If you thought electric cars had already clinched the victory lap on long-distance trips, prepare to buckle up for a plot twist. A recent 2,500 km trek from Berlin to Madrid put diesel—and, by extension, the great fuel debate—right back on the main stage.
A Road Trip That Was Meant to Crown Electricity
The ambitious journey kicked off with a clear mission: prove that electric vehicles can handle Europe’s highways without breaking a sweat—or their drivers’ patience. Starting at the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, the team got behind the wheels of two electric flagships: a Model Y Long Range RWD and a Model 3 Highland Long Range.
Madrid was the finish line, with more than 2,500 km of highway stretching in between. The goal? Demonstrate the practicality of electric mobility, even when the open road seems endless.
Charging vs. Refueling: The Battle of Pit Stops
As with any epic trip, stops were inevitable. Every 200 to 300 km, the electric Teslas needed a recharge—each break conveniently doubling as a coffee or lunch stop. In fact, in several cases, the batteries were ready to roll before the journalists had finished their meals. If nothing else, Tesla’s navigation system made things almost suspiciously painless, guiding drivers primarily to Superchargers but also to other charging stations when necessary. Road trip stress? Minimal. Appetite? Satisfied.
But to keep this test honest, the team didn’t just put electrons to the test. They ran the same theoretical route with two old rivals: a gasoline car (official consumption: 7 l/100 km) and a diesel (5.5 l/100 km). All calculations used the European Union’s official average fuel prices.
Crunching the Numbers: Cost, Time, and Convenience
When the dust (and charging cables) settled, diesel emerged as the surprise budget champion. Driving the same distance with a diesel model would have cost about 53 euros less than using Tesla’s rapid chargers, and a whopping 136 euros less than gasoline. When you factor in time and cost, diesel clearly remains the king for anyone in a hurry.
As one journalist succinctly summed it up, « With the Tesla, we spent time watching the kWh climb on the display; with the diesel, it would have been just one full tank and straight on to Madrid. » Less time on the forecourt, more time watching Spanish scenery zip by at 120 km/h.
The results were clear: on long stretches, diesel still holds a lead in terms of economic efficiency and speed. But hold those resignation letters, EV fans—the electric cars weren’t trounced. With a bit of planning and a dash of savvy when it comes to tariffs, the gap narrows significantly. Plus, who’s complaining about an extra coffee break?
What Really Matters: Priorities and the Freedom of Choice
So, where does that leave the conscientious road warrior? Ultimately, the answer sits in your lap, or perhaps in your priorities.
- If speed is your mantra and you loathe unnecessary stops, diesel holds the throne for now.
- If you’re looking to save and enjoy a well-timed breather, coordinate your electric pit stops and mind your charging deals.
- If the environment tops your values, sustainability might tip your scales toward electric—regardless of the few extra pauses.
As the market grows more diverse, the real strength now lies in having the freedom to choose. There’s no single winner—just the empowerment to blaze your own trail across Europe, be it fueled by electrons, petrol, or a healthy dose of caffeine.
In the end, your perfect road trip is all about what matters most to you. Fast lane or slow charge, the road—and the choice—is yours.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
