EV Charging Cost Calculator

How much does a mile actually cost in an EV? This calculator shows the cost per mile four ways: home charging at the price cap, a dedicated overnight EV tariff, public rapid charging, and the petrol equivalent for the same journey. Every price is editable, so you can plug in your own tariff.

Updated 2026-07-18 · The EV Pros editorial team

Your details

Most EVs return 3 to 4.5.

The current price cap rate.

Typical dedicated EV tariff.

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Adjust the inputs to see your estimate.

The maths, in the open

Cost per mile for an EV is simply the electricity price divided by your efficiency:

  • Cost per mile = price (p per kWh) / efficiency (miles per kWh)

For petrol the equivalent is the fuel price converted through your mpg:

  • Cost per mile = petrol price (p per litre) x 4.54609 / mpg

The defaults use current UK prices from one editable config, so the comparison stays honest as prices move.

Where you charge decides what you pay

The spread is dramatic. At a typical overnight EV tariff, a mile costs around 2 to 3 pence. At the standard price cap it is around 7 pence. On a public rapid charger it can pass 20 pence, which is petrol territory.

The practical takeaway: charge at home whenever you can, use an overnight tariff if you have a smart meter, and treat rapid charging as the motorway exception rather than the routine.

Assumptions and accuracy

Defaults come from one editable config file with current UK prices: home 25p per kWh (price cap), overnight EV tariff 8.5p, public rapid 79p, petrol 158p per litre, 45mpg. Fuel and electricity only.

These figures are estimates, not a guarantee. Last updated 2026-07-18.

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FAQs

How much does it cost per mile to run an EV?
On a typical overnight EV tariff, around 2 to 3 pence per mile. At the standard price cap, around 7 pence. On public rapid chargers, 20 pence or more. A petrol car at current prices costs roughly 16 pence per mile in fuel.
Is public rapid charging more expensive than petrol?
Per mile it can be similar or slightly more, because rapid charging carries hardware, grid and 20% VAT costs. Drivers who rely entirely on rapid charging lose most of the EV running cost advantage, which is why home charging matters so much.
What efficiency figure should I use?
Check your car’s lifetime miles per kWh on the dashboard. Small efficient EVs manage 4 or more, most family cars sit between 3 and 4, and heavy SUVs nearer 2.5. The default of 3.5 is a fair all-round figure.
How do I get the cheap overnight rate?
You need a smart meter and a dedicated EV tariff from your supplier, which typically offers 5 to 6 hours overnight at a heavily reduced rate. Our Cheapest Time to Charge tool shows how half hourly pricing behaves through the night.

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