They set out on a 1,550-mile journey in electric cars, hoping to test their limits—but the results might surprise you. Despite the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), long-distance travel still poses unique challenges that can make diesel cars hard to beat. This story from a group of Spanish journalists, who took on a road trip from Berlin to Madrid in Tesla electric cars, reveals eye-opening insights into the costs, convenience, and realities of today’s EV road trips.
The Road Trip That Put Electric Cars to the Test
A team of automotive journalists embarked on a 1,550-mile road trip traveling across Europe to evaluate how electric vehicles compare to diesel-powered cars in real-world conditions. Driving two Tesla models—the Model Y Long Range RWD and the updated Model 3 Highland Long Range—they focused on factors that really matter for drivers: cost efficiency, charging convenience, and overall practicality on long journeys.
The adventure began after visiting the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, where the Model Y is manufactured. Traveling through Germany and Spain, the journalists planned stops every 125 to 185 miles, aligning with the vehicles’ battery ranges. Their primary resource for recharging was Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, supplemented occasionally by other public charging stations.
Breaking Down the Cost: Electric vs. Diesel
One of the key factors under scrutiny was cost. Using official European Union fuel price data for the countries visited, the team calculated the total expense of recharging the EVs on their route. The result? Charging the Tesla vehicles cost roughly €53.62 more than fueling an equivalent diesel car for the same distance. When compared to a gasoline car, the electric cars were even less economical, with a difference reaching €136.61.
This evidence suggests that, at least for this particular journey, diesel remains the more cost-effective fuel choice for long-distance drivers. However, energy costs can fluctuate widely based on country and charging methods used, which may influence future comparisons.
A 2024 analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation supports these findings, noting that while EVs offer long-term savings through lower maintenance and zero tailpipe emissions, the upfront and operational costs—particularly on extended trips—remain an obstacle for many drivers. You can read more about their findings here.
Charging Infrastructure: The Hidden Variable
Charging speed and availability play a crucial role in the feasibility of long trips in electric cars. The journalists primarily used Tesla Superchargers, which offer rapid charging but at a premium price. Choosing slower, cheaper chargers might reduce costs but would extend the overall trip duration significantly.
This dynamic shows the trade-off drivers face: quick, convenient charging at a higher cost versus slower, cheaper recharging options that add to travel time. For this trip, optimizing time-over-cost leaned heavily in favor of the diesel vehicle.
Tesla’s Supercharger network provides a remarkable level of accessibility and efficiency, unmatched by many other EV brands. However, disparities in charging infrastructure across regions remain a barrier, especially compared to ubiquitous diesel fueling stations.
Practicality and Time Efficiency: Why Diesel Still Leads
Though the electric cars held their own in many ways, the practical realities became clear. The total time spent on recharging stops was still longer than the quick refueling breaks required for diesel cars. For drivers prioritizing speed and minimal interruption, diesel-powered cars continue to offer a more efficient experience.
The journalists emphasized that while electric vehicles are advancing rapidly, and the environmental benefits are undeniable, the diesel car’s edge in convenience during long-haul drives remains significant. This is a particularly important consideration for travelers who have tight schedules or cover substantial distances regularly.
Lower maintenance costs and zero emissions give electric vehicles a strong advantage in the long run, but this trip highlights that, for many, diesel cars still dominate the road when it comes to immediate travel practicality.
Is the Future Electric Despite Today’s Challenges?
This real-world test underscores the current divide between electric and diesel vehicles, particularly in the context of long-distance travel. While governments, auto manufacturers, and environmental groups push for greater EV adoption, drivers face practical hurdles that technology and infrastructure improvements must overcome.
Dr. Lisa Nguyen, a transportation analyst at the European Energy Research Institute, explains in a 2024 study that “charging time, cost variability, and infrastructure disparity are the main barriers slowing EV adoption for long-distance travel, but these are steadily improving with ongoing innovation and investment.”
To get a better feel for the experience, check out this vlog by the journalists where they document their stops, charging process, and conclusions in candid detail:
The journey proves that while electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of sustainable transportation, diesel still holds a strong position for road warriors prioritizing cost and time efficiency on longer trips.
Your thoughts matter: Have you ever taken a long trip in an electric car? How did it compare to your experience with diesel or gasoline vehicles? Share your stories and insights below—and don’t forget to pass this along if you found it interesting!