Real running cost
Electric or petrol car: how should you compare the real cost?
Comparing an electric car with petrol or diesel means separating two questions: what energy costs to drive, and what the vehicle costs over its entire ownership period. Combining them leads to premature conclusions.
Calculate with your own data
A charging price, consumption figure and reference car are enough for a useful estimate.
Open the free calculatorEnergy cost is only one part of the picture
For a trip, compare electric consumption and charging price with fuel consumption and fuel price. This is the most direct answer to the question: what does driving cost?
Total ownership also includes purchase or finance, insurance, maintenance, tyres, taxes and depreciation. Those costs should not be hidden inside an energy comparison.
Use assumptions you can explain
A useful comparison states the annual distance, vehicles, consumption figures and energy prices. A single “electric versus petrol” result without those inputs is mostly marketing.
Volora focuses on the inputs that move your energy-cost estimate and lets you adjust them to your own situation.
Match the decision to the question
If the decision is about a recurring trip, energy cost is often the relevant starting point. If it is about buying or keeping a car, build a separate total-cost view with a stated time horizon.
Both comparisons are useful. They simply answer different questions.
Assumptions and limits
- This guide separates trip energy cost from total cost of ownership.
- Actual consumption and prices depend on vehicle, route, charging choice and country.
- The output is an estimate, not financial or purchase advice.
Read the methodology and sources to understand the data used by Volora.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV always cheaper to own?
No universal answer exists. Energy cost can differ materially, while total ownership depends on price, financing, insurance, usage and depreciation.
Should I include home charger installation?
Include it in a separate ownership calculation if it affects your purchase decision. It is not a per-trip energy cost.
Can I use the calculator for diesel too?
Yes. Use the relevant reference vehicle, fuel consumption and fuel price.