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EV calculator

EV vs Petrol Break-even Calculator

Estimate energy-cost payback of an EV's higher purchase price.

Use this calculator

Enter purchase difference and energy assumptions.

What your result means

This is an energy-cost payback calculation only: it asks whether lower electricity cost recovers an extra EV purchase price. It does not establish which car is cheaper overall.

Worked example

£2,000 extra purchase price, 12,000 miles/year, 45 MPG, 145p/litre, 3.5 miles/kWh and 25p/kWh:

Petrol annual cost
£1,757.82
EV annual cost
£857.14
Annual energy saving
£900.68
Break-even years
2.2

If annual saving is zero or negative, there is no energy-cost payback.

Formula

years=extra EV pricepetrol annual cost−EV annual cost\text{years}=\frac{\text{extra EV price}}{\text{petrol annual cost}-\text{EV annual cost}}

Annual mileage sensitivity

Annual milesBreak-even years
6,0004.4
8,0003.3
10,0002.7
12,0002.2
15,0001.8
20,0001.3

Using the result

For depreciation, insurance, servicing, finance, tax and resale value, use EV vs Petrol Total Cost of Ownership.

Assumptions and limitations

  • This excludes all non-energy ownership costs.

Helpful questions

Does this prove an EV is cheaper?

The result changes directly with the values entered; real-world driving and charging conditions can differ.

What if EV electricity costs more?

The result changes directly with the values entered; real-world driving and charging conditions can differ.

Why does mileage change payback?

The result changes directly with the values entered; real-world driving and charging conditions can differ.

Does this include depreciation?

The result changes directly with the values entered; real-world driving and charging conditions can differ.

What is included in petrol cost?

The result changes directly with the values entered; real-world driving and charging conditions can differ.

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