Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator

The amount you spend on fuel is one of the biggest ongoing expenses of car ownership. This calculator helps to simplify the comparison between petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles, but several factors can influence the real-world cost:

• Fuel & Energy Prices: Petrol and diesel prices fluctuate based on global oil markets and government duty. Electricity prices vary by supplier and tariff. Using off-peak electricity tariffs for overnight charging can significantly reduce EV running costs.
• Vehicle Efficiency: The manufacturer's stated efficiency (MPG or miles/kWh) is a useful benchmark, but your actual efficiency will depend on your driving style, the type of journeys you make (city vs. motorway), and even the weather.
• Vehicle Maintenance: While not a fuel cost, it's worth noting that EVs generally have lower maintenance costs as they have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

When choosing a new car, it is important to look beyond just the fuel. The 'Total Cost of Ownership' (TCO) includes the purchase price, depreciation, insurance, tax, and maintenance.

Electric vehicles often have a higher initial purchase price, but this can be offset by lower running costs, tax exemptions, and government incentives. For a more detailed comparison that includes these factors, check out our EV vs Petrol vs Diesel Calculator. Also, our simple Fuel Cost Calculator can help with quick journey cost estimates.

For official information on vehicle tax and emissions, visit the GOV.UK website.