Spain's Gas Stations Adapt: Electric Car Charging Prices Revealed!

España - In Spain, traditional gas stations are increasingly adapting to the needs of drivers looking to charge electric vehicles instead of refueling with gasoline. According to Union Rayo, the cost to recharge an electric car at these service stations can range from €17.40 to €39, depending on the charging company and their specific tariffs.

The charging rates themselves vary widely, from €0.29 per kWh for normal charing to €0.45 per kWh for ultra-fast charging. Currently, in July, drivers are seeing prices between €0.40 and €0.65 per kWh, depending on the type of charge used. For those curious about the costs, a full charge for a 60 kWh battery could set one back between €24 and €39. Specifically, charging at rates up to 7.4 kW costs about €0.42 per kWh, leading to a total of €25.20 for a full charge, whereas using higher-powered chargers incurs a fee of €0.53 per kWh, totaling €31.80.

The Cost-Effective Alternatives

Interestingly, charging at home comes with a more budget-friendly price tag, ranging from €0.12 to €0.20 per kWh. This translates to significant savings for users. The advantages of home charging include lower prices, nighttime charging, and the reassurance of knowing exactly what your costs will be. However, this comes with drawbacks: without a private garage, users become dependent on public charging stations. Furthermore, the installation of a home charger might run around €1,000.

Charging at gas stations offers the benefit of ultra-fast chargers, allowing users to regain up to 80% battery in less than 30 minutes. However, these conveniences come with a caveat of higher prices and potential waiting times. Additionally, there’s an ongoing expansion of charging points in rural areas and shopping centers to meet the growing demand.

Understanding Electric Vehicle Tariffs

Choosing the right tariff can make a significant difference in savings. As reported by Xataka, individuals can also find more economical solutions by charging their electric cars at home. Various rates exist for home charging, with options available even for those living in shared residences. There are subsidies to assist with installing home chargers, easing the financial burden on prospective buyers.

There are different competitive tariffs available for home charging, like regulated market prices that vary between €0.10 and €0.20, or free market prices that start at a low €0.06 during off-peak hours, perfect for nighttime charging. Home charging can potentially save more than €3.60 compared to public stations.

For users engaging external charging, however, the landscape is diverse, and options are not as plentiful. Providers like Acciona, Iberdrola, and Repsol all have different pricing schemes. For instance:

As Cleverea notes, the overall costs of charging can fluctuate between €0.15 and €0.79 per kWh depending on the charging station, while some supermarkets even offer free slower charging options as a means to attract customers.

As electric vehicles gain popularity, understanding the costs and available infrastructure is crucial. Whether one chooses to charge at home or at a gas station, weighing the benefits and costs ensures a more sustainable commuting option without breaking the bank.