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Mini Electric vs Mini Hatch: Running Costs UK 2026

Last updated: July 2026 · Based on current UK fuel prices

Running a Mini Electric in the UK costs approximately 7.5p per mile on home electricity, compared to 17.4p per mile for the Mini Hatch on petrol. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the Mini Electric saves approximately £697 per year in fuel costs — breaking even on the higher purchase price in around 10.0 years.

At 10,000 miles/yr · 80% home charging

+£697/yr

The Mini Electric saves you approximately £697 per year in fuel costs.

Break-even on the higher purchase price: ~10.0 years

Mini Hatch fuel cost

17.4p/mile

40 MPG · 153.5p/litre

Mini Electric (home tariff)

7.5p/mile

3.5 mi/kWh · 26.1p/kWh

Annual fuel cost comparison

The table below uses real-world efficiency figures for both vehicles and current UK fuel prices. EV costs assume 80% home charging (26.1p/kWh) and 20% public rapid charging (79p/kWh).

Miles/yrMini HatchMini ElectricEV saves
8,000£1,396£838+£557
10,000(avg)£1,745£1,048+£697
12,000£2,093£1,258+£836
15,000£2,617£1,572+£1,045
20,000£3,489£2,096+£1,393

Petrol: 153.5p/litre · Home electricity: 26.1p/kWh · Public rapid: 79p/kWh

Mini Electric cost by charging scenario

Charging behaviour has more impact on EV running costs than almost any other variable. Here's how the Mini Electric compares at 10,000 miles per year across four scenarios:

Overnight EV tariff

£200/yr · 2.0p/mile

+£1,545/yr

Standard home (80% home)

£1,048/yr · 10.5p/mile

+£697/yr

Mixed (50% home)

£1,501/yr · 15.0p/mile

+£243/yr

Public charging only

£2,257/yr · 22.6p/mile

£513/yr

Saving vs Mini Hatch at 10,000 mi/yr and 153.5p/litre.

Key specs

Mini Electric

Cooper SE

Real-world efficiency3.5 mi/kWh
Home charging cost7.5p/mile
EV tariff cost2.0p/mile
Public rapid cost22.6p/mile

Mini Hatch

Cooper

Real-world MPG40 MPG
Fuel typepetrol
Fuel price153.5p/litre
Fuel cost/mile17.4p/mile

Get a personalised result for your actual mileage

The figures above use national average fuel prices. Enter your postcode to get live local prices, or adjust the MPG and efficiency for your specific trim level.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Mini Electric cost to run per mile in the UK?

At a standard UK home electricity rate of 26.1p/kWh (the Ofgem price cap unit rate for July–September 2026) and a real-world efficiency of 3.5 miles/kWh, the Mini Electric costs approximately 7.5p per mile when charging at home. On a dedicated overnight EV tariff (around 7p/kWh) this falls to just 2.0p per mile. Relying entirely on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026 — raises the cost to 22.6p per mile.

Is the Mini Electric cheaper to run than the Mini Hatch?

Yes, for most UK drivers who can charge at home. The Mini Hatch costs approximately 17.4p per mile in petrol at current UK prices. At home on a standard tariff, the Mini Electric costs 7.5p per mile — a saving of 10.0p per mile. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the Mini Electric saves around £697 per year in fuel costs.

How long to break even switching from a Mini Hatch to a Mini Electric?

Based on an estimated price premium of £7,000 for the Mini Electric over the Mini Hatch, and annual fuel savings of approximately £697 at 10,000 miles per year (80% home charging), the break-even point is around 10.0 years. Drivers covering more miles will reach break-even sooner — at 15,000 miles per year the saving is proportionally larger.

What if I can't charge the Mini Electric at home?

Without home charging, the economics change significantly. Relying on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026, up sharply from a couple of years ago — puts the Mini Electric at 22.6p per mile — higher than the Mini Hatch at 17.4p per mile. EV running cost savings are almost entirely dependent on home charging access. Drivers without off-street parking should factor this in carefully.

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