Are electric cars really cheaper to run?

Yes, in most cases. Electricity costs roughly 4-7p per mile compared to 12-18p per mile for petrol or diesel. EVs also have lower maintenance costs with no oil changes, fewer brake replacements, and no exhaust system. The higher purchase price is the main barrier.

Is diesel still cheaper than petrol?

For high-mileage drivers, diesel can still be cheaper per mile despite the higher fuel price. Diesel engines are typically 20-30% more fuel-efficient. The breakeven point is usually around 12,000-15,000 miles per year, above which diesel costs less in fuel.

How do hybrid costs compare?

Hybrids offer a middle ground — better fuel economy than petrol (especially in town), without the range anxiety or charging infrastructure concerns of EVs. Running costs are typically 15-25% less than equivalent petrol cars but more than full EVs.

What electricity rate should I use?

The UK average domestic rate is around 28p/kWh. If you have an EV tariff with off-peak charging (typically 7-9p/kWh overnight), use that rate for a more accurate comparison. Public charging costs 40-80p/kWh depending on the network and speed.

Does this include maintenance costs?

The advanced options allow you to add annual maintenance cost differences. EVs typically cost £200/year less to maintain than petrol cars, while diesels may cost £100/year more due to DPF and injector maintenance.

CarCalcs

Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator — Petrol vs Diesel vs EV vs Hybrid

Compare the annual fuel and running costs of petrol, diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles.

Annual Mileage

Total miles driven per year

Petrol Price

Current pump price per litre

Diesel Price

Current pump price per litre

Electricity Rate

Electricity cost per kWh

Petrol MPG

Your fuel economy in miles per gallon

Diesel MPG

Your fuel economy in miles per gallon

EV Efficiency

Ev efficiency in mi/kWh

Hybrid MPG

Your fuel economy in miles per gallon

How We Calculate This

How It Works

For each fuel type, the calculator works out:

Petrol/Diesel/Hybrid: (Annual miles / MPG) x 4.546 litres/gallon x price per litre
EV: (Annual miles / miles per kWh) x electricity rate per kWh
5-year projection: Compounds annual fuel price inflation to estimate future costs

Advanced options let you factor in maintenance cost differences between fuel types.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

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