Are Used EVs Really Cheaper to Run Than Petrol Cars?

1. The Energy Cost - Electricity vs Petrol

The biggest talking point when it comes to EVs is the running cost per mile.

Charging Costs

At home, electricity remains cheaper than petrol - but only if you’re smart about when and how you charge.

Even with energy costs rising, EV drivers still save money if they mostly charge at home. The real savings come from off-peak tariffs and smart chargers, which can cut costs by more than half.

If you rely on public rapid chargers, those savings shrink quickly. This is one of the main reasons it’s vital to understand your driving and charging habits before deciding.

2. Maintenance and Servicing Costs

EVs are mechanically simpler than petrol cars. There’s no exhaust, gearbox, clutch, or oil system to maintain - which instantly reduces servicing costs.

Over five years, a used EV could save you £600 - £1,000 in maintenance compared to a petrol car.

However, EV-specific repairs can be more expensive if something goes wrong. Battery cooling systems, charging ports, or inverters can cost thousands to fix if out of warranty.

That’s where a car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk becomes useful - you can see how the vehicle was maintained, how often it was serviced, and if it ever had battery or electrical issues.

3. Battery Health and Replacement Costs

Here’s the elephant in the room - the battery.

Most used EVs in the UK retain around 90% of their original battery health after 5 to 7 years, according to multiple studies. But the cost of replacing one can still be shocking.

Luckily, most EVs have long battery warranties - typically 8 years or 100,000 miles. If the car’s warranty is still valid, the cost risk drops significantly.

But if the battery is out of warranty, you’ll want to know its state of health (SOH) before buying. A vehicle history report from TopCarCheck.co.uk can reveal whether a car was part of a fleet, used as a taxi, or had unusually high mileage - all of which affect long-term battery health.

4. Insurance Costs

This is where things get tricky.

Insurers still see EVs as higher risk due to their complex electronics and expensive parts. On average, EV insurance premiums are 15% to 25% higher than comparable petrol models.

However, this gap is slowly closing as more repair specialists and recycled battery parts become available. EVs also tend to have better crash safety ratings, which helps balance the risk over time.

5. Depreciation - The Silent Cost

Used car buyers often overlook this - but depreciation can make or break long-term affordability.

In the early days, EVs lost value faster than petrol cars because of limited demand and fast-moving technology. But that’s changing fast.

A 2025 market study showed that popular EVs like the Kia e-Niro and Tesla Model 3 now retain over 60% of their value after 3 years, which is higher than many petrol rivals.

Still, cheaper EVs with smaller ranges tend to lose value quicker, especially if battery degradation is noticeable or the model lacks fast-charging capability.

That’s why it’s smart to run a reg check or car history check to confirm how the car was used before. A heavily used company EV might look cheap but could depreciate faster than a privately owned one.

6. Road Tax and Congestion Benefits

Until recently, one of the biggest perks of owning an EV was the zero road tax. But from April 2025, electric and low-emission vehicles will start paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) just like petrol cars.

The change will close the tax gap, but EVs will still have lower London Congestion Charge and ULEZ exemption benefits until further notice.

So while road tax savings are shrinking, city drivers will still find EVs cheaper overall if they regularly travel through urban zones.

7. Fuel vs Charging Infrastructure

Let’s talk convenience.

Petrol stations are everywhere, but EV charging infrastructure is catching up fast. The UK now has over 60,000 public charging points, with more added every week.

However, for long-distance drivers or those without off-street parking, relying entirely on public chargers can become expensive and inconvenient.

If you’re buying a used EV, make sure to:

• Check for home charger installation compatibility

• Look at charging speed ratings (kW)

• Factor in local charging availability using apps like Zap-Map

This will help you decide whether the real-world convenience matches your daily driving pattern.

8. Real-World Cost Comparison

Here’s a simplified breakdown comparing an average used EV and petrol car over 5 years.

That’s a saving of over £5,000 in favour of the EV, assuming mostly home charging and no major battery issues.

But if you rely heavily on public chargers, the cost difference narrows considerably.

9. The Role of a Vehicle History Check

Before buying any used EV, you should know its past.

A vehicle history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk can reveal:

• Whether the car was ever written off or accident-damaged

• If it was previously leased or part of a fleet (higher battery wear risk)

• MOT history and mileage trends

• Outstanding finance or theft records

This background data helps you understand the true condition and ownership history, ensuring you’re not overpaying for a car that looks fine but has hidden issues.

10. Final Thoughts - The Real Answer

So, are used EVs really cheaper to run than petrol cars?

For most UK drivers - yes, but only if you buy wisely and charge efficiently.

Used EVs can save you thousands in fuel and servicing, but it’s crucial to check battery health, warranty coverage, and service records before committing.

With a car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk, you’ll get the clarity you need to make a smart purchase - whether that’s an electric Nissan Leaf or a trusty petrol Ford Fiesta.

The bottom line? EVs are the future, but smart buyers make decisions based on data, not hype. A simple check today could save you thousands tomorrow.