Electric Car Cost Calculator UK

UK EV Running Cost Formula:

\[ \text{Annual cost (£)} = \left( \frac{\text{Miles}}{\text{Efficiency}} \right) \times \text{Rate} + \text{Road tax} \]

Miles (annual):

miles

Efficiency (kWh/mile):

kWh/mile

Rate (£/kWh):

£/kWh

Road tax (£):

Annual cost (£):

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1. What is the UK EV Running Cost Calculator?

The UK Electric Vehicle Running Cost Calculator estimates the annual operating cost of an electric car in the United Kingdom. It calculates energy consumption costs based on electricity rates and includes road tax for comprehensive cost assessment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the UK EV running cost formula:

\[ \text{Annual cost (£)} = \left( \frac{\text{Miles}}{\text{Efficiency}} \right) \times \text{Rate} + \text{Road tax} \]

Where:

\( \text{Miles} \) — Annual mileage driven
\( \text{Efficiency} \) — Vehicle efficiency in kWh per mile
\( \text{Rate} \) — Electricity cost per kWh in pounds
\( \text{Road tax} \) — Annual road tax cost in pounds

Explanation: The formula calculates total energy consumption based on mileage and vehicle efficiency, multiplies by electricity rate to get energy cost, then adds fixed road tax for the complete annual operating cost.

3. Importance of EV Cost Calculation

Details: Accurate EV running cost calculation helps consumers make informed decisions about vehicle ownership, compare costs with internal combustion engine vehicles, and budget for annual transportation expenses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter annual mileage in miles, vehicle efficiency in kWh per mile, electricity rate in £/kWh, and annual road tax in pounds. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical EV efficiency?
A: Most modern EVs achieve 0.25-0.35 kWh/mile, with more efficient models reaching 0.20 kWh/mile and larger vehicles around 0.40 kWh/mile.

Q2: What are current UK electricity rates?
A: Standard variable tariffs typically range from £0.24-£0.34 per kWh, while off-peak or EV-specific tariffs can be as low as £0.07-£0.15 per kWh.

Q3: How much is EV road tax in the UK?
A: Currently £0 for pure electric vehicles, but this may change. Always check current rates as policies evolve.

Q4: Does this include charging losses?
A: No, this calculator uses vehicle efficiency. For accurate home charging costs, add 10-15% for charging inefficiency.

Q5: How does this compare to petrol/diesel costs?
A: EVs typically cost 3-4 pence per mile for energy vs 15-20 pence for petrol/diesel vehicles, making significant savings possible.