Study suggests electric cars cost three times less to run than petrol cars in France

Petrol car owners in France are now spending almost three times as much on fuel each month as electric car owners spend on energy, according to an analysis by Roole Data.

The figures show a widening cost gap between petrol and electric cars as fuel prices rise amid tensions in the Middle East and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The average monthly fuel bill for a petrol car rose from €112 in January to €137 in June, an increase of €25.

By comparison, the average monthly energy cost for an electric car remained broadly stable at about €46 throughout the first half of 2026.

This means that in June, the average monthly cost for a petrol car was some €91 higher than for an electric car.

The gap has also widened since last year. In 2025, the average monthly cost was €119 for a petrol car and €45 for an electric vehicle.

Roole Data, the data arm of French automotive club Roole, which is also behind free driving app Roole Map, calculates the figures using public data on vehicle use, fuel and electricity prices.

The running-cost advantage comes as new government aid becomes available for second-hand electric cars. Since September 1, households buying or leasing eligible used EVs can benefit from Energy Savings Certificate funding, with support of up to €2,360 in some cases although the base aid is lower.

Diesel and hybrids also cost more

Diesel drivers saw their average monthly fuel bill rise from €98 in January to €119 in June, an increase of €21.

For non-plug-in hybrids, the average monthly cost reached €111 in June, up €20 since the start of the year.

Plug-in hybrids remained below €100, at €88 a month in June, although the saving depends on regular charging.

The lower running costs are coinciding with a shift in new-car buying. Electric cars accounted for some 38% of new registrations in France in August, making them the most popular system for the first time, according to figures from AAA Data.

The increase comes amid government incentives and persistently high fuel prices.

Fuel prices have risen further since the June figures were compiled. The average price of diesel reached €2.261 per litre on September 4, compared with about €1.90 in early July.

The average petrol price was also above €2 per litre.

Fuel prices could rise further

The latest increases reflect continued pressure on global oil and refining markets.

There is currently no expectation of a fuel shortage in France, but refining capacity has been affected by disruption in the Gulf, damage to some Russian refineries and planned maintenance in the United States.

Philippe Casbas, president of oil industry body Ufip Energies et Mobilités, told Franceinfo: “We do not have a shortage problem, we have a price problem.”

He added that prices could rise further if the situation worsens.