How an EV compares with a petrol car to run

Electric cars are generally cheaper to "fuel" than petrol cars, but the true running cost is about more than just the price of electricity versus fuel. Road user charges, charging at home versus public fast chargers, and how far you drive each year all move the number.

Charging at home is almost always the cheapest way to run an EV, especially if you are on an off-peak electricity plan. Public DC fast chargers are quicker but cost more per kilometre, so the mix of home and public charging matters a lot to the final figure.

What this calculator includes

It adds up your annual electricity cost, the road user charge for the distance you cover, and compares that against the cost of petrol for the same distance. You can adjust the electricity price, fuel price and RUC rate to match your own situation.

A note on these figures

Prices change, so treat the result as a guide. Check your own power bill for the electricity rate you actually pay, and use the fuel price at your local station for the fairest comparison.