EV vs Petrol Car Running Costs in the UK 2026

Per mile, an EV on an off-peak tariff costs under 2p. A petrol car costs about 18p at October 2026 pump prices. Here's the full comparison.

The Electric Divide: Unpacking EV vs. Petrol Running Costs in the UK for 2026

The rumble of change in the UK automotive landscape is undeniable. With ambitious net-zero targets and a looming 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche choice but a mainstream consideration for millions of Britons. For many, however, the perceived cost of ownership remains a significant hurdle. Here at Power Guardian UK, we've delved deep into the numbers for 2026, comparing the true running costs of EVs against their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, and the results are stark. The headline figure is compelling: an EV charging on an optimised off-peak tariff can cost under 2p per mile (1.9p), against roughly 18p per mile for a petrol car at October 2026 pump prices. But let's unpick the layers to understand the full picture.

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The Core Calculation: Fuel vs. Electricity per Mile

Our analysis, updated in November 2026 with current electricity rates and pump prices, clearly demonstrates the significant cost advantage of charging an EV, especially at home.

| Vehicle Type | Energy/Fuel Source | Unit Cost (November 2026) | Efficiency Assumption | Cost Per Mile (Pence) | Notes | |:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---| | EV (Optimised Home Charging) | Electricity (Off-peak, e.g., Intelligent Octopus Go) | 7.5p/kWh | 4 miles/kWh | 1.9p | Assumes dedicated EV tariff with cheap overnight rates. | | EV (Standard Home Charging) | Electricity (Standard tariff) | 26p/kWh | 4 miles/kWh | 6.5p | Ofgem price cap, Oct–Dec 2026 (26.32p/kWh GB average, rounded). | | EV (Public Rapid Charger) | Electricity (Public network) | 75p/kWh | 4 miles/kWh | 18.75p | Reflects premium for speed and convenience; often variable. | | Petrol Car | Unleaded Petrol | £1.74/litre | 45 miles/gallon (9.9 miles/litre) | 17.6p | UK average pump price, October 2026; combined urban/motorway driving. | | Diesel Car | Diesel | £1.99/litre | 55 miles/gallon (12.1 miles/litre) | 16.4p | UK average pump price, October 2026; combined urban/motorway driving. |

Note: Pump prices and electricity rates change often. These figures use October 2026 average pump prices and the Oct–Dec 2026 electricity rate; your own costs depend on your tariff, car and driving style.

Let's break down the assumptions:

EV Efficiency (4 miles/kWh): This is a realistic average for many popular EV models (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Hyundai IONIQ 5, VW ID.3) under mixed driving conditions. Factors like extreme weather, aggressive driving, and heavy loads can decrease efficiency. Some smaller, more aerodynamic EVs might achieve 5-6 miles/kWh, further lowering costs. Ofgem Price Cap & Tariffs: 7.5p/kWh (Off-peak): This reflects the rates offered by dedicated EV tariffs such as Intelligent Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric and E.ON Next Drive Smart, which typically charge about 7p to 9.5p/kWh overnight. These tariffs typically offer significantly cheaper electricity for a few hours overnight (e.g., 12:30 am to 4:30 am), ideal for home charging. While the main unit rate for these tariffs might be higher outside of these hours, intelligent charging systems ensure most EV charging happens during the low-cost window. Off-peak rates vary by region and change from time to time, so check your own quote. 26p/kWh (Standard Tariff): This is Ofgem's price cap electricity unit rate for Oct–Dec 2026 (26.32p/kWh, GB average, Direct Debit), rounded. It is what consumers on a standard variable tariff without a specific EV tariff pay. The cap changes every quarter, so check the current rate. It's crucial to note that regional variations exist; for instance, customers in the North West or London might pay slightly more or less than those in Yorkshire or Scotland due to differing distribution network charges. 75p/kWh (Public Rapid): This is a conservative average for rapid DC charging networks (e.g., GRIDSERVE, Instavolt, Osprey, IONITY) that can charge an EV from 10% to 80% in 20-40 minutes. These services command a premium for speed and the extensive infrastructure required. Costs can vary from 60p/kWh to over £1/kWh depending on the network, speed, and time of day. Fuel Prices: £1.74/litre for Petrol, £1.99/litre for Diesel: These are UK average pump prices in October 2026, after prices rose sharply following the conflict in the Middle East (petrol averaged about 132p a litre in February 2026). UK fuel prices are subject to significant taxes (fuel duty and VAT), which largely dictate the pump price. ICE Efficiency: 45 mpg (Petrol): Represents a fairly efficient modern petrol car, often achieved in a mix of driving conditions. Smaller city cars or hybrid models might do better, while larger SUVs or older vehicles will do worse. 55 mpg (Diesel): Reflects the generally superior fuel economy of diesel engines, particularly on longer motorway journeys. However, sales of new diesel vehicles are plummeting due to environmental concerns and impending bans.

The Long-Term View: 5-Year Ownership Costs (10,000 miles/year)

Extending our per-mile analysis to a typical five-year ownership period, assuming an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles (a common figure for UK drivers), reveals a dramatic financial disparity.

| Scenario | Total Fuel/Energy Cost (5 Years) | Savings vs. Petrol (5 Years) | |:---|:---|:---| | EV (Optimised Home Charging) | £938 | £7,852 | | EV (Standard Home Charging) | £3,250 | £5,540 | | EV (Mixed Charging - 80% home/20% rapid) | £2,625 | £6,165 | | Petrol Car | £8,790 | - | | Diesel Car | £8,225 | - |