Tools

EV vs petrol running costs

Compare the fuel cost of an electric car with a petrol car for the miles you drive.

Last updated 19 October 2026
Last checked 19 October 2026Rates: DESNZ weekly pump price and the Ofgem price cap
miles a year

Not sure? Compare the mileage on your last two MOT certificates.

miles per kWh
p/kWh
mpg
p a litre

Adds the pay-per-mile tax to the electric car.

Electric vs petrol

This is an estimate, not advice.

See how we worked this out
  1. Electric: miles ÷ miles per kWh × electricity rate, plus eVED if you include it.
  2. Petrol: miles ÷ mpg × 4.546 litres per gallon × petrol price.
  3. Fuel and electricity only. Servicing, insurance and VED are not included.
Values used
ValueUsedSource
Petrol price175.28 p a litreDESNZ, weekly road fuel prices
Default petrol economy Our estimate. Change it to match your car.45 mpgCurrent Living estimate
Default EV efficiency3.3 miles per kWhEV Database UK, energy consumption
Default EV electricity rate26.32 p/kWhOfgem, energy price cap
Default yearly mileage7100 milesDfT, National Travel Survey 2025

Sources

  1. DESNZ, weekly road fuel prices Checked 19 October 2026
  2. Current Living estimate Checked 19 October 2026
  3. EV Database UK, energy consumption Checked 19 October 2026
  4. Ofgem, energy price cap Checked 19 October 2026
  5. DfT, National Travel Survey 2025 Checked 19 October 2026
  6. DESNZ; Ofgem Checked 19 October 2026

Next review 19 November 2026.