The cheapest and most expensive countries in Europe to charge your EV

Data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) reveals that Iceland and Portugal are among the cheapest places in Europe to charge an EV when away from home, while Norway and Slovenia are the costliest.

France and Germany, two of the continent’s largest economies, were among a number of countries, including Croatia, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden, whose public EV charging rates were around the European average.

To standardise the research, calculations were based on a typical DC fast recharging session for a Tesla Model 3, Europe’s second most popular EV, after the Tesla Model Y.

EAFO researchers imposed a 25-minute charging time to generate a 10% to 80% battery charge from public charging points, with pricing data sourced directly from charge point operators (CPOs).

Iceland was ranked the cheapest place in Europe to charge the Tesla Model Y, at a cost of €2.89 per 100 km, slightly ahead of Portugal, where drivers have to fork out €3.18 to cover the same distance. Finland was placed third, with drivers paying €4.63 for the DC fast charge.

Although a small market, Iceland has emerged as a strong adopter of EVs, with significant penetration, particularly in its capital, Reykjavik. Its abundant renewable energy resources have helped drive down its EV charging price.

Norway was the most expensive place in Europe by far, with the charge to cover 100 km around six times greater than in Iceland, at a whopping €18.93 – a price difference of €16.04. Slovenia was the second most expensive country, with a charge of €17.02.

Prices varied across southern Europe, with Spain the cheapest at €7.11, after Portugal. Bulgaria (€7.34), Italy (€9.12), Greece (€9.83), Malta (€9.83), and Cyprus (€9.83) were all within €2-3 of the regional