EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator
Compare the real-world energy costs of an electric car and a petrol car. Enter your driving distance, electricity rate, petrol price and vehicle consumption to estimate trip expenses, monthly running costs and annual savings.
Compare Your Driving Costs
Use your own local prices for an accurate comparison of estimated energy expenses. Change any value to recalculate the results automatically.
Set Up Your Comparison
3 SIMPLE STEPSYour Comparison Results
LIVE ESTIMATEEstimates assume 1,200 km driven per month. Fixed EV charging fees are allocated using the entered trip distance. Vehicle purchase, maintenance, insurance and taxes are excluded.
Understand Your EV vs Petrol Savings
Compare the same journey in both vehicles to understand how energy prices affect your running costs.
Electricity vs Petrol
Calculate the energy cost per 100 km or miles for both vehicle types.
Journey Comparison
See the estimated energy cost difference for your chosen driving distance.
Annual Cost Difference
Estimate the effect of electricity and petrol expenses over a full year.
EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator: How It Works
The EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator helps drivers compare the electricity required by an electric vehicle with the fuel used by a petrol-powered vehicle. Rather than assuming one option is always cheaper, the calculator uses the consumption and energy prices you provide.
How to Calculate EV Driving Cost
EV efficiency is often measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres or miles. This describes the battery energy consumed while driving. Charging losses increase the electricity purchased from the grid, so the calculation adjusts for efficiency.
How to Calculate Petrol Driving Cost
Petrol consumption is commonly measured in litres per 100 kilometres. Multiply the fuel consumption by the price of one litre to estimate the fuel expense for that distance.
Example: Electric Car vs Petrol Car
- EV consumption: 18 kWh/100 km
- Charging efficiency: 90%
- Electricity price: $0.20/kWh
- Petrol consumption: 7 L/100 km
- Petrol price: $1.50/L
EV cost = (18 ÷ 0.90) × $0.20 = $4.00 per 100 km.
Petrol cost = 7 × $1.50 = $10.50 per 100 km.
Under these assumptions, the EV costs $6.50 less per 100 km in energy expenses.
How Are Monthly and Annual Savings Estimated?
Monthly costs are calculated using your monthly driving distance and each vehicle’s estimated energy cost per 100 distance units. The monthly cost difference is then multiplied by twelve to estimate an annual difference.
What About Public Charging Fees?
Some public charging networks charge fixed connection or session fees. This calculator allows you to allocate an additional fixed EV fee to each journey. The monthly estimate assumes the same fee frequency based on the entered trip distance.
Is Home Charging Always Cheaper?
Home charging may offer lower electricity prices than some public networks, but actual rates depend on the electricity supplier, tariff structure and local charging provider. Time-of-use rates and other charges may affect the comparison.
Can Petrol Be Cheaper Than Electric?
Yes. A fuel-efficient petrol vehicle may have lower energy expenses than an inefficient electric vehicle charged at expensive public stations. Results depend on actual consumption and energy prices.
Comparing Kilometres and Miles
When you select kilometres, enter kWh/100 km and L/100 km. When you select miles, enter kWh/100 miles and L/100 miles. Changing the distance unit does not automatically convert consumption values.
What Is Not Included?
The comparison does not include vehicle purchase prices, depreciation, financing, insurance, road taxes, servicing, tyres, home charger installation or incentives. These factors matter when assessing total vehicle ownership cost.
Useful EV Resources
For additional information about electric vehicle charging equipment, see the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center . To calculate one charging session, visit the EV Charging Cost Calculator .
Explore More EV Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EV cheaper to drive than a petrol car?
It can be, depending on electricity prices, petrol prices, vehicle efficiency and charging fees. Use your own rates for a relevant comparison.
How do I calculate EV cost per 100 km?
Divide battery energy consumption by charging efficiency, then multiply by electricity price per kWh.
Does this calculator include charging losses?
Yes. The EV cost calculation uses your entered charging efficiency to estimate purchased electricity rather than battery energy alone.
Can I compare EV and petrol costs in AED?
Yes. Select AED and enter both electricity and petrol prices in UAE dirhams. The calculator does not perform currency conversion.
Can I compare costs per mile?
Yes. Select miles and enter the EV and petrol consumption figures per 100 miles.
How are annual savings calculated?
The calculator estimates monthly energy expenses for both vehicles and multiplies the monthly difference by twelve.
Does this compare total car ownership costs?
No. It compares electricity and petrol expenses. Purchase, maintenance, depreciation and insurance costs are not included.