What Is the Cheapest EV to Run in the UK in 2026?
Updated July 2026
Quick answer
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Standard Range RWD is the cheapest EV to run per mile in the UK at 6.2p per mile (26.1p/kWh home tariff). The Tesla Model 3 Highland is close behind at 6.4p per mile. For lowest purchase price + running costs combined, the MG4 at £26,995 and 6.5p per mile is the best budget option.
Ranked: cheapest EVs to run per mile in 2026
| # | Model | p/mile | Annual (10k mi) | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Ioniq 6 SR RWD | 6.2p | £873 | £38,995 |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 RWD (Highland) | 6.4p | £895 | £40,990 |
| 3 | MG4 Standard Range | 6.5p | £917 | £26,995 |
| 4 | BYD Dolphin Comfort | 6.5p | £917 | £28,490 |
| 5 | Fiat 500e (42kWh) | 6.5p | £917 | £34,995 |
| 6 | Cupra Born 77kWh | 6.9p | £965 | £33,905 |
| 7 | Mini Cooper E | 6.9p | £965 | £31,110 |
| 8 | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 | 6.9p | £965 | £34,895 |
Cost per mile based on 26.1p/kWh home charging. Annual cost: 10,000 miles, 80% home / 20% public (79p/kWh).
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What is the cheapest EV to run in the UK in 2026?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Standard Range RWD is the cheapest EV to run per mile in the UK in 2026, at approximately 6.2p per mile on the current 26.1p/kWh Ofgem price cap home tariff. Its real-world efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh — partly thanks to its world-record 0.21 Cd drag coefficient — gives it the edge over the Tesla Model 3 (6.4p/mile at 4.1 mi/kWh). On an overnight EV tariff at 7p/kWh, both models drop to under 2p per mile.
Which affordable EVs are the cheapest to run?
In the budget EV category (under £30,000), the MG4 and BYD Dolphin both achieve 4.0 miles/kWh — giving a running cost of 6.5p per mile on the current home tariff. Both undercut most petrol equivalents by 10p+ per mile. The MG4 Standard Range starts at £26,995, making it the most cost-effective new EV purchase in the UK when combining low purchase price with low running costs.
Is it cheaper to run an EV or a petrol car in the UK in 2026?
For home-charging EV owners, yes — significantly cheaper, and more so than a few months ago. At the current 26.1p/kWh Ofgem price cap rate, the average EV costs 6–8p per mile. A petrol car averaging 40 MPG at 153.5p/litre (July 2026) costs approximately 17.4p per mile. This represents a saving of roughly 10–11p per mile, or £1,000–£1,100 per year at 10,000 miles. Drivers without home charging who rely on public rapid charging (averaging 79p/kWh) pay around 22–23p per mile — more than a petrol car.
How much does it cost to run the cheapest EV per year in the UK?
The Ioniq 6 SR costs approximately £873 per year in electricity at 10,000 miles with 80% home charging at 26.1p/kWh and 20% public charging at 79p/kWh. On a dedicated overnight tariff (7p/kWh for 100% of charging), the annual cost drops to around £200 — a remarkable figure for any motorised transport.