When considering switching to an electric vehicle (EV), one of the biggest questions is: Will I actually save money over time? We've compared three popular models - the Tesla Model 3, BMW 3 Series (Petrol), and Audi A4 TDI (Diesel) - to give you a clear picture of how annual running costs stack up based on typical UK usage.
The figures below assume 10,000 miles driven per year, which is the UK average.
What These Numbers Mean:
- Fuel/Energy Costs:
Tesla Model 3 uses around 4 miles per kWh. At an average home charge rate of 20p/kWh, that’s roughly 5p per mile, or £500 per 10,000 miles.
Petrol cars average 35mpg, with petrol at £1.50/L, totalling ~12.5p per mile or £1,250 per 10,000 miles.
Diesel cars average 50mpg, at £1.45/L, costing ~8.7p per mile or £870 per 10,000 miles.
Sources:
https://pod-point.com/guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-run-an-electric-car https://www.zap-map.com/tools/journey-cost-calculator https://www.carwow.co.uk/guides/choosing/electric-cars-vs-petrol-cars
- Insurance:
Based on comparison averages for a 35-year-old driver with no claims, taken from market data across Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket and Which?
EV insurance is slightly higher in some cases due to repair costs, but this gap is narrowing as EV parts become more available.
Sources:
https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance https://www.which.co.uk/insurance/car-insurance
- Maintenance:
EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes, spark plugs, or emissions-related servicing. Tesla owners typically spend under £200/year for items like brake fluid or cabin filter changes. ICE vehicles (like the BMW and Audi) average £400–£600/year, especially after 3 years, with costs rising for items like exhausts, timing belts, and gearbox servicing.
Sources:
https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/average-cost-maintaining-car-uk https://www.carwow.co.uk/guides/maintenance/car-maintenance-costs-explained https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-much-does-a-car-service-cost/n25693
- Road Tax (VED):
From April 2025, EVs registered after this date pay £195/year, matching the flat standard rate for ICE vehicles.
Petrol/diesel cars may pay more in their first year, depending on CO? emissions (up to £2,605), and then drop to £180–£395/year depending on list price.
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