EV Charging vs Petrol Costs
The table compares energy costs per mile using example assumptions. Change the home rate, petrol price and efficiencies in the calculator to match your own costs:
| Fuel Type | Cost/Unit | Efficiency | Cost/Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example home charging | 6.5p/kWh | 3.5 mi/kWh | 1.9p/mile |
| Example petrol car | 174.88p/litre | 40 to 45 UK mpg | 17.7p to 19.9p/mile |
These home and petrol rates are example assumptions. Charging losses and standing charges are not included.
Public rapid costs per 100 miles
At an assumed 3.5 mi/kWh, before charging losses and subscription fees:
- BP Pulse: £22.57 to £26.57, using 79p to 93p/kWh contactless (89p at most sites) (prices checked October 2026).
- GeniePoint: £23.71 to £26.29, using 83p/kWh for registered drivers (85p/kWh within the M25), 92p/kWh contactless (prices checked October 2026).
- Gridserve: £24.29 to £26.29, using 85p to 92p/kWh (prices checked October 2026).
- InstaVolt: £15.71 to £26.29, using 92p/kWh (55p/kWh for sessions started between 8pm and 7am using the InstaVolt app or RFID card) (prices checked October 2026).
- Osprey Charging: £19.71 to £25.43, using 89p/kWh contactless, or in the Osprey App or Osprey Go 82p/kWh weekdays 7am to 8pm, 79p/kWh weekends 7am to 8pm and 69p/kWh overnight 8pm to 7am (prices checked October 2026).
Compare these with £17.67 to £19.88 per 100 miles for the petrol example above. Public rates depend on payment method, time and site, so an EV can cost more or less than petrol.
How to Reduce Charging Costs
- Compare home tariffs. Check the rates, charging windows and eligibility for tariffs available to you, including standing charges.
- Check the price before plugging in. Check the operator app and charger screen for the specific site. See our free charging guide for checking local offers.
- Compare network subscriptions. Check the rate for your payment method and include the monthly fee. See BP Pulse pricing for its qualified tariff information.
- Follow your car maker's guidance on charge limits. Use the recommended limits for your vehicle and plan charging stops around the range you need.
- Check the price for your payment method. Compare the operator app, contactless and any roaming provider's displayed rate for the specific charger before starting a session.
Monthly Cost Comparison
For an example driver covering 800 miles a month at an assumed 3.5 mi/kWh (about 229kWh), before standing charges and charging losses:
- Example home charging at an assumed 6.5p/kWh: about £14.86 a month
- Example petrol car at an assumed 45 to 40 UK mpg and 174.88p per litre: about £141.34 to £159.00 a month
Public rapid charging only, under the same assumptions:
- BP Pulse: £180.57 to £212.57, using 79p to 93p/kWh contactless (89p at most sites) (prices checked October 2026).
- GeniePoint: £189.71 to £210.29, using 83p/kWh for registered drivers (85p/kWh within the M25), 92p/kWh contactless (prices checked October 2026).
- Gridserve: £194.29 to £210.29, using 85p to 92p/kWh (prices checked October 2026).
- InstaVolt: £125.71 to £210.29, using 92p/kWh (55p/kWh for sessions started between 8pm and 7am using the InstaVolt app or RFID card) (prices checked October 2026).
- Osprey Charging: £157.71 to £203.43, using 89p/kWh contactless, or in the Osprey App or Osprey Go 82p/kWh weekdays 7am to 8pm, 79p/kWh weekends 7am to 8pm and 69p/kWh overnight 8pm to 7am (prices checked October 2026).