EV vs petrol: total cost of ownership

Pick a used EV and see how it stacks up against a petrol car over 3 or 5 years. Purchase price, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, all in one place.

Your details

£
Comparison period:

Electric

2018 Nissan Leaf

Category
EV
Petrol
Purchase price
£9,500
£12,000
Fuel / electricity8,000 mi/year
£280
£3,955
Road tax (VED)
£585
£585
Insurancetypical, varies by driver
£1,800
£2,100
Maintenance
£900
£1,800
Depreciationsimplified estimate
£2,850
£5,400
Total (3 yr)
£15,915
£25,840

Cost breakdown

EV total£15,915
Petrol total£25,840
PurchaseFuel / electricityRoad taxInsuranceMaintenanceDepreciation

£9,926 cheaper

The EV saves you £9,926 over 3 years compared to the petrol car.

That's £276/month saved.

Cumulative spend over 3 years

£25,840£12,920£0
Year 0Year 1Year 2Year 3
EVPetrol

Assumptions and methodology

Running costs computed by the HonestRange physics model. Insurance and maintenance are UK average estimates. Depreciation uses simplified straight-line assumptions.

EV electricity cost is based on driveway (off-peak) charging. Petrol priced at 145p/litre. Road tax (VED) at the standard rate of £195/year for both sides (post-2025 rules).

EV insurance estimated at £600/year, petrol at £700/year. EV maintenance estimated at £300/year (tyres, wipers, brake fluid), petrol at £600/year (oil, filters, brakes, exhaust, timing). EV depreciation at 10%/year on used vehicles, petrol at 15%/year.

These are broad estimates for comparison purposes. Your actual costs will depend on your specific vehicle, driving habits, location, and insurance profile.