Smart Charging: This Many Kilometers Could Have Been (Almost) Free to Drive in 2023

Same number of kilometers would cost 4,845 euros with a combustion engine

What would the same kilometers cost with a combustion engine? The average German car consumes around 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km, and the average gasoline price in 2023 was 1.791 euros per liter. The same 35,130 km would therefore consume around 4,845 euros worth of fuel. An electric car with a purchase price of 45,000 euros would have amortized within twelve years thanks to sophisticated technology such as dynamic charging. Additionally, there is the proven higher residual value of electric cars compared to combustion engine cars.

Additionally, e-car drivers would emit approximately 3.8 tons less CO₂. This corresponds to about half of the current CO₂ emissions per capita in Germany, or the equivalent of what 380 deciduous trees in Central Europe absorb in a year. 

Jannik Schall, product manager at 1Komma5°, is not surprised by the results: “We notice that many German drivers still underestimate how much potential savings e-cars offer. If you combine the smart technology in the car with smart home technology, a great deal more can be achieved. From PV systems on roofs, to energy storage in the house, to intelligent charging: building technology holds enormous possibilities.”

Background

The electricity price in the German market fluctuates constantly, depending on the balance between electricity supply and demand. Particularly at night (with low demand) and at noon (with high production from renewable energy sources), the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) can even drop to zero or become negative. Last year, the electricity price dropped below zero for 301 hours, and for an additional 24 hours, the zero price was achieved.