Cost per mile is the easiest way to compare petrol, diesel and electric cars. Enter your own fuel price and economy in the fuel cost calculator.
How to calculate cost per mile
- UK petrol or diesel: price per litre × 4.546 ÷ mpg (UK gallons are 4.546 litres).
- US gas: price per gallon ÷ mpg.
- Electric: price per kWh ÷ miles per kWh.
UK examples
| Car | Assumption | Cost per mile |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 45 mpg, £1.40 a litre | 14.1p |
| Diesel | 55 mpg, £1.45 a litre | 12.0p |
| EV, home charging | 3.5 miles/kWh, 25p/kWh | 7.1p |
| EV, public rapid charging | 3.5 miles/kWh, 70p/kWh | 20.0p |
US examples
| Car | Assumption | Cost per mile |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | 30 mpg, $3.50 a gallon | 11.7¢ |
| EV, home charging | 3.5 miles/kWh, 16¢/kWh | 4.6¢ |
| EV, public fast charging | 3.5 miles/kWh, 45¢/kWh | 12.9¢ |
An EV charged at home costs roughly half as much per mile as petrol. Relying on public rapid chargers can make it cost as much as, or more than, petrol.
Frequently asked questions
How much does 10,000 miles cost?
Multiply the cost per mile by 10,000: at 14.1p a mile, about £1,410 a year in petrol; at 7.1p, about £710 for an EV charged at home.
Does cost per mile include servicing?
These figures are fuel only. For everything, use the total cost of ownership calculator or the EV vs gas calculator.
Example prices only; fuel and electricity prices change often.