For Danes travelling Europe on a road trip, a new report reveals that diesel cars are currently the most cost-effective option—despite Denmark being one of the most favorable countries for electric vehicle ownership.
Diesel Is Cheapest for Cross-Border Travel
As summer approaches and vacationers prepare for road trips across Europe, many Danish drivers may be surprised to learn that electric vehicles (EVs) are currently not the most economical option for long-distance travel. According to a recent study by Denmark’s automobile association, FDM, driving a diesel car from Odense to Lake Garda in Italy costs significantly less than using an electric car. While packing your bags and planning the trip, it’s worth thinking about what car you take.
FDM compared the total fuel and charging costs for diesel, gasoline, and electric vehicles on a round trip covering Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Italy. The analysis showed that a diesel car would cost around 1,973 Danish kroner (approximately 285 USD) to make the journey, while an electric car would cost about 2,178 kroner (roughly 315 USD). Gasoline-powered cars fared the worst in terms of cost. When it comes to road trips, and Danes travelling Europe by car, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the greenest.
High Charging Costs Outside Denmark
Within Denmark, EV owners enjoy competitive electricity rates and a well-developed charging infrastructure. On July 4th, the average public charging price was 3.67 kroner per kilowatt-hour in Denmark, with rates for some providers as low as 3 kroner (around $0.44). However, once drivers cross the border into Germany or Italy, prices rise substantially. Charging without a subscription in Germany can cost up to 6 kroner (about $0.87) per kilowatt-hour—nearly double the Danish average.
The higher costs are partly due to fewer providers and less competition in southern Europe’s EV charging market. While Denmark’s compact size and early EV adoption have led to a dense and competitive network of public chargers, infrastructure and pricing in places like Germany and Italy are not yet as favorable.
Gasoline Still the Most Expensive Option
Gasoline cars remain the most expensive travel option, both within Denmark and abroad. This is due to Denmark’s particularly high fuel taxes, which make filling up at home notably costlier than in neighboring countries. According to figures from the European Commission, Denmark consistently ranks among the most expensive countries for gasoline and diesel.
Nonetheless, while fuel costs abroad are lower, the margin isn’t always substantial enough to offset the general efficiency advantage of diesel engines when compared to gasoline.
EV Savings at Home Don’t Translate Abroad
Electric vehicles remain the most cost-effective option for everyday driving within Denmark. Lower home charging rates, government incentives, and competitive subscription plans keep the long-term cost of EV ownership well below that of internal combustion cars.
However, as this summer’s travel study reveals, those savings don’t necessarily carry over when driving abroad—at least not for now. The study highlights that EV charging prices increase steeply in countries like Germany and Italy, and those price hikes can tilt the scales in favor of diesel for long trips.
That said, these price gaps are small in the broader context. The roughly 200 kroner (about $29) difference between electric and diesel for a round-trip to Italy is minor compared to daily savings Danish drivers enjoy with EVs.
Forecast for EV Affordability Improvement
Experts predict that the price imbalance will soon shift. The European Union is set to apply its emissions-trading quota system to transport fuels in 2027, which could raise the price of both gasoline and diesel by up to 1 kroner per liter. Over time, this will make fossil fuel-powered travel less competitive.
Additionally, competition is expected to increase in Europe’s EV charging market, especially in countries currently lagging behind in infrastructure development. With more providers entering the market, prices are likely to become more balanced across borders.
Tips for Electric Car Drivers Traveling Abroad
To mitigate higher costs, FDM recommends several strategies for Danish EV drivers heading south:
– Use routing apps to locate affordable charging points
– Check multiple charging apps for price comparisons
– Reduce speed on highways to cut energy use
– Only charge to 80% at fast chargers during peak hours
– Bring your own charging cable for slower, often cheaper AC chargers
– Book hotels that offer overnight charging
As infrastructure matures and EU regulations reinforce emissions goals, industry experts expect the balance to tip in favor of electric cars. According to forecasts from FDM, by summer 2026, EVs could once again be the cheapest way for Danes to travel through Europe by car.
