EV vs Petrol – Is an Electric Car Cheaper?
Electric cars usually cost more to buy but much less per mile, especially when charged at home. Enter your details to compare.
Electric
Servicing & repairs per year
Petrol
Servicing & repairs per year
Petrol is £4,002 cheaper
Over 4 years and 40,000 miles, including the purchase price.
Electric: fuel/charging per year
£714
Electric: running costs per year
£1,109
Electric: total over 4 years
£26,437
Petrol: fuel/charging per year
£1,364
Petrol: running costs per year
£1,859
Petrol: total over 4 years
£22,435
Years for the dearer car to pay back
9.3 years
Starting figures are examples only - replace them with real prices for the cars you're looking at. This doesn't include insurance or what each car will be worth when you sell it.
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See what's in a report →Frequently asked questions
Is an electric car cheaper to run than petrol?
Per mile, usually yes when charged at home. Relying on public rapid chargers can make the cost per mile close to a petrol car.
Do electric cars cost less to service?
Generally yes. EVs have no oil changes and fewer moving parts, though tyres can wear faster because of the extra weight.