Second-hand EV running costs
The cost of running an electric car involves a number of factors, from electricity prices and insurance to maintenance and depreciation. Use our tables to compare the costs.
While on average the cost of purchasing a second-hand EV might be more expensive than a used ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle, you can save in other ways. Road tax is cheaper, and an EV is more energy efficient.
So, the total cost of ownership can be lower than comparative second-hand petrol vehicles. It’s always wise to factor in your own circumstances when making any calculations.
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ICE
EV
Vehicle
ICE
Vauxhall Corsa
(1.2 Turbo SRi - Petrol)
EV
Vauxhall Corsa-e
(100kWh SRi Nav Premium Auto)
Annual mileage
ICE
10,000
EV
10,000
Deposit
ICE
£1,145
EV
£1,270
Typical APR
ICE
11.4%
EV
11.4%
Term (months)
ICE
48
EV
48
Typical monthly PCP finance cost
ICE
£193
EV
£206
Fuel / Energy
ICE
£117
EV
£75
Road Tax
ICE
£18
EV
£0
Insurance
ICE
£49
EV
£56
Total
ICE
£376
EV
£337
-
ICE
EV
Vehicle
ICE
Nissan Qashqai
(1.3 DIG-T N-Connecta - Petrol)
EV
Hyundai Kona
(150kW Premium SE Auto)
Annual mileage
ICE
10,000
EV
10,000
Deposit
ICE
£1,705
EV
£1,720
Typical APR
ICE
11.4%
EV
11.4%
Term (months)
ICE
48
EV
48
Typical monthly PCP Finance Cost
ICE
£271
EV
£277
Fuel / Energy
ICE
£117
EV
£75
Road Tax
ICE
£18
EV
£0
Insurance
ICE
£50
EV
£58
Total
ICE
£455
EV
£410
-
ICE
EV
Vehicle
ICE
BMW 320i
(M Sport Auto - Petrol)
EV
Tesla Model 3
(Long Range Auto)
Annual mileage
ICE
10,000
EV
10,000
Deposit
ICE
£2,180
EV
£2,220
Typical APR
ICE
11.4%
EV
11.4%
Term (months)
ICE
48
EV
48
Typical monthly PCP Finance Cost
ICE
£325
EV
£340
Fuel / Energy
ICE
£133
EV
£75
Road Tax
ICE
£3
EV
£0
Insurance
ICE
£79
EV
£82
Total
ICE
£540
EV
£497
These comparisons are based on real vehicle prices taken in May 2024. They are based on similar models of ICE and EVs. Vehicle prices and PCP costs are sourced from a selected Blackhorse vendor.
Fuel and energy costs are calculated using the HMRC advisory fuel rates, travelling 10,000 miles and divided to a monthly amount. Road tax is based on current vehicle tax rates published on gov.uk, taken as a monthly amount. (Note, from 2025 EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax.)
Insurance comparisons are based on a generic insurance profile with an individual who has a clean licence, lives in Cheshire, has a no-claim history, and a £475 excess, shown as monthly amount.
Compare used EV buying costs against used ICE costs