Cost of Running an Electric Car vs Petrol in the UK

The choice between electric cars and petrol cars in the UK is a topic of growing interest. By understanding their differences in running costs you can make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and financial goals.

This article explores key aspects such as the base price, fuel and charging costs, maintenance and taxation, to highlight the advantages of each option.

Key Differences Between Electric and Petrol Cars

Electric cars and petrol cars differ in their energy sources, emissions, and maintenance needs, each offering unique benefits:

Energy Source

Electric vehicles (BEVs) run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, while petrol cars use internal combustion engines (ICE) powered by fossil fuels.

Emissions

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) produce near-zero emissions when charged with renewable energy, supporting clean air zones and reducing urban pollution.

Petrol cars, while efficient, generate on average 132g/km, according to the Department for Transport.

Additionally, extracting, refining and transporting petrol requires a lot of energy, whereas electricity – especially when using solar panels – has a much lower impact, sometimes reaching zero or close-to-zero emissions.

Noise Levels

BEVs are quieter, improving the environment not just by promoting cleaner air but through reducing noise pollution.

Maintenance

With fewer moving parts, BEVs often have lower maintenance costs compared to petrol cars, which require regular oil changes and more frequent servicing.

Efficiency

On average, EVs convert up to 70% of energy into motion, compared to 20-30% for petrol engines. With models like the CUPRA Born, a single charge can take you further with less impact on the environment.

Electric vehicles like the CUPRA Born or the CUPRA Tavascan not only maximise energy efficiency but also provide up to 3 times more range compared to petrol vehicles using the same amount of energy. This makes them a more sustainable and economical choice for everyday driving.

Average Running Expenses for Electric Cars and Petrol Cars in the UK

The table below outlines the estimated costs¹ in the UK for a 3-year ownership period, based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles, with the assumption that 10% of EV charging will occur at public charging stations.

*Electric cost based on the Octopus Go tariff from Octopus Energy at €0.08311 per kWh (7 pence/UK).

* Fuel cost based on €1.585 per litre.

Note: Estimates based on an average mileage of 10,000 miles per year.

By choosing the CUPRA Born electric vehicle over the CUPRA Leon petrol model, drivers can save approximately £170 per month.⁷

These savings come from lower energy costs and reduced servicing expenses. Over time, the monthly savings add up significantly.

Try our running cost calculator for further details.

Calculate EV cost savings

Running Costs: The Core Comparison

Running costs significantly influence vehicle ownership decisions, revealing where savings can be made:

• Fuel Costs: Charging an EV at home is generally the most economical option. Public charging points may increase costs slightly, but off-street parking with a home charger ensures maximum savings.
• Government Incentives: Grants and tax benefits for electric cars, like the Plug-in Grant or reduced company car tax for zero-emission vehicles, make EVs more affordable both upfront and in the long run.

Upfront Costs and Long-Term Value

While electric cars often have a higher initial price due to advanced battery technology, this gap is narrowing. Prices for electric cars are coming down thanks to innovation and competition. Additionally, government initiatives like vehicle excise duty exemptions for EVs make them more attractive.

Maintenance and Servicing: Saving Over Time

Electric vehicles excel in reducing long-term maintenance costs. Without oil changes or complex engine systems, EV owners save significantly on routine upkeep. Additionally, regenerative braking extends the lifespan of brake components.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have significantly lower maintenance requirements compared to petrol cars, as they don’t feature components that typically require servicing or replacement. These include the exhaust system, clutch, fuel system parts, timing belt, spark plugs, alternator, starter motor and complex multi-speed transmissions.

EVs also avoid issues related to engine oil changes, radiators and air intake systems. With fewer moving parts and no combustion engine, EVs reduce the risk of wear and tear, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs.

Are Battery Replacements Expensive?

EV batteries, like all lithium-ion counterparts do naturally degrade over time. However, CUPRA provides reassurance. Every new CUPRA EV is backed by a 5-year/90,000-mile warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty.

Taxation and Road Costs

Road tax exemptions for BEVs are a significant financial advantage. Even with upcoming changes in vehicle excise duty, electric cars remain cost-effective. For company car drivers, EVs offer lower benefit-in-kind (BiK) rates, making them ideal for fleet use.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Electric cars contribute to a cleaner environment, especially in clean air zones where petrol and diesel cars face additional charges. Drivers in urban areas benefit from exemptions like the London congestion charge, further reducing the cost of ownership.

Is an Electric Vehicle (EV) Right For You?

In most cases, yes. The key considerations are charging access and your driving habits. Transitioning to an EV is more straightforward than you might expect – 94% of CUPRA EV owners are satisfied with their choice, and none would revert to petrol or diesel.

To find out more about the cost of owning an electric car, explore our article on diesel vs electric vehicles.