Are EVs really cheaper to run than petrol cars?

Yes, EVs are significantly cheaper per mile for fuel — typically 5-8p per mile on home electricity versus 15-20p for petrol. EVs also have lower servicing costs with no oil changes, fewer brake replacements (due to regenerative braking), and no exhaust system. However, the higher purchase price means breakeven takes 3-5 years for many buyers.

What about road tax for EVs?

EVs registered before April 2025 paid zero road tax. From April 2025, new EVs pay the standard flat rate (currently £190/year). This calculator focuses on fuel and servicing costs — add your road tax separately if needed.

Should I include depreciation?

Depreciation varies hugely by model and is hard to predict for EVs. If you want to account for it, include the estimated depreciation in the purchase price or compare total cost of ownership for the same ownership period.

What efficiency should I use for the EV?

A typical EV achieves 3.0-4.5 mi/kWh in real-world UK driving. Check your specific model's rated efficiency and reduce it by 15-20% for a realistic estimate.

Is an EV really cheaper to run than petrol?

Yes, for most drivers. Fuel costs are 60-80% lower when charging at home. Maintenance costs are lower (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking). However, EVs cost more to buy and depreciate faster currently. The break-even point is typically 3-4 years for average mileage drivers.

CarCalcs

EV vs Petrol Calculator

Compare the total running costs of an EV versus a petrol car.

Annual Mileage

Ownership Period

Electric Vehicle

EV Purchase Price

EV Efficiency

Electricity Rate

Annual Service Cost

Petrol Car

Petrol Car Purchase Price

Petrol MPG (UK)

Petrol Price

Annual Service Cost

How We Calculate This

This calculator compares all the major running costs between an EV and a petrol car over your chosen ownership period.

The Formulas

EV annual fuel = (Annual miles / Efficiency) x Electricity rate
Petrol annual fuel = (Annual miles / MPG) x 4.54609 x Fuel price
Total cost = Purchase price + (Annual fuel x Years) + (Annual service x Years)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Work out the cost to charge your EV at home or at public chargers.

Battery Degradation Calculator

Estimate how your EV battery capacity will decrease over time.

Home Charger Calculator

Calculate the payback period for installing a home EV charger.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.