Understanding the Cost of Charging an Electric Vehicle: A Comparison with Petrol and Diesel Cars

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged in popularity due to their environmental benefits, innovative technology, and the promise of lower running costs. A common question that many car owners have when switching to electric is: What is the cost of charging an electric vehicle, and how does it compare with the fuel costs of petrol and diesel cars? In this article, we will break down the cost of charging an EV and compare it to the expenses of owning a petrol or diesel car.

1. The Cost of Charging an Electric Vehicle

The cost of charging an EV depends on several factors, including your electricity tariff, the size of the battery, and how efficiently your vehicle uses energy. On average, the cost of charging an EV at home can range from £8 to £15 for a full charge, depending on the model of the car and the electricity rate.

At Home Charging

Charging your electric vehicle at home using a standard domestic power socket typically costs around £0.14 - £0.18 per kWh. This translates to roughly £8 to £15 to fully charge a car with a 40 to 75 kWh battery, offering a range of 150 to 300 miles on a full charge. This is a significant saving compared to the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel vehicle.

Public Charging Stations

When charging at public stations, the price per kWh can vary significantly. Fast chargers can cost anywhere from £0.25 to £0.40 per kWh, and ultra-rapid chargers can be even more expensive. The price also varies depending on the charging network and location. However, even with public charging, the cost is often lower than petrol or diesel fuel.

2. Petrol and Diesel Fuel Costs

Now, let's compare the cost of charging an EV with the cost of running a petrol or diesel car.

Petrol Cars

As of early 2025, the average price of petrol in the UK is around £1.45 per litre. On average, a petrol car consumes about 6 to 8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. This means it would cost around £9 to £12 to drive 100 miles in a petrol car. For a car with a petrol tank size of 50 litres, a full tank would typically cost £72.5 and give a range of around 400-500 miles.

Diesel Cars

The average cost of diesel in the UK is currently about £1.55 per litre. Diesel cars are generally more fuel-efficient than petrol cars, consuming around 5 to 7 litres per 100 kilometres. For a range of 100 miles, this would cost between £8 to £11 in fuel. With a 50-litre diesel tank, you can expect a full tank to cost approximately £77.5, offering a similar range of 450-600 miles.

3. Cost Comparison: Electric Vehicles vs Petrol & Diesel Cars

Let’s put the numbers into perspective by comparing the cost of driving 100 miles in each vehicle type.

Electric Vehicles

With an EV, assuming an average electricity cost of £0.15 per kWh and an energy efficiency of 4 miles per kWh, you’d spend roughly £3.75 to drive 100 miles. Even if you were using a public charging station with higher rates, the cost would still be considerably lower than petrol or diesel.

Petrol Cars

In contrast, driving 100 miles in a petrol car would cost you £9 to £12, depending on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Diesel Cars

For diesel cars, the cost of driving 100 miles would be around £8 to £11, which is comparable to or slightly cheaper than petrol cars but still significantly more than the cost of driving an EV.

4. Maintenance and Longevity: EVs vs Petrol/Diesel

Beyond just the charging and fuel costs, electric vehicles also tend to have lower maintenance expenses. EVs have fewer moving parts compared to petrol or diesel engines, which means fewer components that can break down or require regular servicing. For example, EVs do not need oil changes, and brake wear is less significant due to regenerative braking.

While petrol and diesel cars require periodic maintenance of exhaust systems, fuel injectors, and other engine parts, EVs only require maintenance on their electric motors, brakes, tires, and charging systems. Over the long term, this could mean substantial savings for EV owners.

5. Environmental Impact and Financial Incentives

Electric vehicles are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a sustainable choice in the fight against climate change. Additionally, the UK government offers various incentives for EV owners, such as the Plug-in Car Grant and tax exemptions on road tax, further reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Conclusion: Is Switching to an Electric Vehicle Worth It?

When it comes to the cost of running a vehicle, electric vehicles are undoubtedly cheaper in terms of fuel costs compared to petrol and diesel cars. Even though public charging stations can add some cost, charging an EV at home remains a highly economical option. When combined with the reduced maintenance costs and environmental benefits, it's clear that switching to an electric vehicle is a smart financial decision for many drivers.

If you're considering switching to an electric vehicle, www.eeeve.co.uk can help guide you through the process, offering information on the best EV options and charging solutions available in the UK.