How much does it cost to run an electric car?
Petrol, diesel or electric? The answer depends on how far you drive, what your vehicle uses and—crucially—where you charge. Compare your own figures rather than relying on yesterday's fuel prices.
Compare your costsAn electric car can cost considerably less to fuel when charged at home, especially overnight. But charging at expensive public rapid chargers can narrow—and sometimes reverse—the advantage. Below is a worked example, followed by a calculator you can tailor to your own mileage and prices.
Compare petrol, diesel and EV running costs
Worked example, not a quotation or live price feed
Figures below are editable starting examples, not prices offered by NOD and not guaranteed pump or tariff rates. The preset petrol/diesel figures reflect UK reported averages on 26 October 2026; the standard electricity example uses Ofgem's published October–December 2026 average unit rate, which is stated excluding VAT. Check your own bills, tariff and local pumps before comparing.
Estimated annual energy/fuel cost
Loading calculation…
Method: UK imperial gallon = 4.54609 litres. EV battery energy = miles ÷ miles/kWh. Estimated purchased electricity is increased for selected charging losses. Energy cost uses the chosen split between home standard, home off-peak and public rapid charging. Comparisons exclude vehicle purchase, depreciation, tax, maintenance, insurance, standing charges and variations in driving conditions.
Why the way you charge matters
Home standard rate: convenient, but not always the cheapest. Home off-peak: a smart EV charger and an appropriate tariff can shift suitable charging into lower-priced periods. Public rapid charging: valuable on longer journeys, though often considerably more expensive per kWh. Actual charging efficiency varies with vehicle, temperature, battery level and charging equipment.
FAQs about EV running costs
Is an EV always cheaper to run than petrol or diesel?
No. It depends on electricity prices, fuel prices, actual efficiencies and charging location. Overnight home charging can be very economical; expensive rapid charging can narrow the advantage.
Do I need a dedicated charger to benefit from off-peak rates?
Not always, but a professionally installed smart home charger usually makes scheduled, convenient and controlled charging easier. Suitability depends on the vehicle, tariff and installation.
Why do I need a charging-loss allowance?
Some of the electricity drawn from the supply is lost in charging electronics, cables and battery conditioning. The calculator lets you choose a percentage allowance instead of assuming perfect efficiency.
What does miles per kWh mean?
It is the electrical equivalent of miles per gallon: how far the EV drives for each kWh of battery energy. The higher the number, the less electricity it needs per mile.
Does the calculator automatically update fuel prices?
No. It deliberately does not claim to use live prices. Update the input fields with your own current tariff and local fuel costs for a realistic comparison.
Related EV charging advice and services
We install chargers from all major manufacturers. The brands featured elsewhere on the site are examples, not a complete list.
Make your charging setup work for you
NOD Electrical Services installs EV charging equipment for homes and businesses across Streatham and South London. We'll assess supply capacity, protection, cable route, suitable equipment and smart charging options before providing an estimate.
Request an EstimateIllustrative comparison prepared 26 October 2026. Reference sources: Fuel price tracker (reported UK pump averages, 26 October 2026) and Ofgem October–December 2026 cap (national average default electricity unit rate, excludes VAT). These are editable benchmarks, not live price quotes. Confirm your specific tariff and VAT treatment. Off-peak and rapid charging inputs are hypothetical illustrations.