EV vs Petrol Running Costs Compared
How much cheaper is an EV to run than a petrol car? A practical comparison of energy costs, maintenance, and cost per mile.
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How EV running costs differ from petrol
Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to fuel. Electricity costs around 5–8p per mile, while petrol costs 15–20p per mile at current prices. The difference comes from two factors:
- Electricity is cheaper per unit of energy than petrol
- Electric motors are much more efficient than combustion engines
Home charging vs public charging
Where you charge makes a big difference:
| Charging method | Typical cost per kWh | Cost per mile (3.5 mi/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Home (standard tariff) | 24.5p | 7p |
| Home (EV tariff, off-peak) | 7–10p | 2–3p |
| Public (slow/fast) | 40–60p | 11–17p |
| Public (rapid/ultra-rapid) | 60–85p | 17–24p |
Maintenance differences
EVs typically cost less to maintain because they have fewer moving parts — no oil changes, no exhaust system, and regenerative braking means brake pads last longer. Average EV maintenance is £200–£400/year vs £500–£800/year for petrol.
Why results vary
Running costs depend heavily on your mileage, charging habits, tariff, and vehicle efficiency. Winter range can drop 20–30% for EVs, and public charging costs more than home charging.
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Use our EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator to compare running costs based on your actual driving and energy prices.
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Last updated
Last reviewed: 2026-04-12T13:47:06.590Z.