Electric Car Fuel Cost UK 2026
Last updated: July 2026
Unlike a petrol or diesel car where fuel prices are displayed on every forecourt, the cost of “fuel” for an electric car depends on where you charge, when you charge, and which tariff you're on. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026.
Calculate your exact electric car fuel cost
Use the EV Cost CalculatorCost per mile: the full range
Home (overnight tariff)
2p
per mile at 7p/kWh
Home (standard tariff)
7.5p
per mile at 26.1p/kWh
Public rapid charger
22.6p
per mile at 79p/kWh
Based on a typical EV efficiency of 3.5 miles/kWh. Your actual cost will vary with efficiency, driving style, and temperature.
Annual fuel cost comparison
10,000 miles per year
Petrol (45 MPG)~£1,550/yr
EV (80% home)~£1,048/yr
EV (overnight tariff)~£200/yr
EV (public only)~£2,257/yr
20,000 miles per year
Petrol (45 MPG)~£3,101/yr
EV (80% home)~£2,096/yr
EV (overnight tariff)~£400/yr
EV (public only)~£4,514/yr
Petrol at 153.5p/litre. EV at 3.5 mi/kWh. Home rate 26.1p/kWh. Public 79p/kWh. Overnight 7p/kWh (80% home scenario uses 80% home / 20% public split).
Cost to fully charge common EVs in 2026
| EV Model | Battery | Home (26.1p) | Overnight (7p) | Public (79p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG4 Standard Range | 51 kWh | £13.31 | £3.57 | £40.29 |
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 60 kWh | £15.66 | £4.20 | £47.40 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 SR | 58 kWh | £15.14 | £4.06 | £45.82 |
| Kia EV6 LR RWD | 77 kWh | £20.10 | £5.39 | £60.83 |
| Tesla Model Y LR | 75 kWh | £19.58 | £5.25 | £59.25 |
| BMW i4 eDrive40 | 81 kWh | £21.14 | £5.67 | £63.99 |
Full charge from 0–100%. Most drivers charge from 20–80% on rapid chargers, which costs roughly 60% of the full amount shown.
How to reduce your electric car fuel cost
- →Switch to an overnight EV tariff — this is the single biggest factor. At 7p/kWh, you cut your fuel cost by 75% compared to a standard tariff.
- →Charge at home as much as possible. Even one public rapid charging session per week can push your blended rate up significantly.
- →Pre-condition the battery while plugged in — warming the battery before charging improves efficiency, especially in winter.
- →Drive efficiently: smoother acceleration, lower motorway speeds, and using regenerative braking all improve miles per kWh.
- →Check if your workplace offers free or subsidised charging — this can eliminate fuel costs entirely for commuting miles.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to 'fuel' an electric car in the UK in 2026?
The cost depends entirely on where you charge. At the current 26.1p/kWh Ofgem price cap rate, a typical EV costs 6.5–8p per mile. On an overnight EV tariff (7p/kWh), this drops to 2p per mile. At a public rapid charger (62–90p/kWh, averaging 79p/kWh in mid-2026), it can rise to 18–26p per mile — comparable to or higher than petrol.
What is the average annual electricity cost for an EV in the UK?
At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging at 26.1p/kWh and 20% public charging at 79p/kWh, the average EV costs around £850–£1,250 per year in electricity. Switching to an overnight tariff can reduce this to £300–£500 per year. At 20,000 miles per year, expect approximately £1,700–£2,500 per year.
Is charging an EV cheaper than petrol or diesel in 2026?
For most home chargers, yes — significantly, and more so than a few months ago. An EV at 3.5 miles/kWh and the current 26.1p/kWh home rate costs 7.5p per mile, about half the 15.5p per mile of a 45 MPG petrol car at July 2026 fuel prices. Even at 50% home charging, the EV is usually cheaper. Only at 100% public rapid charging does the EV now clearly exceed the cost of petrol per mile — public rates rose sharply through 2026.
How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car in the UK?
Charging a 60kWh battery from empty to full costs approximately £15.66 at home on the current Ofgem price cap tariff (26.1p/kWh), £4.20 on an overnight EV tariff (7p/kWh), or £37–£54 on a public rapid charger (62–90p/kWh). Most drivers never charge from empty to full — typical top-ups use smaller amounts.