Where the EV wins
- Running cost — charging on CEB off-peak is a fraction of petrol per km. Our running-cost calculator shows the gap on live rates.
- Maintenance — no oil changes, long-lived brakes; cheaper to service (see the maintenance guide).
- Daily driving — quiet, smooth, instant torque, and you 'refuel' at home overnight.
- Total cost over time — lower running + service costs often offset a higher purchase price; the TCO calculator shows the break-even.
Where petrol still wins (for now)
- Upfront price — comparable EVs still cost more to buy, and the 2026 excise revision narrowed the gap.
- Long unbroken trips — real range is below the brochure (hills + heat) and you must plan charging stops; the route planner shows whether a trip works.
- No home charging — without a home/apartment charging option you lean on pricier public DC.
- Refuelling speed on a road trip — minutes at a pump vs a charging stop.
How to decide
- Check you can charge where you park (home/apartment) — this matters more than any spec.
- Run the TCO calculator with your real annual km — see the multi-year picture, not just the sticker.
- Plan your longest regular trip in the route planner to confirm range + charging work.
- If all three check out, the EV usually wins on cost and experience; if not, a petrol car may still suit you better today.
The honest answer is 'it depends on your charging and your trips' — which is exactly what our tools are built to answer.