Is an electric car cheaper to run than petrol in the UK?

Often yes on fuel/charging plus road tax and servicing, especially if you charge mostly at home. Higher mileage strengthens the case. Purchase price, insurance and public charging can change the overall picture—use the calculator with your figures.

What costs does this EV vs petrol calculator include?

It estimates fuel or charging, VED and servicing for a chosen annual mileage. Optional purchase prices help compare total cost of ownership over five years. Insurance, finance interest and home charger installation are not included.

Where can I see a 15,000 miles example?

Use our pre-filled EV vs petrol at 15,000 miles page for a common UK commuting mileage, or change the mileage in this calculator.

Petrol vs electric car running cost calculator UK

Compare electric and petrol running costs for the same annual mileage. Enter fuel economy, petrol price, EV efficiency and charging rates to see estimated fuel, tax and servicing costs side by side. Estimates only—not financial or tax advice.

Reviewed by: Oliver Burton, Editor · Last updated: 08 June 2026

Petrol

Fuel / year: £1,172
Total running / year: £1,722
TCO over 5 years: £33,609

Electric

Charging / year: £835
Total running / year: £1,235
TCO over 5 years: £38,176

Annual running-cost difference: £487 cheaper for EV. TCO difference over 5 years: £4,567. Approximate break-even: 14.4 years.

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.

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 lender's criteria.

Reading the results

The summary shows annual and five-year running-cost differences, and optionally how long running-cost savings take to offset a higher EV purchase price. For charging-only detail use the EV charging cost calculator. High-mileage drivers may prefer the 15,000 miles comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Is an electric car cheaper to run than petrol in the UK?: Often yes on fuel/charging plus road tax and servicing, especially if you charge mostly at home. Higher mileage strengthens the case. Purchase price, insurance and public charging can change the overall picture—use the calculator with your figures.
What costs does this EV vs petrol calculator include?: It estimates fuel or charging, VED and servicing for a chosen annual mileage. Optional purchase prices help compare total cost of ownership over five years. Insurance, finance interest and home charger installation are not included.
Where can I see a 15,000 miles example?: Use our pre-filled EV vs petrol at 15,000 miles page for a common UK commuting mileage, or change the mileage in this calculator.

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.

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.
FCA – Consumer credit and your rights
Regulatory context for regulated car finance agreements.
FCA Handbook – CONC 5.2A (creditworthiness and affordability)
How FCA-regulated lenders must assess affordability (illustrative reference).
Black Horse – Car finance (sample lender information)
Example of how a major UK motor-finance provider describes its products.
Santander – Car finance (sample lender information)
Example lender product information; rates and criteria vary by provider.

Compliance notes

Car Affordability UK is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We do not provide regulated financial advice, credit broking or lending.
Calculator outputs are illustrative estimates based on the inputs you provide and published third-party guidance. They are not quotes, offers of credit or lending decisions.
FCA-regulated lenders apply their own affordability assessments, which may differ from the percentage rules of thumb used on this site. Always check formal terms before signing any agreement.
We may earn commission if you follow links to third-party finance comparison services. This does not affect how our calculators work or how content is reviewed.