EV vs petrol: the real cost per mile
Published on 2026-06-08
Beyond the purchase price, what does it actually cost to run an EV versus a petrol car day to day? It hinges enormously on where you charge.
Petrol: cost per 100 miles
A petrol car doing 45 mpg, with petrol at £1.40/L, spends roughly £14 per 100 miles. Choosing a cheaper forecourt (say £1.32/L) trims that — small per-litre gaps that add up.
EV: charging at home vs out
On a cheap overnight home tariff (~7-10p/kWh) at 3.3 mi/kWh, 100 miles costs about £2-£3 — far less than petrol. But on a rapid public charger (60-80p/kWh) those 100 miles cost £18-£24, as much as or more than petrol.
So which is cheaper?
If you can charge at home or work, the EV wins comfortably per mile. If you rely on public rapid charging, the advantage shrinks or vanishes. Either way, picking the cheapest point — pump or charger — is what moves the needle.
FAQ
Is an EV always cheaper to run?
Only if you charge cheaply (home/overnight or low-cost chargers). With expensive rapid charging, cost per mile can match or beat petrol.
How much to charge 100 miles in the UK?
From ~£2 on a cheap home tariff to ~£24 on a pricey rapid charger, at around 3.3 miles/kWh.
Always find the cheapest option
Refil shows the cheapest petrol station or EV charger near you on the map, with official UK fuel prices. Download it free on the App Store.
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