EV vs Petrol Cost Comparison

How the EV vs Petrol Cost Comparison Works

The decision to switch from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV) is increasingly driven by economics as well as environmental considerations. This calculator compares the annual energy costs of running both types of vehicles based on your specific driving patterns and local energy prices. For electric vehicles, the cost is calculated by multiplying your annual distance by the EV's energy consumption rate (measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers) and then by your electricity price per kWh. For petrol vehicles, the calculation uses fuel consumption in liters per 100 kilometers multiplied by the petrol price per liter. The difference between these two figures represents your potential annual savings.

Electric vehicles are significantly more energy-efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles. A typical EV consumes 15-20 kWh per 100 km, which is equivalent to roughly 1.5-2.0 liters of petrol in energy terms, compared to 6-10 liters that a comparable petrol car actually consumes. This efficiency advantage means that even when electricity is relatively expensive, EVs typically cost 50-70% less per kilometer to fuel than petrol vehicles. The savings are even more dramatic for drivers who can charge at home during off-peak electricity hours, where rates can be as low as $0.05-0.10 per kWh in many regions.

Beyond direct fuel cost savings, the calculator also estimates the CO2 emissions you would avoid by driving electric. A petrol vehicle emits approximately 2.3 kilograms of CO2 per liter of fuel burned (including upstream extraction and refining emissions). While EVs are not completely zero-emission when you account for the electricity generation source, they produce significantly less CO2 per kilometer in most countries, especially those with substantial renewable energy in their grid mix. Countries like Norway, France, and New Zealand have particularly clean electricity grids, making EV emissions dramatically lower than petrol vehicles.

Factors Affecting EV vs Petrol Costs

Electricity Rates and Charging Strategies

Your electricity rate has the biggest impact on EV running costs, and it can vary dramatically depending on how and when you charge. Home charging during off-peak hours is typically the cheapest option, with rates ranging from $0.05 to $0.15 per kWh in many regions. Standard residential rates during peak hours average $0.15 to $0.35 per kWh depending on your country and provider. Public charging stations charge $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh for AC charging and $0.40 to $0.80 or more for DC fast charging. Some EV owners with solar panels can charge for effectively zero marginal cost during daylight hours, maximizing their savings advantage over petrol.

Driving Patterns and Distance

Higher-mileage drivers benefit the most from switching to electric. Someone driving 30,000 km per year will see double the absolute savings compared to someone driving 15,000 km per year. The average driver in the United States covers about 21,000 km (13,000 miles) per year, while European averages tend to be lower at 12,000-15,000 km per year. Urban drivers who do mostly short trips are ideal EV candidates because EVs are most efficient in city driving (the opposite of petrol cars) and can be charged overnight at home.

Example Calculations

Total Cost of Ownership Considerations

While this calculator focuses on fuel and energy costs, the total cost of owning an EV versus a petrol car includes several other factors. EVs generally have lower maintenance costs because they have fewer moving parts — no oil changes, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no exhaust system, and regenerative braking significantly extends brake pad life. EV maintenance savings typically amount to $500 to $1,500 per year compared to an equivalent petrol vehicle. However, EVs currently have higher purchase prices, though the gap is narrowing rapidly as battery costs decline. Many governments offer purchase incentives, tax credits, and reduced registration fees for electric vehicles, which can offset some or all of the price premium. Insurance costs are comparable for most models, though some premium EVs may cost more to insure due to higher repair costs from specialized parts and battery damage concerns.