Electric mobility is already a reality in Spain. We are seeing more and more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on our cities and roads. However, one of the most common questions before making the leap remains the same: How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a petrol station.
Charging an electric car at a petrol station generally costs between €0.30 and €0.70 per kWh, which usually translates to an approximate cost of 15 € to 40 € per full charge, depending on the vehicle and the type of charger.
Esta referencia es clave porque permite comparar rápidamente con otras opciones como la carga en casa, que suele ser bastante más económica. Si te preguntas cuánto cuesta recargar un coche eléctrico en una gasolinera frente a hacerlo en casa, la diferencia depende sobre todo del precio por kWh, la velocidad de carga y la frecuencia de uso.
In this Activacar article, we'll resolve all those doubts with real-life examples and clear comparisons.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a gas station?
The price of charging an electric car at a charging station depends mainly on the charger's power and the operator.
En España, lo más habitual es encontrar tres niveles de precio. Las cargas más lentas o semirrápidas suelen situarse entre 0,30 € y 0,45 € por kWh. En cargadores rápidos, el precio sube normalmente hasta los 0,45 € – 0,60 € por kWh. Y en los puntos ultrarrápidos, especialmente en autopistas, puede alcanzar los 0,60 € – 0,70 € por kWh.
Esto significa que una recarga parcial, por ejemplo del 20 % al 80 %, suele costar entre 15 € y 30 €. En el caso de una carga completa, el coste puede situarse entre 20 € y 40 €.
The faster the charge, the higher the price per kWh.
Cuánto cuesta recargar un coche eléctrico en una gasolinera: ejemplo real
To understand it better, we can look at a practical case.
Si un coche eléctrico tiene una batería de 60 kWh y el precio medio es de 0,45 € por kWh, una carga completa costaría alrededor de 27 €.
Si se utiliza un cargador ultrarrápido, ese mismo proceso puede subir fácilmente a unos 30 € o 35 €.
These kinds of examples best reflect the real cost on a day-to-day basis.
What affects the cost of charging an electric vehicle?
When we want to know how much it costs to charge an electric car at a gas station, it is important to understand which factors directly affect the final price.
Charger type
It is not the same to charge during a quick stop as it is to make a long break. The higher the charger’s power, the faster the vehicle charges and the more expensive the kWh usually is.
Battery capacity
A small electric vehicle does not consume the same as an electric SUV. The larger the battery, the higher the total charging cost.
Operator and location
Stations located on highways or in high-traffic areas usually have higher prices than those in urban environments.
Time-based pricing
Some charging points do not charge only for the energy consumed, but also for the connection time, especially if a usage limit is exceeded.
Is it more expensive than charging at home?
In most cases, yes.
Cargar en casa suele costar entre 0,10 € and 0,20 € por kWh, mientras que en una gasolinera el precio se sitúa entre 0,30 € y 0,70 € por kWh. Esto implica que la carga pública puede ser hasta un 60 % más cara.
That's why many drivers use the petrol station as a temporary solution, while they do their usual refuelling at home.
Cuando la carga doméstica va a ser la opción habitual, una correcta instalación de puntos de recarga permite adaptar la potencia, el equipo y la gestión de carga al consumo real de la vivienda.
If you are considering this option, you can find out more about the ev chargers instalation, a convenient and cost-effective medium-term solution.
When is it worth charging at a petrol station?
Charging at a petrol station makes sense in specific situations. It's particularly useful on long journeys, when you need to recharge quickly, or at times when you don't have access to a nearby charging point.
However, it's not intended as a daily solution, but rather as a supplement to the usual load.
What if you can't charge at home?
Not having your own garage doesn't necessarily mean you'll always have to rely on public charging.
En comunidades o edificios donde se quiere dejar preparada la infraestructura para futuras instalaciones, la preinstalación de puntos de recarga puede facilitar el proceso y reducir intervenciones posteriores.
It is currently possible electric car charger in a communal garage In a legal and relatively simple way, allowing costs to be reduced and daily comfort to be improved.
Example of monthly cost
To see the difference, we can consider a typical case.
Un conductor que recorre 1.000 km al mes, con un consumo medio de 15 kWh cada 100 km, necesitará unos 150 kWh mensuales.
Si carga en casa, el coste puede situarse entre 20 € and 30 € al mes. En cambio, si depende de gasolineras, ese mismo uso puede costar entre 45 € and 90 €.
The long-term difference is significant.
Conclusion on the cost of charging an electric car at a petrol station
Knowing how much it costs to charge an electric car at a petrol station allows for a better understanding of the real cost of electric mobility.
Public charging stations offer speed and flexibility, but the cost is higher than domestic charging. For this reason, most users combine both options: filling stations for occasional use and charging at home for daily use.
If you also want to optimise your installation, opt for solutions Electric car charger at home It will allow you to reduce costs and gain convenience from day one.
At Activacar, we help you take that step with solutions tailored to your home or community, so you can charge more efficiently, economically, and conveniently.
Además, un servicio periódico de maintenance of electric chargers ayuda a conservar el rendimiento, la seguridad y la disponibilidad del punto de recarga con el paso del tiempo.
Frequently asked questions about how much it costs to charge an electric car at a petrol station
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a gas station?
Charging an electric car at a petrol station usually costs between €0.30 and €0.70 per kWh, which amounts to approximately between €15 and €40 per full charge, depending on the type of charger and the vehicle's battery.
How much does it cost to recharge an electric car at a fast charging station?
On rapid or ultra-rapid chargers, the price is usually between 0.45 € and 0.70 € per kWh. This means that a load can cost between 20 EUR and 35 EUR, which is more expensive than domestic charging.
Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home or at a gas station?
Charging at home is much cheaper. The cost is usually between €0.10 and €0.20 per kWh, which can amount to up to 60 % savings at a petrol station.
When is it worth using a gas station to charge an electric vehicle?
It mainly compensates in long trips, quick stops or one-off situations. It's not the most economical option for daily use, but a supplement to the usual load.
Is it worth installing your own charging point?
Yes. In the medium and long term, it is the most profitable option, as it reduces the cost per kWh and improves convenience.
