How Much Does it Cost to Run an Electric Car

Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in the UK as more drivers look for environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives to petrol and diesel cars. One of the most common questions people ask before making the switch is how much it costs to run an electric car. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle, the size of the battery, where and how you charge it, and the tariff you are on. By looking closely at these elements, we can build a clear picture of the ongoing costs of electric vehicle ownership.

Understanding Running Costs

Running costs for electric cars are measured differently from petrol or diesel cars. Instead of filling up with litres of fuel, drivers use kilowatt hours of electricity. A kilowatt hour is the unit of energy you see on your household electricity bill. To calculate how much it costs to run an electric car, you need to understand both how many kilowatt hours your car consumes and the price you pay per kilowatt hour on your chosen tariff or charging point.

Battery Size and Energy Consumption

Electric car batteries vary significantly in size, from smaller 30 to 40 kWh packs in city cars to 60, 77 or even 100 kWh batteries in larger models. The size of the battery does not just affect how far the car can travel but also how much it costs to recharge. For example, if your electricity tariff at home is 30p per kWh, charging a 60 kWh battery from empty to full would cost around £18. In reality, drivers rarely charge from completely empty to completely full, so actual costs per session are often lower.

The efficiency of the car is also important. Some vehicles can achieve 4 to 5 miles per kWh, while others average closer to 3 miles per kWh. A driver who covers 1,000 miles in a month in a car that averages 4 miles per kWh would use around 250 kWh of electricity. At 30p per kWh, that equates to £75 in electricity costs.

Home Charging Costs

Charging at home is usually the most cost-effective way to run an electric car in the UK. Most households with off-street parking will have a dedicated home charger installed, which provides faster and safer charging than a standard three-pin plug. Using a smart home charger, drivers can often set charging times to take advantage of cheaper off-peak rates. Some suppliers now offer special electric vehicle tariffs with significantly reduced overnight prices, sometimes as low as 7p to 10p per kWh. On such a tariff, fully charging a 60 kWh battery might cost only £6, which is considerably cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel tank.

Public Charging Costs

Public charging can be more expensive, especially when using rapid or ultra-rapid chargers. Prices vary across networks, but costs often range from 55p to 85p per kWh. This reflects the speed and convenience of being able to recharge quickly while on the move. If you were to add 50 kWh at a rapid charger priced at 70p per kWh, the cost would be £35. For drivers who rely heavily on public charging, particularly rapid chargers, running costs can be higher than those who mainly charge at home.

Maintenance and Servicing

Another aspect of running costs is maintenance. Electric cars have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, which generally leads to lower servicing bills. There is no need for oil changes, exhaust systems, or complex gearboxes, and regenerative braking helps reduce wear on brake pads. While servicing is still required for safety checks and items like tyres and suspension, most owners will find that ongoing maintenance costs are lower than those of traditional vehicles.

Insurance and Tax

When considering the overall cost of running an electric car, it is also worth including insurance and tax. Insurance premiums can vary depending on the vehicle, driver profile, and availability of parts, but in many cases they are similar to conventional cars. Road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty, is currently zero for fully electric cars, which provides an immediate saving compared with petrol and diesel vehicles. Company car drivers may also benefit from favourable Benefit in Kind rates, which further reduce the cost of running an electric car for business use.

Charging Habits and Driving Style

The amount you spend on electricity will also depend on your charging habits and driving style. Charging little and often at home during off-peak times will cost less than relying on rapid public charging. Driving smoothly, maintaining steady speeds, and making use of regenerative braking will improve efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. Short urban trips tend to use less energy per mile compared with long motorway journeys, where higher speeds increase electricity use.

The Broader Picture

Although electricity prices have risen in recent years, electric cars still offer significant savings compared with petrol and diesel vehicles when charged at home on a standard or discounted tariff. When combined with lower servicing and maintenance costs, zero road tax, and the availability of workplace charging schemes, electric cars remain an attractive option for many UK drivers. For those who cannot install a home charger and must rely heavily on public charging, running costs can be higher, but they may still benefit from the environmental advantages and exemptions from congestion and clean air zone charges in certain areas.

Conclusion

The cost of running an electric car in the UK is influenced by battery size, charging location, electricity tariff, and driving habits. On average, most drivers will find that charging at home on an overnight tariff is far cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel car, making electric cars an economical choice for daily driving. While rapid public charging can be more expensive, many drivers balance costs by combining home, workplace, and public charging to suit their lifestyle. With careful planning, running an electric car can be both affordable and efficient.