The real cost of every km
Knowing your cost per km is the foundation for judging any TVDE trip or comparing cars. Multiply consumption by fuel price and you get fuel cost per kilometre — the number you should have in your head every time you accept a ride.
Fuel vs electric
If you're weighing a switch to electric, compare this cost per km with our EV cost calculator. For high-mileage drivers, the difference by month's end tends to be significant.
Frequently asked questions
How much does maintaining a TVDE car cost per km?
Beyond fuel, count tyres, oil, brakes and general wear. Under intensive TVDE use (lots of km, lots of city driving), maintenance usually adds up to €0.03–0.06 per km on a combustion car — and considerably less on an electric, which has no oil or clutch to replace. Tyres are the biggest line item: under TVDE use they tend to wear out faster than on a private car, given the high mileage and constant braking.
Petrol or diesel — which pays off more for TVDE?
Diesel was traditionally cheaper per km for high-mileage drivers, but the price gap between the two fuels has been narrowing in Portugal, making the math less obvious than a few years ago. It's always worth running both through current prices in the calculator above before deciding — the right answer depends on today's pump prices, not a fixed rule.
Does this include maintenance and wear?
No — it shows fuel only. Total cost per km is higher once you add tyres, maintenance and depreciation.
Is it free?
Yes — free, no signup, nothing is stored.