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range: 15 - 18 kWh per 100 km
• Nissan Leaf: 16 - 20 kWh per 100 km
• Hyundai Kona Electric: 14 - 18 kWh per 100 km

This allows you to determine how much energy is required to cover a certain distance. For example, if a car consumes 15 kWh per 100 km, it takes 0.15 kWh to travel 1 km.

The cost of electricity

To calculate the cost per kilometre, you need to take into account the cost of the electricity you use to charge your car. As mentioned earlier, the cost of 1 kWh varies depending on where you live and the tariffs of your electricity supplier.

An example of the cost of electricity:

• In Ukraine, the average price per kWh for households is UAH 1.44 (based on the tariff for households as of 2025).
• At night, at a reduced price, the tariff can be UAH 0.5-1 per kWh.

If electricity costs UAH 1.44 per kWh, then for a car that consumes 0.15 kWh per 1 km, the cost per 1 km will be:

• 0.15 kWh × 1.44 UAH = 0.22 UAH per 1 km.

In the case of the night tariff (0.5 UAH/kWh):

• 0.15 kWh × 0.5 UAH = 0.075 UAH per 1 km.

Consideration of charging costs

Not only the cost of electricity, but also the efficiency of the charging process is important when calculating the cost per km. The charging process may not be entirely efficient, as part of the energy is lost in the transmission and conversion of energy during the charging process.

Charging losses:

• Low charging efficiency: If the charging infrastructure is not perfect or the temperature is high, charging may be less efficient, which increases the cost of electricity for charging.
• Type of charging station: Charging via a standard socket has a higher energy loss compared to fast charging stations.

Therefore, to estimate the cost of mileage per 1 km, it is necessary to take into account not only the energy consumption, but also the average charging loss factor, which is usually 5-10%.

An example with losses taken into account:

If the loss factor at the charging station is 10%, then the cost per 1 km at a consumption of 0.15 kWh, excluding losses, will be:

• 0.15 kWh × 1.10 (including losses) = 0.165 kWh.
• The cost of electricity is UAH 1.44 per kWh: 0.165 kWh × 1.44 UAH = 0.24 UAH per 1 km.

Additional costs

In addition to electricity costs, there are other factors that can affect the overall cost per km driven, although not as significantly. These may include:

• Car depreciation: Depending on the price of the car and the battery life, a proportion of the car's cost per km may be included in the total cost.
• Maintenance and repair: Although electric vehicles require less maintenance than conventional cars, recurring maintenance costs still need to be taken into account.
• Payments for parking and other utilities: In some cities, the use of charging stations may be subject to a fee or additional charges for the use of public infrastructure.

Example of calculating the cost of 1 km

Let's look at an example for a specific electric vehicle:

• Model.: Nissan Leaf
• Energy consumption: 17 kWh per 100 km
• The cost of electricity: 1.44 UAH/kWh
• Charging losses: 10%

The cost of driving 1 km on an electric car depends on several variables, such as energy consumption per 100 km, electricity cost, and charging efficiency. For example, taking into account charging losses, the price can vary from UAH 0.1 to 0.5 per 1 km in different conditions. In such circumstances, an electric car looks like a very economical option compared to petrol or diesel cars, making it an increasingly popular choice among drivers.

ECOFACTOR: Optimising the cost of charging electric vehicles

У ECOFACTOR We offer advanced charging solutions for electric vehicles that not only reduce charging costs but also increase the efficiency of electricity use. Thanks to our innovative technologies, electric vehicle drivers can not only save money, but also make the charging process more convenient and affordable. We understand that the cost of charging is an important aspect of the total cost of an electric vehicle, so we offer solutions that help to optimise these costs as much as possible.

Our smart charging stations offer a number of benefits, including:

• Intelligent charging management - you can choose the most favourable time for charging based on preferential tariff rates or low electricity costs.
• Cost control - thanks to our mobile applicationavailable for iOS and Android you get accurate information about the energy used and the cost of charging, which makes it easier to plan your expenses.
• Optimising energy consumption - ours charging stations automatically adjust the charging power depending on your vehicle and environmental conditions, which reduces your electricity costs.
• Increased battery life - Charging with optimal parameters helps to keep the battery in perfect condition, which reduces the need for costly replacements.

We provide a wide range of services to help drivers reduce the overall cost of electric transport, including long-term maintenance costs. Using our charging station infrastructure is not only financially beneficial, but also saves time thanks to fast and reliable charging technologies. Our cables and adapters comply with the most advanced European quality standards, which guarantees safe, fast and efficient charging of your electric vehicles.

ECOFACTOR is actively working on the development of infrastructure for electric cars, creating map of charging stationswhich allows drivers not only to charge their cars efficiently, but also to have access to safe and convenient technology. Thanks to our service, you can charge your electric vehicle quickly and cost-effectively, and have a clear view of all charging costs in real time. Choosing ECOFACTOR is an investment in the efficiency and savings of your electric car.

The impact of driving style on electricity consumption

Driving style has a significant impact on the energy consumption of an electric vehicle. As with petrol or diesel cars, the way a driver interacts with the vehicle can make a significant difference to the overall cost per mile. In electric vehicles, this factor is even more important, as their energy efficiency is directly related to driving style. Let's take a look at how driving style affects electricity consumption and, consequently, the cost per kilometre.

Careful driving and energy savings

One of the main ways to reduce energy consumption is to drive carefully and economically. Drivers who practice smooth acceleration and braking have significantly lower energy costs. Electric cars often use regenerative brakes to recover some of the energy during braking. This means that sudden braking or acceleration can not only increase energy consumption, but also reduce the effectiveness of the regeneration.

How careful driving affects costs:

• Acceleration: Smooth, uneventful acceleration reduces energy consumption. Sudden acceleration increases the electrical energy requirement per unit distance.
• Braking: The use of regenerative brakes during gentle braking allows part of the energy to be returned to the battery. This is in contrast to sudden and frequent braking, which reduces energy efficiency.
• Speed: Drivers who maintain a constant and moderate speed save considerable energy, as high speeds lead to greater aerodynamic losses.

Impact of speed on energy consumption

Driving speed is one of the biggest factors affecting energy consumption. The faster you drive, the more energy the car uses to overcome aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag is proportional to the square of the speed, so even a slight increase in speed can lead to a significant increase in electricity consumption.

How speed affects costs:

• High speed: As speed increases, energy costs increase significantly because more air resistance must be overcome. For example, driving at 120 km/h can consume 30 to 40% more energy than driving at 90 km/h.
• Optimum speed: For most electric vehicles, the optimal speed for energy savings is around 80 to 100 km/h. This reduces costs without wasting time over long distances.

Impact of sudden manoeuvres and changes of direction

In addition to acceleration and braking, sudden manoeuvres and frequent changes of direction also increase energy consumption. These activities require more energy to maintain a stable speed, as changes in vehicle movement require additional engine power.

How manoeuvres affect costs:

• Sharp turns and changes of direction: Require additional energy from the electric motor to maintain a stable speed, as it is necessary to compensate for the effort required to change the trajectory.
• Smooth manoeuvres: Manoeuvring without sharp turns or rapid changes of direction reduces power consumption and helps to maintain a stable energy consumption.

Impact of weather and road conditions

When considering driving style, it's important to mention weather conditions as they also have a direct impact on energy consumption. For example, cold weather or strong winds can increase energy consumption by reducing battery efficiency and increasing aerodynamic drag.

How weather conditions affect costs:

• Cold weather: At low temperatures, the batteries work less efficiently, so the electric vehicle consumes more energy. In addition, the interior heating uses additional energy.
• Wind: Strong winds can increase aerodynamic drag and increase the cost per km of travel.

Energy consumption in different driving modes

Most modern electric cars have several driving modes, such as Economy, Standard and Sport. Each of them regulates the engine power, changing the energy consumption accordingly.

How driving modes affect costs:

• Economy mode: In this mode, the vehicle operates with minimal energy consumption by limiting engine power and adjusting the system to reduce energy consumption.
• Sport mode: In this mode, the electric vehicle has maximum power, which allows you to reach high speeds, but also causes higher energy consumption.

Recommendations for economical driving

To reduce your energy costs, it is important to follow some driving style tips:

• Avoid sudden accelerations and braking: Smooth acceleration and braking.
• Maintain a moderate speed: Drive at a speed of around 90 to 100 km/h.
• Use an economical driving mode: If the situation permits.
• Take regular breaks and do not overload the vehicle: Reducing the weight of the vehicle will also help to reduce energy consumption.

Driving style has a major impact on energy consumption in electric vehicles. Correct, smooth driving, as well as avoiding high speeds and sharp manoeuvres, can significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce the cost per mile. In addition, taking into account weather conditions and using driving modes efficiently can significantly improve the efficiency of an electric vehicle.

Impact of weather conditions on electricity consumption

Weather conditions are one of the key factors that have a significant impact on the energy consumption of electric vehicles. Just like in traditional cars, changes in temperature, humidity, wind and road conditions can change the efficiency of the battery and the car system as a whole. Taking these factors into account allows you to more accurately estimate the real cost of mileage. Let's look at how weather conditions affect the energy consumption of an electric vehicle.

Cold weather and reduced battery efficiency

One of the biggest challenges for electric vehicles in winter is the decrease in battery efficiency at low temperatures. Cold air reduces the battery's ability to store and deliver energy, which can lead to a reduction in capacity and range per charge.

How cold weather affects costs:

• Reduced battery capacity: In cold weather, the chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries slow down, reducing their ability to store energy. This can result in a range reduction of 20 - 30% depending on the temperature.
• Use of additional heating systems: In winter, heaters or heated seats are often used to ensure a comfortable cabin climate, which also consume electricity. This additional load can increase the overall energy consumption.
• Longer warm-up times before driving: Drivers may have to warm up the vehicle longer before driving, as the batteries may require additional energy to warm up in cold weather.

High temperature and impact on the battery

Not only cold, but also heat can have a negative impact on the efficiency of an electric vehicle's battery. Excessively high temperatures can cause the battery to overheat, which negatively affects its life cycle and efficiency.

How high temperatures affect costs:

• Battery overheating: At high temperatures, batteries can overheat and require additional cooling. For this reason, electric vehicles are often equipped with active cooling systems that consume additional energy.
• Reduced efficiency: High temperatures can also affect the internal components of the battery, reducing its efficiency and shortening the range on a single charge.
• More frequent use of air conditioning: In summer, drivers switch on the air conditioning more often, which also increases energy consumption. Cooling the cabin requires additional energy, especially in extreme heat.

The effect of wind on aerodynamic losses

Wind can have a significant impact on energy consumption while driving. Strong headwinds increase aerodynamic drag, which means that an electric vehicle needs more energy to maintain the same speed.

How wind affects costs:

• Headwind: When a vehicle encounters a strong headwind, it encounters more air resistance, which increases the cost of covering the distance. For the vehicle, this can be equivalent to an additional load of 5 - 10% depending on the wind speed.
• Tailwind: Accordingly, a tailwind can reduce energy consumption somewhat, as it helps to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Rain and other weather conditions

Rain, snow and other weather conditions such as fog or heavy moisture can also increase energy consumption. They lead to increased friction between the wheels and the road, which requires additional power to keep you moving.

How rain and other weather conditions affect costs:

• Increased friction: Wet or slippery roads create additional friction for the tyres, which increases energy consumption. This can also result in the electric vehicle requiring more power to cover the same distances.
• Use of security systems: In rain or snow, the stability control systems can be activated, which consume additional energy to ensure driver safety.

Impact of changing weather conditions

Dynamic and constantly changing weather conditions can also pose additional challenges for an electric vehicle. For example, when the driver has to constantly adapt the speed and driving style to rain, snow or temperature changes, this can increase energy consumption.

How variable weather conditions affect costs:

• Unexpected temperature changes: Drivers travelling through regions with sudden changes in temperature may consume more energy to adapt to the conditions (from cooling to warming up the cabin and battery).
• Transition between dry and wet conditions: Difficult road conditions, for example from dry to wet, will require extra effort from the driver and vehicle to maintain stability.

To minimise the impact of weather on electricity consumption, electric car drivers should be prepared for different weather conditions and take them into account in their driving style. Here are some tips:

• Check the weather forecast before travelling: This allows you to prepare for possible changes in temperature and wind.
• Use additional systems with caution: Increased use of the heater or air conditioning increases energy consumption and should only be switched on when necessary.
• Adjust the speed: In strong winds, rain or snow, reduce speed to reduce energy consumption and ensure safety.

In general, weather conditions can have a significant impact on the energy consumption of electric vehicles, so it is important to take them into account when planning your journeys.

Conclusion.

The cost of operating an electric vehicle per kilometre depends on many factors, such as the cost of electricity, driving style, weather conditions, and additional maintenance and charging costs. In general, the cost of charging an electric car is significantly lower than the cost of fuel for conventional cars, but it is worth considering the additional costs that may arise depending on the conditions of use. Taking all aspects into account will help drivers to better estimate their costs and make an informed decision about choosing an electric vehicle.

In general, operating an electric vehicle is cost-effective when taken over the long term. However, it is important to keep in mind the potentially high costs of battery replacement and the need to maintain complex electrical systems. Each driver should consider local charging conditions and infrastructure availability to ensure that they use their electric vehicle efficiently and economically.

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