EV Running Cost Calculator UK
Calculate the energy used and running cost of an electric vehicle per trip and per km.
How it works
A discount reduces the original price by a percentage. The saving is the price times the discount; the sale price is what remains.
Sale price = Price × (1 − discount%)Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate an EV’s cost per mile?
Divide your unit rate by the car’s efficiency in miles per kWh. At 25p/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, that is about 7.1p per mile.
What is a typical EV efficiency?
Many EVs achieve roughly 3 to 4 miles per kWh, though this falls in cold weather and at higher speeds.
Is an EV cheaper to run than petrol?
Usually yes on fuel. In a typical example an EV costs around 7p per mile versus about 14p for a 45 mpg petrol car, though rates vary.
Why is public rapid charging more expensive?
Rapid chargers charge a premium per kWh over home electricity, sometimes several times more, raising the cost of long trips.
What is an EV tariff?
A special electricity tariff with cheap overnight rates for charging, which can cut home charging to a few pence per mile.
Does cold weather affect running cost?
Yes. Cold reduces efficiency and range, so cost per mile rises in winter compared with mild conditions.
What it costs to run an electric car
An EV’s running cost comes from how much electricity it uses and what that electricity costs. Efficiency is usually given as miles per kWh, and cost per mile combines that efficiency with your electricity unit rate in pence per kWh.
The calculation
Cost per mile = unit rate ÷ efficiency in miles per kWh. A car doing 3.5 miles per kWh charged at 25p per kWh costs 25 ÷ 3.5 ≈ 7.1p per mile. Over 1,000 miles that is about £71.
Comparing with petrol
A petrol car at 45 mpg with fuel at £1.40 a litre costs roughly 14p per mile — about double the EV in this example. Charging at home, especially on a cheap overnight EV tariff, is far cheaper than public rapid charging, which can cost several times the home rate.
Real costs depend on your tariff, where you charge, the weather and your driving. A dedicated overnight EV tariff can bring home charging down to a few pence per mile, while frequent rapid charging on long trips narrows the gap with petrol.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United Kingdom and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.