EV Vs Petrol Comparison
Thinking about going electric? Compare the estimated annual running cost of an electric car against a petrol or diesel equivalent, so you can see which could work out cheaper for your mileage.
What The Comparison Shows
- Estimated annual fuel vs charging for each option
- The likely cheaper choice for your mileage
- How mileage changes things EVs often suit higher-mileage drivers
- A starting point for a fuller buying decision
How The Comparison Works
The tool estimates the fuel cost of a petrol or diesel car and the charging cost of an electric one, using your mileage and the prices you enter. It focuses on energy cost, which is where EVs often differ most. Other factors like purchase price, insurance and depreciation matter too, so treat the result as one part of the decision.
What Changes The EV Vs Petrol Result?
The same car can look cheap or expensive depending on how it is used.
| Comparison factor | How it can change the result |
|---|---|
| Home charging access | Regular home charging usually gives an EV its strongest cost advantage. |
| Public charging mix | Frequent rapid charging can make EV running costs closer to petrol or diesel. |
| Annual mileage | Higher mileage gives energy-cost differences more time to add up. |
| Insurance and depreciation | These are outside the energy calculation but can affect the overall decision. |
How To Compare EV And Petrol
Enter a few figures for each.
Enter Your Mileage
Your typical yearly distance.
Add The Petrol Details
Economy and fuel price.
Add The EV Details
Efficiency and charging price, and compare.
What Our Expert Says
Free tools like these put official DVLA and DVSA data straight into drivers' hands. Used alongside a quick insurance comparison, they help you make a more informed decision about a vehicle before you commit, whether you are buying, selling or simply keeping your own car on the road.Co-Founder, Clean Green Cars
EV Vs Petrol FAQs
Are Electric Cars Always Cheaper To Run?
Not always. Home charging usually makes EVs cheaper per mile, but heavy reliance on public rapid charging can narrow or remove the gap. Your mileage matters too.
What About The Higher Purchase Price?
EVs can cost more to buy, so weigh the running-cost saving against the price difference over how long you plan to keep the car.
Does This Include Insurance?
The comparison focuses on energy cost. Insurance, tax and depreciation should be considered alongside it for a full picture.
Where Can I Check EV Grants?
See the UK electric vehicle grants tool for current schemes that could reduce the cost.
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK - Get Vehicle Information From DVLA - Check what vehicle details DVLA holds, including tax, MOT, fuel type and emissions data.
- GOV.UK - Check Vehicle Tax - Check whether a vehicle is taxed, when tax is due and whether it has been registered as off the road.
- GOV.UK - Check MOT Status - Check whether a vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and when the current MOT runs out.
- GOV.UK - Check MOT History - View past MOT results, recorded mileage, failures, advisories and certificate downloads.
- TfL - Check Your Vehicle - Check London ULEZ, LEZ and other charging rules for a vehicle.
