Why is the International Day of Clean Air celebrated?

Celebrated on 7 September, the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is a UN initiative to raise awareness about air pollution and the need to act to improve air quality.

Transport is one of the areas where we can make a difference. Burning petrol and diesel generates polluting emissions and greenhouse gases, which is why moving towards forms of mobility with lower emissions is one way to tackle this challenge.

And this is where electric mobility comes into play.

Does an electric car pollute less than a petrol or diesel one?

An electric car produces zero exhaust emissions while driving and, when considering its entire life cycle, a typical electric vehicle in Europe generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle.

Manufacturing an electric vehicle, particularly its battery, can have a higher initial impact. However, the lower emissions during the usage phase mean the overall balance is favourable compared to conventional vehicles.

No exhaust emissions

A petrol or diesel car needs to burn fuel to move. An electric car uses the energy stored in its battery.

Therefore, it produces no exhaust emissions while on the move, a difference that is particularly relevant in urban areas where a significant proportion of traffic is concentrated.

Electric cars also have an environmental impact

The fact that an electric car does not emit gases from the exhaust does not mean its environmental impact is zero.

You have to factor in the manufacturing of the vehicle and the battery, the generation of the electricity used to charge it, and other sources of traffic-related particulates, such as tyre and brake wear.

That is why, when comparing an electric car to a combustion engine car, the appropriate benchmark is its entire life cycle, not just what happens while it is on the road.

How does an electric car help improve air quality?

Electric mobility does not eliminate all the impacts associated with transport, but it does avoid one very specific part: the emissions produced by burning fuel while the car is moving.

It reduces direct emissions while driving

With no petrol or diesel to burn, there are zero exhaust emissions while driving.

This is a particularly interesting difference for urban journeys, where traffic has a direct impact on air quality.

It helps reduce traffic noise

There is another noticeable difference: the sound.

Electric vehicles are quieter, especially at low speeds, so they can help reduce traffic-related noise.

Its impact improves as electricity becomes cleaner

An electric car needs electricity to run. Therefore, the lower the impact of electricity generation, the lower the impact associated with the car's use.

Electric mobility and lower-emission electricity generation go hand in hand.

Can you also save money by switching to an electric car?

This is where the other side of electric mobility comes in: the cost of getting around.

There is no single savings figure that applies to everyone. To find out how much you can save, you have to look at your own data: distance travelled, vehicle consumption, and the price of electricity and fuel.

The cost of electricity vs. petrol or diesel

A simple way to compare is to calculate how much it costs you to travel the same distance with each technology.

To do this, you need to know:

• The miles you cover per year.
• Your vehicle's fuel consumption.
• The price of petrol or diesel.
• The electric car's energy consumption.
• The price of electricity.

With this data, you can get a much more realistic comparison than any generic savings percentage.

Want to crunch your own numbers?

Calculate how much you can save with an electric car compared to petrol or diesel.

Charging at home can make all the difference

If you have a charging point at home, refuelling becomes part of your daily routine: you arrive, park, and plug the car in.

Furthermore, you can integrate this consumption into your household electricity and consider a tariff adapted to your needs.

Because with an electric vehicle, it isn't just the car that changes. Where and how you charge it changes too.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

The initial calculation is simple:

Charging cost = required energy (kWh) × kWh price

But the final result depends on several factors:

For this reason, there is no single price for charging an electric car. The key is to calculate how much it will cost you personally.

Charging at home or on the public network: where can you save the most?

These are not mutually exclusive options. In fact, the most practical approach for many drivers is to combine them:

Home for everyday use. The public network when you are on the go.

Charging at home: your starting point

The main advantage is convenience. You can charge while the car is parked, without having to make a special trip to a charging point.

Additionally, having your own charger makes it easier to monitor consumption and allows you to consider specific solutions for electric mobility.

Discover Endesa's chargers and charging solutions.

Among them, you will find Waybox, Endesa's smart charger that allows you to manage charging from your mobile phone.

Public charging: when you need to go further

When taking a long trip or if you don't have a charger available, the public network becomes your best ally.

Before charging, it is advisable to check factors such as the price, power, and availability of the point.

With Endesa On Your Way, you can locate charging points and plan your journeys.

Combining both options

The key is to use whichever option suits you best at the time.

Charge at home for your regular trips and use the public network when you need to cover more miles.

How to save when charging your electric car

Once you know how much you consume and where you charge, you can start optimising the cost.

Choose a tariff adapted to your car

If the vehicle will be part of your regular consumption, check your tariff's terms to see if there is a specific option for electric mobility.

Prioritise domestic charging

Whenever possible, use your home charging point for your regular charges. Besides being convenient, it allows you to integrate the car's consumption into your household energy.

Make the most of a smart charger

A connected charger can help you manage your charging sessions better and track your consumption.

With Endesa's Waybox, for example, you can control charging from your mobile device.

Look before you charge away from home

When charging away from home, check the charging point's conditions before you begin. The price and power can vary between stations.

Know your car's real consumption

The consumption advertised by the manufacturer is just a guide. Your routes, speed, climate control use, or driving style can make the actual consumption different.

The better you know how much your car consumes, the better you can calculate how much each mile costs you.

Which electricity tariff should you choose to charge an electric car?

If you usually charge at home, the car's consumption becomes part of the energy you use in your household. That is why it is worth checking if your tariff meets this new need.

Endesa's Recarga en Casa tariff is designed for people who charge their electric vehicle at home and offers a set amount of energy included in the fixed fee, plus a specific price for any additional consumption, subject to current conditions.

If you do not have a charger yet, you can also look into a joint solution combining domestic charging and a tailored tariff.

Remember: commercial conditions, prices, fees, promotions, and included energy can change. Always check the current offer before signing up.

What do you need to start charging your electric car at home?

Making the leap to an electric vehicle involves more than just choosing a car. If you want to charge it at home, these are the basic steps:

A charging point

Choose a charger that is compatible with your vehicle and suitable for your parking space's characteristics.

Discover Endesa's home charging solutions.

A suitable installation

The installation must meet the relevant technical requirements and adapt to the characteristics of the car park.

If your space is in a communal car park, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the specific conditions beforehand.

Check the regulations for installing a charger in a communal car park.

A tailored tariff

The next step is deciding how to manage the additional consumption of charging the car.

Discover Endesa's Recarga en Casa tariff.

A way to monitor your charging

Knowing how much you charge and consume will allow you to see exactly how much you are spending on your journeys and spot opportunities to optimise that consumption.

Are you thinking of switching to an electric car?

Making the leap to electric usually brings up a few questions. The good news is that you can answer them one by one:

Because switching to an electric car isn't just one decision.

It is choosing how you travel, where you charge, and how you want to manage the cost of every mile.

Frequently asked questions about electric cars, emissions, and savings

Does an electric car pollute less than a petrol car?

An electric car can reduce the emissions associated with mobility compared to a petrol or diesel vehicle. It produces zero exhaust emissions while driving and, looking at its entire life cycle, a typical electric vehicle in Europe generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an equivalent combustion engine vehicle.

Does an electric car have zero emissions?

While driving, an electric car produces zero exhaust emissions. However, its environmental impact also includes the manufacturing of the vehicle and battery, the generation of the electricity it uses, and other sources of particulates, such as tyre and brake wear.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

The cost depends on the energy the car needs and the price of electricity. As a general guide, you can calculate it by multiplying the kWh consumed by the kWh price.

Is it cheaper to charge an electric car than to refuel with petrol?

The energy cost per mile can be lower with an electric car, but the difference depends on the vehicle's consumption, the miles travelled, and the price of both electricity and fuel. To find out your exact savings, it is best to run the numbers using your own data.

Where is the cheapest place to charge an electric car?

Domestic charging can help you control the cost of your regular charges, while the public network provides flexibility when travelling or if you don't have access to a charger. It is common practice to combine both options.

Do I need a special tariff to charge the car?

You don't need a specific tariff to charge an electric car. You can do it using your standard electricity supply. However, if you will be charging frequently at home, you can compare your current terms with specific solutions like Endesa's Recarga en Casa tariff.

Do I need to install a charger at home?

It is not strictly necessary if you use the public network, but having your own charging point makes everyday charging much easier and allows you to charge while the car is parked.

Discover Endesa's chargers and home charging solutions.

Can I install one in a communal car park?

Yes, you can install a private charging point in your individual parking space, provided you follow the notification process for the residents' association and meet the established technical requirements.

What grants can I apply for to buy an electric car in 2026?

In 2026, you can access the grants provided under the Auto+ Plan for certain electric and electrified vehicles. The requirements and amounts may change, so it is advisable to check the current information before making a purchase.

Check the available grants for electric mobility.

Can I travel around Spain in an electric car?

Yes, you can travel across Spain in an electric car using the public charging network. The key is to plan your trip: locate the charging points along your route, check their availability, and factor in the time needed to charge.

With Endesa On Your Way, you can check charging points and organise your journeys.