Electric vehicle running cost savings increase compared to petrol cars

New analysis indicates a widening gap in running costs between electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. In the UK, the potential fuel cost savings for EV drivers increased by approximately £180 between July 2025 and July 2026. Based on a typical charging split between home and public stations, Zapmap estimates EV owners are saving roughly £960 per year compared to petrol car owners.

In Spain, comparative data suggests significant savings for drivers covering 15,000 km annually. Using an average electricity cost of approximately €0.20 to €0.22 per kWh, an efficient EV consuming 15 kWh/100 km would incur annual electricity costs of around €490.

The market is also seeing shifts in accessibility. In the UK, the number of new EVs available for under £30,000 has risen to 46, and 43% of used EVs on Autotrader are now priced below £20,000. Electrified vehicles accounted for half of all new car enquiries on the Autotrader platform in July, with electric and plug-in hybrid models making up nearly 50% of that total.