Use this calculator to compare the cost of charging an electric car versus running a petrol vehicle in the UK.
Understanding the difference in energy costs can help you decide which option is more cost-effective based on your driving habits.
Compare Charging vs Petrol Costs
Enter your driving details below to estimate and compare electric and petrol costs.
Is Charging Cheaper Than Petrol in the UK?
In most cases, charging an electric car is cheaper than petrol per mile, especially when charging at home.
However, public fast charging can be more expensive and reduce the cost advantage of electric vehicles.
Example Cost Comparison
For a typical driver:
- Petrol car → around 15p–25p per mile
- Electric car → around 6p–12p per mile
Electric vehicles are usually cheaper to run, particularly for high mileage drivers.
What Affects Charging vs Petrol Costs?
- Fuel price per litre
- Electricity price per kWh
- Vehicle efficiency
- Charging method (home vs public)
- Driving conditions
When Is Charging Cheaper Than Petrol?
- When charging at home
- For high mileage drivers
- When electricity prices are low
When Is Petrol Cheaper Than Charging?
- When relying on expensive public chargers
- For low mileage driving
- If electricity prices are high
Cost of Charging vs Petrol UK – FAQs
Is charging cheaper than petrol in the UK?
Yes. Charging an electric vehicle is usually cheaper than petrol, especially when charging at home.
How much cheaper is electric compared to petrol?
Electric charging can cost up to 50% less per mile compared to petrol depending on energy prices.
Related Calculators
Electric vs Petrol Cost Calculator UK
EV Charging Cost Calculator UK
Fuel Cost Calculator UK
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