UK EV Running Cost Index: Q3 2026 Report
An independent, database-led calculation of real-world electric car running costs versus petrol and diesel alternatives. Reflects fuel prices and Ofgem electricity price cap rates for Q3 2026.
Avg. EV Cost per Mile
10.2p
Blended tariff average (80% home charging, 20% public rapid).
Avg. Petrol Cost per Mile
16.9p
Based on UK petrol average of 153.5p/litre and 41.2 real MPG.
Average Annual Saving
£675
Saved per year at 10,000 miles compared to average petrol vehicle.
Running Cost Comparison: Pence Per Mile
Calculations are derived from 33 electric vehicles and 26 combustion vehicles in our database. Petrol price: 153.5p/litre. Diesel price: 168.6p/litre. Electricity: 26.1p/kWh standard, 7p/kWh overnight.
Programmatic Cost index Table
| Fuel & Charging Scenario | Pence/Mile | Cost per 10k Miles | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Petrol Car | 16.9p | £1,694 | — |
| Average Diesel Car | NaNp | £NaN | — |
| EV Blended Tariff (80/20) | 10.2p | £1,019 | +£675 |
| EV Smart Overnight Tariff (100% Home) | 1.9p | £194 | +£1,500 |
| EV Standard Home Charging (100% Home) | 7.3p | £725 | +£969 |
| EV Public Rapid Charging Only (100% Public) | 21.9p | £2,194 | −£500 |
Top 3 Most Cost-Effective EVs (Q3 2026)
Hyundai Ioniq 6
executive saloon
Tesla Model 3
executive saloon
Motoring Press & Journalist Toolkit
Need independent data or quotes regarding UK EV running costs? Motoring journalists and news sites are free to cite the calculations and figures from this index.
Key Stats to Copy & Cite:
- • Average EV cost per mile (UK blended rate): 10.2p per mile (vs 16.9p for petrol).
- • Standard home charging cost: 7.3p per mile.
- • Overnight smart EV tariff rate: 1.9p per mile (saves £1500/yr vs petrol).
- • Average public rapid charging cost: 21.9p per mile.