Electric vs Petrol Cars: Which Costs Less to Own, and Which Suits Your Life?

Run your own numbers

Enter your annual mileage, local fuel and electricity prices, and the efficiency of the cars you are comparing. Petrol efficiency is in miles per gallon; electric efficiency is in miles per kilowatt-hour. Many EVs achieve around 3 to 4 miles per kWh in mixed driving, less in winter.

The calculator uses US gallons. If your fuel is priced per litre, multiply the litre price by 3.785 to get the gallon price.

Purchase price and incentives

In many markets, electric cars still cost more upfront than comparable petrol cars, although the gap has narrowed and some used EVs are now very affordable. Government incentives come and go, and their rules change often, so check current national and local schemes before you buy rather than relying on old articles. Some electricity companies also offer discounts on home chargers or special overnight tariffs.

Charging in real life

If you cannot charge at home or work and rely on rapid chargers, the running-cost advantage can shrink considerably, sometimes to the point where an efficient hybrid is cheaper. Look at chargers near your home and on routes you drive regularly before deciding.

Range and the weather

Official range figures are measured under test conditions. Expect less in cold weather, when the battery is less efficient and heating draws power, and at sustained high speeds. Pre-heating the car while it is still plugged in helps in winter. For most daily driving, modern EV ranges are more than enough. Long, frequent motorway trips are where planning matters most.

Maintenance and running costs

Get insurance quotes on the specific models you are considering; some EVs are expensive to repair after a crash. Our guide to finding cheaper insurance explains how to compare.

Batteries and resale

EV batteries generally lose capacity gradually rather than failing suddenly, and many manufacturers warrant them for around eight years or a set mileage. When buying a used EV, ask for a battery health report and check the remaining warranty. Resale values for EVs have been more volatile than for petrol cars, partly because new models and price cuts arrive quickly, so factor that uncertainty into your plans.

Hybrids: the middle path

A conventional hybrid charges itself and needs no plug, and can cut fuel use dramatically in town. A plug-in hybrid offers a short electric range for daily trips and a petrol engine for longer journeys, but only saves money if you actually plug it in. For drivers without home charging, a hybrid is often the practical choice. See our list of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2026.

Total cost of ownership: a simple framework

Running costs are only part of the picture. To compare two cars fairly, estimate each of these over the number of years you expect to keep the car, then add them up.

Over four or five years, a car that costs more to buy can still be cheaper overall, and the reverse can be true for drivers with low mileage or expensive electricity. The framework protects you from deciding on a single number.

Which suits you?

Ratings, prices and model details change between model years and markets. Confirm current figures with official sources and the manufacturer before you buy.