AutoClair index
Electric-car energy cost index — United Kingdom
Updated 4 August 2026 · 6 min read
This index applies the market's reference energy prices to three driving profiles. It isolates energy: vehicle price, finance, insurance, maintenance, tax and resale still need a separate comparison.
Central result
At 10,000 mi per year, the scenario estimates about £670 for electricity versus £1,690 for petrol, an annual energy-only difference of £1,020 in the EV's favour.
Three driving profiles
Results are rounded planning estimates. Replace prices and consumption with your observations before making a decision.
| Annual mileage | Electric | Petrol | Annual difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 mi | £400 | £1,010 | £610 |
| 10,000 mi | £670 | £1,690 | £1,020 |
| 15,000 mi | £1,000 | £2,500 | £1,530 |
Published assumptions
| Published assumptions | Planning value |
|---|---|
| Home electricity | £0.26/kWh |
| Petrol | £1.5/L |
| Electric consumption | 26 kWh/100mi |
| Petrol economy | 40 MPG |
Calculation method
Electric = miles × electric consumption ÷ 100 × kWh price
Petrol = miles ÷ MPG × 4.54609 × price per litre
Sources and method
Run the numbers for your own project
The AutoClair simulator compares the net cost of paying cash, an auto loan, a PCP, and a PCH over the same term, depreciation included.
Open the simulator →