As with petrol and diesel cars, the consumption of an electric car varies depending on the model. As many factors come into play, it is not always easy to calculate the exact consumption. On average, the cost is €5 to €7 per 100 kilometres.
Consumption per 100 km
The consumption of electric cars is not expressed in litres but in kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 kilometres. An electric car consumes on average between 14 and 20 kWh per 100 km.
This amounts to approximately €6 per 100 km to charge an average car at home (based on an average price of €0.35/kWh in January 2026, all inclusive). Charging at public charging stations is usually more expensive, but can also be faster.
By way of comparison, a petrol car that consumes 5 litres per 100 km costs around €7.50 per 100 km.
Did you know?
The Brussels government's ChargyClick programme aims to install 22,000 public charging points by 2035. Today, there are already 3,850 available. That equates to one charging station every 150 metres. Find them all on electrify.brussels.
Examples of annual cost
Here are some examples for a driver who drives 15,000 km per year (average distance per driver):
| Compact car | Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Benzine | Elektrisch | Benzine | Elektrisch |
| Model | Peugeot 208 (1.2 PureTech) | Peugeot e-208 (50 kWh) | BMW 4 Reeks Gran Coupé (420i) | BMW i4 (eDrive40/M50) |
| Average consumption (/100km) | 4,9 l | 17,6 kWh | 6,7 l | 19,4 kWh |
| Average price* | € 1,51/l | € 0,35/kWh | € 1,51/l | € 0,35/kWh |
| Total cost | €1,110 | €924 | €, 518 | €1,018 |
* Average prices for petrol (95) and electricity for private individuals (all inclusive) in January 2026 in Brussels.
Exceptional efficiency
These examples show that electric driving is clearly more economical in terms of energy costs. These low costs are due to the high efficiency of the electric motor.
By way of comparison:
- A petrol or diesel engine converts a maximum of 35% of the energy into propulsion.
- An electric motor achieves an efficiency of around 90%.
Are you charging smartly?
To charge the battery of your electric vehicle optimally, choose smart charging. Not only does it make charging cheaper, it also helps to maintain the balance of the electricity grid.
Consumption factors
Exact consumption depends on various factors, such as:
- Speed and aerodynamics: the higher the speed, the greater the air resistance and the higher the consumption. A streamlined design helps to cut through the wind efficiently, which has a positive effect on your consumption.
- Temperature and weather conditions: in the winter months, the battery has to heat itself and the interior of the car, which means it consumes more energy. High temperatures, on the other hand, require cooling and air conditioning, which also reduces your car's range.
- Driving behaviour: anticipatory, calm driving costs less energy than accelerating and braking hard. Braking with the engine allows the battery to recover energy.
- Type of route (city, motorway): an electric car is ideal for short distances, such as city traffic, because the speed and therefore the air resistance are lower.
- Weight of the car: the heavier the car, the more energy is needed to get the mass moving.
- Tyres: the rolling resistance of the tyres also determines consumption. Special EV tyres guarantee a greater range. Correct tyre pressure also reduces consumption.
How can I reduce my consumption?
A few simple actions are all it takes to drive more economically:
- Limit your speed: for example, drive a little slower on the motorway.
- Drive smoothly: use the brake pedal as little as possible in order to prioritise regenerative braking.
- Heat or cool the car in advance, while charging.
- Check that your tyre pressure is not too low.
- Avoid unnecessary loads, such as roof boxes or bike racks, when you are not using them.
- Park in a closed space to keep the batteries at an ideal temperature.
Overall cost
Even though the energy costs are lower, you should take the following into account:
- Electric cars are generally more expensive to purchase.
- Battery capacity has a significant impact on the purchase price.
- The possible costs for installing a charging station at home.
Energy consumption is therefore only one element in the overall cost.