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Automotive

Electric vehicles up to nine times cheaper to run than petrol cars, analysis finds

Surging fuel prices have widened the cost gap between electric cars and combustion vehicles across the UK.

Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 10:28 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Carbon Brief analysis indicates that running an electric car can be up to nine times cheaper per mile than driving petrol or diesel vehicles, with off-peak EV charging costing 2.3p per mile compared to roughly 20p to 21p for combustion engines.[Hacker News]
  • The widening gap follows sharp fuel increases since February, with the RAC reporting diesel prices reaching an all-time peak of 199.18p per litre.[Hacker News · BBC News]
  • Battery electric models accounted for roughly 30% of new UK car sales in August, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.[Hacker News]
  • A planned pay-per-mile tax set for April 2028 is expected to add 3p per mile to electric driving expenses.[Hacker News]

Key facts

  • Carbon Brief analysis found that off-peak EV charging costs around 2.3p per mile, making it up to nine times cheaper than petrol at 20.1p per mile and diesel at 21p per mile.[Hacker News]
  • Charging an electric vehicle under the domestic price cap costs about 7p per mile, which remains three times cheaper than driving petrol or diesel cars.[Hacker News]
  • The RAC reported that average UK diesel prices reached a record high of 199.18p per litre.[BBC News]
  • Government figures show petrol prices have risen 31% to £1.72 per litre since February, with some stations approaching £2 per litre.[Hacker News]
  • Battery electric cars made up approximately 30% of new vehicle sales in August, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.[Hacker News]
  • The UK government intends to implement a pay-per-mile tax in April 2028 adding 3p per mile to electric vehicle travel.[Hacker News]

What remains uncertain

  • Future charging economics remain contingent on oil price stability and the scheduled April 2028 introduction of a 3p per mile tax on electric vehicles.[Hacker News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.