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.
This reference is key because it allows for a quick comparison with other options such as home charging, which is usually significantly cheaper.
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.
In Spain, the most common prices are found at three levels. Slower or semi-fast charging typically costs between €0.30 and €0.45 per kWh. For rapid chargers, the price usually rises to €0.45 – €0.60 per kWh. And at ultra-fast points, especially on motorways, it can reach €0.60 – €0.70 per kWh.
This means that a partial top-up, for example from 20 % to 80 %, usually costs between €15 and €30. For a full top-up, the cost can range from €20 to €40.
The faster the charge, the higher the price per kWh.
Actual example of how much it costs to charge an electric car
To understand it better, we can look at a practical case.
If an electric car has a 60 kWh battery and the average price is €0.45 per kWh, a full charge would cost around €27.
If an ultra-fast charger is used, that same process can easily increase to about €30 or €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.
Charging at home usually costs between €0.10 and €0.20 per kWh, whilst at a petrol station the price ranges from €0.30 to €0.70 per kWh. This means that public charging can be up to 60 % more expensive.
That's why many drivers use the petrol station as a temporary solution, while they do their usual refuelling at home.
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.
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.
A driver covering 1,000 km a month, with an average consumption of 15 kWh per 100 km, will need around 150 kWh per month.
If you charge at home, the cost can be between €20 and €30 per month. If, on the other hand, you rely on service stations, the same usage can cost between €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.
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.
