They Drove 2,500 Kilometers in an Electric Car and Learned One Thing: Diesel Is Still King

A team of journalists recently took on a unique challenge: driving 2,500 kilometers from Berlin to Madrid in electric vehicles (EVs) to see how they compare to traditional fuel options over long distances. Armed with a Tesla Model Y Long Range and a Tesla Model 3 Highland Long Range, the journalists embarked on a journey filled with charging stops, careful route planning, and an eye on costs. Their verdict? Despite the advantages of EVs, diesel still has its perks when it comes to cross-country travel.

The Journey from Berlin to Madrid

The trip began after an exclusive tour of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin, where both the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are produced. Eager to see if electric cars could handle a road trip of this scale as easily as conventional fuel vehicles, the journalists set off on their journey south, relying mainly on Tesla’s superchargers and a few third-party charging stations along the way. Each charging stop, spaced around every 200-300 kilometers, doubled as a quick coffee break, bathroom stop, or chance to stretch their legs—a welcome pause on any long drive.

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But with each stop came a pressing question: was this EV adventure truly more economical than a traditional gas or diesel car would have been? To find out, the team tracked their charging costs and compared them to the average fuel prices across the countries they passed through, using official EU data.

Diesel Still Dominates Long-Haul Efficiency

At the end of the trip, the numbers painted a clear picture. Charging costs for the EVs were roughly €53 higher than what it would have cost to fuel a diesel car over the same 2,500-kilometer stretch, using European average diesel prices as a reference. For comparison, a gasoline-powered car would have been even less efficient, with costs exceeding the EV expenses by about €136.

While EVs offer environmental and maintenance benefits, diesel still edges out when it comes to pure cost and convenience on long trips, especially for those looking to minimize time spent off the road. The journalists found that while charging stops often aligned with their rest breaks, anyone aiming to reach their destination as quickly as possible might still lean toward diesel for fewer, shorter stops.

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Weighing Charging Costs and Choices

It’s worth noting that the team relied entirely on Tesla’s superchargers, which are typically faster and slightly more expensive than other options. If they’d used slower overnight chargers, the cost difference could have been smaller. Another potential money-saver? Combining different charging types—opting for faster, pricier stations during quick breaks and using slower, more affordable ones while stopping for meals or overnight stays.

Additionally, while EVs and diesel cars showed minimal differences in travel cost for this particular journey, the long-term cost of ownership favors EVs due to significantly lower maintenance needs. Diesel engines generally require more frequent servicing and carry higher long-term maintenance costs. So, while diesel may come out ahead on a single long-haul trip, EVs often shine when you look at the broader ownership picture.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between EVs and traditional fuel depends on your driving habits and travel needs. For long-distance road trippers who value speed and minimal downtime, diesel still has a strong case. But for drivers focused on long-term savings and reduced maintenance, EVs offer considerable advantages.

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With more charging infrastructure emerging each year and EVs gaining range and efficiency, this debate is far from settled. But for now, this 2,500-kilometer journey reinforced that while electric vehicles are rapidly advancing, diesel cars continue to hold their ground for extended road trips. The good news is that today’s car market offers plenty of options, allowing every driver to find a vehicle that best fits their lifestyle and budget.

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