Deciding between an electric car and a petrol one often comes down to more than the price on the windscreen. Running costs differ in several ways, and which works out cheaper depends heavily on how and where you drive.
Energy costs compared
Charging an EV at home overnight is generally cheaper per mile than filling up with petrol, particularly if you're on a suitable electricity tariff. That advantage narrows considerably if you rely mostly on public charging, especially rapid chargers, which can cost noticeably more per unit of energy. Petrol costs are more predictable in one sense, since the price is displayed clearly at every forecourt, but fluctuate with the wider market and offer no equivalent of a cheaper home rate.
Maintenance and servicing
Electric cars have fewer moving parts in the drivetrain, no oil changes, and brakes that often last longer thanks to regenerative braking taking some of the load. That tends to mean lower routine servicing costs over time. Battery health and any specialist components can bring their own costs if problems arise, though these are relatively uncommon issues in day-to-day ownership. Petrol cars have a more established servicing routine, with parts and labour widely available and generally well understood by any local garage.
Other costs to weigh up
Insurance can be higher for some EVs, partly reflecting the cost of specialist parts and repairs, so it's worth getting quotes for both before deciding. Depreciation also varies, and can be harder to predict for EVs given how quickly battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to develop. On the other hand, some running costs associated with petrol cars, such as regular oil changes, simply don't apply to an EV.
What actually decides it
For a driver who covers a lot of miles and can charge mainly at home, an EV often works out cheaper over time. For someone with low mileage, no home charging, or frequent long motorway trips reliant on public charging, the gap narrows or can even reverse.
There's no single right answer here — it depends on your mileage, where you can charge, and how long you plan to keep the car. Working out your own typical week, rather than relying on general assumptions, is the most reliable way to compare the two.
