Cost to Run an Electric Car in the UK

If you’re considering an electric vehicle (EV) like the Skywell BE11, we are sure running costs will be one of your first considerations. Fear not, as Skywell are here to explain the costs of running an electric vehicle, how home charging compares with public charging, and why EV ownership stacks up favourably against petrol or diesel cars over time.

The BE11 is a fully electric SUV available with either a 72 kWh battery (Standard Range) or an 86 kWh battery (Long Range), offering up to 303 miles of combined range on a single charge, delivering real-world practicality and energy efficiency.

What Does “Cost to Run an Electric Car” Actually Mean?

When we talk about the costs of running an electric car, we’re referring to all the regular expenses involved in everyday ownership.

This includes:

• Charging an electric car (your energy costs at home charging points or public chargers)
• Maintenance and servicing
• Insurance and road tax
• Depreciation compared to petrol or diesel vehicles

Unlike traditional internal-combustion cars, EV operating costs are driven primarily by electricity use rather than petrol or diesel. Across the UK, charging your EV at home is typically much cheaper than going to a petrol station.

Charging Costs in the UK

Home Charging – Cheapest Option for EV Drivers

Most EV drivers choose to charge their vehicle at home, whether overnight or using smart EV tariffs, because:

• Convenience: Plug in your car at night, ready in the morning.
• Lower cost: On typical UK domestic tariffs, a full home charge costs less than £20 for most EVs.
• Energy tariffs: Special EV tariffs and off-peak times can significantly reduce the cost.

For example, on a standard tariff, electricity might cost around 24 – 32p per kWh. Charging an 86 kWh BE11 Long Range from empty could cost £20-£27 at home, whereas a partially depleted standard-range BE11 charge would be proportionately less expensive.

Typical home charging cost range:

Scenario	Estimated Cost
72 kWh BE11 (full)	£17-£23 at average domestic kWh costs
86 kWh BE11 (full)	£21-£28 at home rates

 

Public Charging – Flexibility Comes with Higher Costs

When you’re out and about or on longer journeys, public charging points are essential for those battery top ups but they’re generally more expensive than home charging, as they tend to deliver power to the battery at a faster rate to get you back on the road.

For example:

• Rapid charging (10-80 %) can cost £35-£45 or more, depending on the charge point network and the BE11’s battery size.
• Pay-as-you-go public charging can average 50p-78p per kWh, significantly more than home electricity.

Despite the higher cost, public charge points are invaluable for long trips or fast turnaround. EV drivers without home charging access will still benefit from lower running costs compared with petrol or diesel cars, especially as competition among public charging providers intensifies.

Comparing EV Running Costs with Petrol or Diesel Cars

One of the biggest advantages of electric vehicles is their significantly lower energy costs compared with traditional petrol or diesel cars. Even charging a large EV battery typically costs a fraction of what it would to fill a fuel tank, and in everyday use, the cost per mile can be just a few pence when charging at home. By comparison, petrol and diesel cars often cost several times more per mile to run, making the savings from going electric both noticeable and ongoing.

Typical running costs over a 100-mile journey can vary significantly depending on how and where you refuel. Charging an EV at home can cost as little as £5–£10 per 100 miles, depending on your electricity tariff, while public rapid charging is usually higher, often around £20–£35+ per 100 miles. By comparison, a petrol or diesel car covering the same distance will often cost £15–£20 or more, with costs rising further when refuelling at motorway service stations, where fuel prices are typically much higher than the UK average.

This difference highlights why home charging offers the greatest savings for EV drivers, while traditional fuel costs remain more exposed to location-based price increases.

Even with some use of public chargers, running an EV like the Skywell BE11 tends to be cheaper than running a petrol or diesel car, especially when you benefit from regular home charging.

Other Running Costs

Road Tax

In the UK, electric vehicles are no longer automatically exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), as changes to road tax rules mean EVs are now subject to standard rates. While the tax landscape has changed, the day-to-day savings from charging and servicing remain financially appealing.

Maintenance & Servicing

Electric cars have only one moving part in their drive system, which means fewer parts to wear or break compared with traditional engines. This results in lower servicing and maintenance bills over time.

Insurance

Insurance premiums for EVs can vary, but many EV drivers find that lower operating costs offset higher insurance premiums compared with petrol or diesel vehicles.

Running a Skywell BE11

Here’s how the cost to run a Skywell BE11 might look over typical usage:

Cost Element	EV Example (BE11)	Petrol/Diesel Equivalent
Home charging per year	£400-£800*	NA
Public charging (occasional)	£200-£500*	NA
Fuel cost (petrol)	NA	£1200+*
Insurance	Varies	Varies
Road Tax	Lower	Often higher

 

Illustrative only; actual costs vary by location, tariff and driving habits. Home charging is generally cheapest.

With a Skywell BE11, you can expect to take advantage of low home charging costs, everyday convenience and fewer traditional servicing requirements, making running an electric car more efficient and often cheaper than a petrol/diesel car in the UK.

Tips to Minimise EV Running Costs

Charge at home when possible: Most EV drivers find this the most cost-effective way to keep their vehicle charged.

Use off-peak EV tariffs: They can significantly reduce per-kWh costs.

Plan long journeys: Use public chargers strategically to avoid additional costs.

Monitor driving style: Efficient driving increases range and reduces charge frequency.

EV Running Costs Made Simple

Running an electric vehicle like the Skywell BE11 offers a compelling mix of low energy costs, reduced maintenance and modern EV ownership benefits. While public charging can be more expensive, home charging remains highly cost-effective, especially with dedicated EV tariffs, and overall electric-car running costs are typically lower than for petrol or diesel drivers.

Whether you’re considering your first EV or planning a family SUV upgrade, understanding charging and operating costs helps you make the most of your investment in electric mobility.