Electric vs. Diesel: A 2,500km Road Trip showdown
A recent experiment pitted electric vehicles against their diesel counterparts in a real-world efficiency test. A team of Spanish journalists drove two Tesla models—the Model Y Long Range RWD and the Model 3 Highland, both Long Range versions—from Berlin to Madrid, a journey spanning 2,500 kilometers. The goal: to compare costs, convenience, and overall practicality of long-distance travel in electric versus diesel cars.
The Journey: A Deep Dive into Electric Efficiency
The journey began after a tour of the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, where the Model Y is manufactured. The road trip was designed to mimic a typical long-distance drive, with planned stops every 200 to 300 kilometers for recharging. These breaks served a dual purpose, allowing the team to rest while the vehicles replenished their batteries.In many instances, the cars were ready to roll before the drivers were.
The central question loomed: Would electric vehicles prove significantly more expensive or inconvenient compared to diesel cars on such a long haul?
Cost Analysis: Diesel’s Edge on the Open Road
Fuel cost data, sourced from official European Union reports, formed the basis of the cost comparison. The team meticulously calculated the total cost of recharging the two Teslas over the 2,500-kilometer route. The results were telling: recharging the teslas cost €53.62 more than fueling a comparable diesel vehicle, based on average electricity prices across the countries traversed.
The disparity widened when compared to gasoline cars, with the electric vehicles costing €136.61 more.These findings suggest that, at least for this particular journey, diesel vehicles maintain a cost advantage, especially for long-distance travel.
Charging Infrastructure: A Key Variable
While diesel emerged as the more economical choice, the charging infrastructure played a crucial role. The journalists primarily relied on Tesla’s Superchargers, known for their speed but also their higher cost. Opting for slower,more affordable charging stations,or a combination of fast and slow charging,could have potentially reduced costs. However, this would have inevitably added more time to the journey.
The experience underscores the notable impact of charging station selection and overall recharging strategy on the total cost of an electric vehicle journey. Fast chargers offer convenience at a premium, while slower options prioritize affordability at the expense of time.
Practicality: Diesel’s Time-Saving Advantage
Despite the cost differences, the journalists acknowledged that recharging convenience might not be the ultimate deciding factor for all drivers. While recharging times exceeded typical fuel stops for diesel vehicles, the electric cars maintained a reasonable pace. However, for those prioritizing speed and minimal stops, diesel remains the preferred choice.
While electric vehicles may offer long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, diesel cars currently provide a distinct advantage in terms of short-term travel convenience, particularly for long-distance journeys where minimizing travel time is paramount.
While the electric vehicles were cost-effective in terms of fuel, the diesel car was significantly more time-efficient.
The journalists also noted the long-term maintenance benefits of electric vehicles, while acknowledging diesel’s immediate practicality for extended trips. The environmental advantages of electric vehicles remain a significant consideration, but the immediate convenience of diesel for long journeys cannot be overlooked.
