Recently, a team of journalists had the chance to visit the famous Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin. Place where Tesla Model Ys are produced, this factory, headed by Elon Musk, continues to fascinate as it symbolizes the rise of electric mobility. After this industrial immersion, the journalists undertook a challenge: a 2,500 kilometer road trip to compare the performance of two flagship Tesla models.
2,500 km in a Tesla: between coffee breaks and comparisons
The trip, which took this team from Berlin to Madrid, was made with a Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD and a Tesla Model 3 Highland, both in Long Range version. En route, the recharge stops became a sort of ritual: coffee break, a few stretches, and already the cars were ready to leave. Funny how the charging was often complete before the bathroom break was even over, showing the effectiveness of Tesla's Superchargers.
The big question the team asked itself before starting was: is it really economical to travel long distances in an electric car? To answer that question, they let the Tesla Planner do its job, pointing out the most convenient charging stations, whether from Tesla or competitors.
To make a comparison with fossil fuels, journalists used data provided by the European Union on average prices for gasoline and diesel. The calculations were based on a consumption of 7 liters per 100 km for a petrol car, and 5.5 liters per 100 km for a diesel car, thus allowing a fair economic comparison.
And the verdict? Diesel remains the king of long distances
At the end of their voyagethe team found a cost difference of €53.62 between recharging the Tesla over the 2,500 kilometers and the cost of diesel. If we take a gasoline car as a reference, this difference amounts to €136.61. The result is clear: for long distances, diesel remains more economical.
Of course, it is important to qualify these conclusions. Journalists used only Tesla Superchargers, which are convenient but often more expensive than other charging options, such as those at slower public stations. With better organization, in particular by using less powerful terminals during extended breaks (meals or night), the electricity savings could have been much greater.
Maintenance: a long-term advantage for electric
Beyond these direct costs, we must not forget the maintenance costs. Electric vehicles, despite charging costs sometimes comparable to diesel, have much lower maintenance costs. No oil changes, fewer moving parts… This can make a big difference in the long term, especially for those who keep their car for several years. I have a friend who recently took the plunge into electric, and he told me that, despite the small charging constraints, he was already saving on maintenance compared to his old diesel.
To each their own vehicle, to each their own use
This road trip highlighted a reality: each type of vehicle has its advantages and disadvantages. For those who like to log miles without worrying about recharging stops, diesel remains a more practical option. But for those who make daily trips with regular breaks, electric can be just as relevant, especially with reduced maintenance costs.
The key is to understand your personal needs and choose the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle. The market automobile is evolving, and there is now a solution for every driver, whether for efficiency, economy or environmental impact. Ultimately, what matters is finding the right formula to drive with peace of mind and save money where possible.
