Electric vehicles can travel significantly further than petrol cars for the same energy cost, according to new analysis highlighting the importance of lower running costs in encouraging EV adoption.
The analysis suggests £20 of electricity can power an electric vehicle for around 150–200 miles, compared with roughly 120 miles for a typical petrol car.
For many drivers, the cost difference translates into longer periods of everyday driving from the same spend on energy.
For the average UK driver, £20 of overnight EV charging could cover approximately seven to ten days of driving, compared with around six days for a petrol vehicle.
Lower charging costs driving EV adoption
The findings underline the importance of operating costs in shaping consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles.
Survey data shows that 63% of drivers who do not currently own an EV say lower charging costs would persuade them to switch.
The proportion rises to 78% among drivers considering purchasing an EV in the near term, and 76% among those considering switching in the longer term.
Industry representatives say the economics of running an EV remain one of the strongest incentives encouraging drivers to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
“For many drivers considering the switch to electric, the key question is simple: will it cost less to run?” said John Lewis, chief executive of EV charging company char.gy.
“Our analysis shows that even today, using public charging, £20 of electricity can power an EV significantly further than £20 of petrol.”
Debate over future road pricing
The analysis comes as the UK government considers potential road pricing mechanisms for electric vehicles as fuel duty revenues decline.
As the transition to zero-emission vehicles accelerates, policymakers are examining alternative ways to fund road infrastructure while maintaining incentives for low-carbon transport.
Industry groups say maintaining the cost advantage of EVs will be important for sustaining consumer confidence during this transition.
Affordable charging, particularly through off-peak tariffs, is increasingly being seen as a key factor in enabling widespread EV adoption.
Some operators offer overnight charging tariffs that allow drivers to charge vehicles when electricity demand is lower, reducing costs compared with peak charging periods.
Experts warn that if future policies significantly increase the cost of operating EVs, it could risk slowing adoption during a crucial phase of the UK’s transition to zero-emission transport.
