Petrol vs Electric Car Costs: Which Is Cheaper to Run in the UK?

For many UK drivers, the decision between a petrol car and an electric car comes down to one question: which costs less to run?

In most cases, electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol cars, particularly if you can charge at home. Lower energy costs and reduced servicing requirements often make electric vehicles more affordable over time.

However, the actual savings depend on factors such as annual mileage, electricity prices, fuel prices, insurance costs and how often you use public charging.

This guide compares petrol vs electric car costs in the UK, including cost per mile, charging costs, insurance, servicing and overall running costs.

Petrol vs Electric Car Costs: Quick Answer

Cost Area	Electric Car	Petrol Car
Cost Per Mile (UK average)	2p – 24p	16p – 22p
Cost Per 10,000 Miles	£200 – £2,400	£1,600 – £2,200
Fuel / Energy Cost	Lower (home charging cheapest)	Higher (fuel dependent)
Cost Per km	~1.2p – 15p	~10p – 14p
Servicing & Maintenance	Lower (fewer moving parts)	Higher (more components)
Insurance Costs	Can be higher	Often lower
Running Cost Overall	Usually cheaper	Usually more expensive

*Actual costs vary depending on vehicle efficiency, fuel prices, electricity tariffs and driving style.

For most drivers with access to home charging, an electric car will usually cost less to run than a comparable petrol car.

Electric Car vs Petrol Cost Per Mile

One of the simplest ways to compare running costs is by looking at cost per mile.

A typical petrol car achieving around 45 mpg with petrol priced at £1.56 per litre costs approximately 16p to 17p per mile to fuel.

An electric car achieving around 4 miles per kWh with electricity costing 24.67p per kWh costs approximately 6.2p per mile when charged at home.

Vehicle Type	Approximate Cost Per Mile
Electric Car (Home Charging)	2p to 24p
Petrol Car	16p to 22p

This means many electric vehicles can be driven for less than half the energy cost of an equivalent petrol model when utilising domestic overnight energy rates.

Cost of Charging an Electric Car vs Petrol

The cost difference between charging and refuelling is one of the biggest reasons drivers consider switching to an electric vehicle.

Home Charging Costs

Home charging is usually the cheapest option.

For example, charging a 60kWh battery from empty at a home electricity rate of 24.67p per kWh would cost around:

60 × £0.2467 = £14.80

Depending on the vehicle's efficiency, this could provide around 200 to 250 miles of driving.

Public Charging Costs

Public chargers are often more expensive than home charging.

Rapid and ultra-rapid charging networks can cost significantly more per kWh, averaging around 79p per kWh on pay-as-you-go networks, reducing some of the savings compared with petrol.

Petrol Costs

A typical petrol family car may require £85 to £95 or more to fill the tank, depending on fuel prices and tank size.

For drivers who mainly charge at home, the difference in energy costs can quickly add up over the course of a year.

Also Check: How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla

Cost of Running an Electric Car vs Petrol in the UK

Fuel costs are only one part of overall vehicle ownership.

Energy and Fuel Costs

Electric vehicles generally have lower day-to-day energy costs than petrol vehicles.

Drivers covering higher annual mileage often see the greatest savings.

Servicing CostsElectric vehicles have fewer moving parts than petrol cars.

There is no engine oil, timing belt, clutch or exhaust system to maintain, which often results in lower servicing bills.

Tyre Costs

Electric cars are often heavier due to their battery packs.

Some drivers may experience slightly higher tyre wear, although this varies by vehicle and driving style.

Vehicle Tax

Road tax rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Electric vehicles registered from April 2025 onwards are liable for standard Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), paying a standard rate of £200 per year, making it equivalent to many petrol options. Always check the latest Vehicle Excise Duty rates when comparing costs.

Petrol vs Electric Car Insurance Costs

Insurance is one area where electric cars are not always cheaper.

Electric vehicle insurance can sometimes be more expensive because:

• Battery systems are costly to repair or replace

• Specialist repair centres may be required

• Some replacement parts cost more

However, insurance premiums depend heavily on:

• Driver age

• Driving history

• Location

• Vehicle model

• Annual mileage

The difference between individual vehicles is often greater than the difference between fuel types.

Petrol vs Electric Car Running Cost Calculator

Many drivers search for a petrol vs electric car running cost calculator because the exact savings depend on personal circumstances.

To compare your own costs, consider:

• Annual mileage

• Petrol price per litre

• Electricity cost per kWh

• Vehicle efficiency

• Charging location

Our Fuel Cost Calculator can help estimate your current fuel spending and provide a useful starting point when comparing petrol and electric vehicle running costs.

Also Read: Miles per kWh

Petrol vs Electric Car Running Costs: Annual Example

The example below shows how running costs can differ for a driver covering 10,000 miles per year.

Cost Area	Electric Car	Petrol Car
Energy or Fuel	£220 to £2,400	£1,600 to £2,200
Servicing	£100 to £200	£200 to £400
Total Running Costs	Usually lower	Usually higher

Actual costs vary by vehicle, but many drivers find that savings on charging and servicing outweigh any increase in insurance premiums.

When Does an Electric Car Become Cheaper Than a Petrol Car?

Electric vehicles often become more cost-effective when:

• You drive more than average mileage

• You can charge at home

• You keep the vehicle for several years

• You want lower day-to-day running costs

Drivers who depend entirely on rapid public charging may see smaller savings than those who primarily charge at home.

Also Check: Do Electric Cars Have Gears?

Leasing an Electric Car vs Leasing a Petrol Car

The cost comparison is not only about fuel and servicing.

Monthly vehicle costs also matter.

Car Leasing allows drivers to compare electric and petrol vehicles without worrying about future resale values.

Electric car leasing can provide access to newer EV technology with predictable monthly payments, while petrol car leasing remains a popular choice for drivers who regularly travel long distances or do not have convenient charging access.

Comparing both options can help identify the most cost-effective solution based on your mileage, budget and driving habits.

Electric vs Petrol: Which Offers Better Value?

For many UK drivers, electric vehicles now offer lower running costs than comparable petrol cars.

The biggest savings usually come from:

• Lower cost per mile

• Reduced charging costs compared with fuel costs

• Lower servicing requirements

• More predictable running expenses

Petrol cars still suit some drivers, particularly those who frequently travel long distances or cannot charge at home.

The right choice depends on your individual circumstances, but when looking purely at running costs, electric cars are often the cheaper option.