It’s one of the biggest motoring debates right now: electric vs petrol. But beyond performance and environmental concerns, most drivers want to know one thing — which is cheaper to run?
With the UK moving closer to the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular than ever. While EVs can cost more to buy initially, they’re often much cheaper to run in the long term thanks to lower charging and maintenance costs.
Are Electric Cars Cheaper to Run?
Although electric cars usually have a higher upfront purchase price, they can save drivers money over time. EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol cars, meaning lower servicing and maintenance costs, while electricity is generally cheaper than fuel.
For many drivers, the biggest saving comes from charging costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
The cost of charging an electric car at home depends on your electricity tariff and battery size. Most home wall-box chargers provide between 3kW and 22kW of power, with 7kW chargers being the most common option for UK households.
Charging overnight using an off-peak electricity tariff is usually the cheapest way to run an EV. On average, a full home charge for a typical electric car costs between £6 and £12 depending on battery size and energy prices.
Home charging can be done using:
- A standard three-pin plug socket
- A dedicated home wall-box charger
- Smart charging systems with off-peak scheduling
A home charger can also significantly reduce charging times compared to a standard socket.
To understand the real savings behind home charging, our guide on charging an electric car at home breaks down the costs, setup, and efficiency benefits.
How Much Does Public EV Charging Cost?
Public charging costs vary depending on:
- The charging network
- Charger speed
- Your vehicle’s battery size
- Whether you use rapid charging
The UK now has thousands of public charging stations available across motorway services, supermarkets, shopping centres, and workplaces.
Typical public charging costs include:
- Home charging: around £8–£12 for a full charge
- Workplace charging: often free
- Supermarket charging: sometimes free while shopping
- Rapid motorway charging: approximately £6–£10 for a short rapid top-up session
Some charging providers require users to create an account or use an app before accessing charging points.
Is Electricity Cheaper Than Petrol?
In most cases, yes. Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel when comparing cost per mile.
Electric vehicles can also help drivers save money through:
- Lower servicing costs
- Reduced maintenance
- Lower road tax in some cases
- Exemption from some Clean Air Zone charges
However, overall savings will depend on:
- Your mileage
- Charging habits
- Electricity tariffs
- Public charging usage
- The type of EV you own
And if you’re comparing long‑term running costs, our feature showing that electric vehicles are cheaper to run highlights why EVs can significantly undercut petrol cars in day‑to‑day expenses.
And to understand how factors like energy prices, efficiency, and vehicle type influence long‑term savings, our guide to car valuation breaks down the elements that shape the true cost difference between charging and fuelling.
Should You Switch from Petrol to Electric?
If you regularly drive long distances or spend a lot on fuel, switching to electric could reduce your running costs significantly over time.
While buying an electric car may require a larger upfront investment, lower day-to-day costs can make ownership more affordable in the long run.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, selling your current car could help fund your next electric vehicle.
With Jamjar, you can compare offers from trusted UK car buyers, get a free online valuation, and sell your car quickly and hassle-free.