As the energy crisis hits Europe, electric vehicle owners are being particularly hard hit by the rising cost of electricity. At present electricity prices, charging an electric vehicle now costs 161% more than one year ago, according to a new report by consumer portal Facile.it.
The report stated, “Due to rising energy prices, in some cases, refueling an electric car is more expensive than a traditional one. And if you are recharging not at home but at a public rapid station, the prices would be even higher.”
Previous calculations showed that the cost of charging an electric car in the nation was 50-70% lower than it would cost to refuel a gasoline or diesel vehicle. However at present prices, a full battery for a green car will cost more than a full tank of gasoline or diesel.
In the study, it was found that enough gasoline to travel 1,000 kilometers in a small B-segment vehicle would cost €83 ($83). For a similar diesel vehicle the cost would be €71 ($71). One year ago, a similar electric vehicle’s cost would have been €33 ($33), however as the price of energy in Europe has climbed, that figure has increased to €85 ($85), making it more expensive that either gasoline or diesel.
The Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA) reported that by the third quarter, the “unified national price of electricity” in Italy, increased almost four times above what it had been in the first quarter. This has forced the regulator to take additional measures to try and stifle further growth in energy prices.
At present it is estimated the average Italian family will need to spend an average of €1,322 ($1,323) on electricity over the year, which is a substantial increase over the cost in 2021, when the same family would only have been expected to have to pay €632 ($633).
According to a study by the National Union of Consumers, tariffs on electricity in Italy grew at a record pace last month, exceeding 136% on an annualized basis.
In Europe, electricity prices have almost doubled, producing an energy shock of almost unprecedented proportions according to the head of Italian energy think tank Nomisma Energia. He noted, that Italians should be beginning to make preparations in the event there is rationing come this winter, during the coldest months. He also recommended households attempt to make the necessary adjustments to their heating systems to utilize firewood and wood pellets, even though he has noted the prices of those fuels have also skyrocketed.
