Electric car running costs UK
Thinking about switching to an EV? Running costs—not just the sticker price—often decide whether electric makes financial sense. This guide covers charging, tax, servicing and how to compare fairly against petrol.
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Reviewed by: James Hartley, Independent personal finance editorLast updated:
Disclaimer
This calculator is for estimation only. It is not financial advice and does not represent a lending decision. Your actual affordability and car finance options in the UK depend on your circumstances and the criteria of individual UK lenders. Always check real quotes from lenders or speak to a regulated financial adviser before committing.
Compare EV vs petrol running costs
Summary
The EV is estimated to cost £715 less per year to run (£3,575 over 5 years).
With a £7,000 higher EV purchase price, running-cost savings could offset the premium in roughly 9.8 years (ignoring resale value and finance).
Total cost of ownership over 5 years (purchase + running): petrol £33,559, EV £36,984. Petrol ahead by £3,425.
Petrol running costs
~808 litres of fuel per year
- Fuel per year
- £1,172
- VED + servicing
- £540
- Total per year
- £1,712
- Total over 5 years
- £8,559
EV running costs
~2400 kWh per year
- Charging per year
- £797
- VED + servicing
- £200
- Total per year
- £997
- Total over 5 years
- £4,984
Estimates only. Actual fuel and electricity prices, efficiency, tax bands and servicing vary. Resale value, insurance, finance costs and home charger installation are not included.
Check your finance options
Use the calculators on this site to see a rough budget, then check live offers with UK finance providers. We are not a lender and we do not make lending decisions—everything here is an estimate only.
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Charging costs explained
EV running costs hinge on how much energy you use and what you pay per kWh. Efficiency varies by model—small EVs might use 25–30 kWh per 100 miles; larger SUVs can use 40 kWh or more. Home charging on a standard or off-peak tariff is usually the cheapest option; motorway rapid chargers cost more per kWh but are convenient for occasional top-ups.
| Cost type | Typical EV | Typical petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel / energy (8k mi/yr) | ~£400–£700 | ~£900–£1,200 |
| Road tax (VED) | Often £0 | ~£190 |
| Servicing | ~£150–£250 | ~£250–£400 |
| Purchase price | Often higher new | Often lower equivalent |
Figures are illustrative ranges only. Use the calculator above with your own MPG, petrol price and charging tariff for a personalised estimate.
Mileage matters
The more you drive, the more you spend on fuel or charging—and the bigger the potential saving from cheaper per-mile EV energy. Commuters doing 15,000 miles per year often see the largest running-cost gap. Lower-mileage drivers may find the purchase price premium harder to recoup from fuel savings alone.
Affording the switch
Lower running costs do not automatically mean an EV fits your budget. Use our car affordability calculator to work out a monthly payment you can afford, then factor in charging and insurance when comparing quotes.
Electric car running costs – FAQs
What are the main running costs of an electric car in the UK?
The main costs are electricity for charging, road tax (VED), insurance, servicing and tyres. Charging is usually the biggest variable—home charging on a good tariff is typically much cheaper per mile than petrol, while public rapid charging can be closer to petrol costs.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car per year?
It depends on miles driven, efficiency (kWh per 100 miles) and your electricity rate. A car using 30 kWh per 100 miles and driving 8,000 miles per year consumes about 2,400 kWh. At 24p/kWh that is roughly £576 per year—use our EV charging cost calculator for your figures.
Do electric cars pay road tax in the UK?
Zero-emission electric cars currently pay £0 standard VED in many cases, while most petrol and diesel cars pay the standard rate (often around £190 per year for older bands). Rules change over time, so check the latest VED bands when comparing.
Are EV servicing costs lower than petrol?
Often yes. EVs have fewer moving parts—no oil changes, exhaust or clutch—which can mean lower routine servicing. Tyres and brake fluid still need attention, and battery health matters long term, but annual service bills are commonly lower than petrol equivalents.
Sources & notes
Our calculators and guides draw on publicly available UK guidance. We review content periodically but do not guarantee that external sources remain unchanged. See our about page for how we use these tools.
Sources
- MoneyHelper – Electric and hybrid cars
UK-focused guidance on EV ownership costs and considerations.
- GOV.UK – Vehicle tax rates
Official VED bands referenced in running-cost comparisons.
- MoneyHelper – How to find the right way to buy a car
General guidance on budgeting and car finance options in the UK.
- MoneyHelper – Work out your budget
Household budgeting principles used alongside affordability rules of thumb.
Compliance notes
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