What Is the Cheapest EV to Run in the UK in 2026?
Updated June 2026
Quick answer
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Standard Range RWD is the cheapest EV to run per mile in the UK at 6.7p per mile (28p/kWh home tariff). The Tesla Model 3 Highland is close behind at 6.8p per mile. For lowest purchase price + running costs combined, the MG4 at £26,995 and 7p 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 | 6.7p | £800 | £38,995 |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 RWD (Highland) | 6.8p | £829 | £40,990 |
| 3 | MG4 Standard Range | 7p | £860 | £26,995 |
| 4 | BYD Dolphin Comfort | 7p | £860 | £28,490 |
| 5 | Fiat 500e (42kWh) | 7p | £860 | £34,995 |
| 6 | Cupra Born 77kWh | 7.4p | £900 | £33,905 |
| 7 | Mini Cooper E | 7.4p | £900 | £31,110 |
| 8 | Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 | 7.4p | £900 | £34,895 |
Based on 28p/kWh home charging. Annual cost: 10,000 miles, 80% home / 20% public (60p/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 6.7p per mile on a standard 28p/kWh 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 (6.8p/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 7p per mile on a standard home tariff. Both undercut most petrol equivalents by 7–8p 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. At 28p/kWh home charging, the average EV costs 7–9p per mile. A petrol car averaging 40 MPG at 143.9p/litre costs approximately 16.3p per mile. This represents a saving of 7–9p per mile, or £700–£900 per year at 10,000 miles. Drivers without home charging who rely on public rapid charging (70p/kWh) pay around 20p per mile — comparable to a petrol car.
How much does it cost to run the cheapest EV per year in the UK?
The Ioniq 6 SR costs approximately £800 per year in electricity at 10,000 miles with 80% home charging at 28p/kWh and 20% public charging at 60p/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.