compact SUV

Volvo EX30 vs Nissan Qashqai: Running Costs UK 2026

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

Running a Volvo EX30 in the UK costs approximately 6.5p per mile on home electricity, compared to 17.4p per mile for the Nissan Qashqai on petrol. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the Volvo EX30 saves approximately £828 per year in fuel costs — breaking even on the higher purchase price in around 6.0 years.

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

+£828/yr

The Volvo EX30 saves you approximately £828 per year in fuel costs.

Break-even on the higher purchase price: ~6.0 years

Nissan Qashqai fuel cost

17.4p/mile

40 MPG · 153.5p/litre

Volvo EX30 (home tariff)

6.5p/mile

4 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/yrNissan QashqaiVolvo EX30EV saves
8,000£1,396£734+£662
10,000(avg)£1,745£917+£828
12,000£2,093£1,100+£993
15,000£2,617£1,376+£1,241
20,000£3,489£1,834+£1,655

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

Volvo EX30 cost by charging scenario

Charging behaviour has more impact on EV running costs than almost any other variable. Here's how the Volvo EX30 compares at 10,000 miles per year across four scenarios:

Overnight EV tariff

£175/yr · 1.8p/mile

+£1,570/yr

Standard home (80% home)

£917/yr · 9.2p/mile

+£828/yr

Mixed (50% home)

£1,314/yr · 13.1p/mile

+£431/yr

Public charging only

£1,975/yr · 19.8p/mile

£230/yr

Saving vs Nissan Qashqai at 10,000 mi/yr and 153.5p/litre.

Key specs

Volvo EX30

Single Motor Extended Range

Real-world efficiency4 mi/kWh
Home charging cost6.5p/mile
EV tariff cost1.8p/mile
Public rapid cost19.8p/mile

Nissan Qashqai

1.3 DIG-T Mild Hybrid Acenta

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.

Open calculator pre-filled for this comparison

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Volvo EX30 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 4 miles/kWh, the Volvo EX30 costs approximately 6.5p per mile when charging at home. On a dedicated overnight EV tariff (around 7p/kWh) this falls to just 1.8p per mile. Relying entirely on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026 — raises the cost to 19.8p per mile.

Is the Volvo EX30 cheaper to run than the Nissan Qashqai?

Yes, for most UK drivers who can charge at home. The Nissan Qashqai costs approximately 17.4p per mile in petrol at current UK prices. At home on a standard tariff, the Volvo EX30 costs 6.5p per mile — a saving of 10.9p per mile. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the Volvo EX30 saves around £828 per year in fuel costs.

How long to break even switching from a Nissan Qashqai to a Volvo EX30?

Based on an estimated price premium of £5,000 for the Volvo EX30 over the Nissan Qashqai, and annual fuel savings of approximately £828 at 10,000 miles per year (80% home charging), the break-even point is around 6.0 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 Volvo EX30 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 Volvo EX30 at 19.8p per mile — higher than the Nissan Qashqai 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.