Tesla vs petrol: running costs compared
On fuel alone, a Tesla charged at home is far cheaper to run than a petrol car. Public rapid charging narrows the gap.
Fuel cost per mile
Unleaded petrol averaged 161.61p a litre in the week beginning 31 August 2026 (DESNZ weekly prices).
| Car and fuel | Cost per mile |
|---|---|
| Petrol car, 45 mpg | about 16.3p |
| Tesla, home off-peak at 7.6p per kWh | about 1.9p |
| Tesla, home standard rate at 26.32p per kWh | about 6.6p |
| Tesla, Supercharger at 47p per kWh | about 11.8p |
Tesla figures assume 4 miles per kWh. Real figures vary with weather and speed.
Over 10,000 miles a year
- Petrol at 45 mpg: about £1,630.
- Tesla charging mostly at home off-peak with a few rapid stops: often £250 to £400.
Tax
Electric cars now pay vehicle excise duty like other cars, plus the expensive car supplement on cars over £50,000. From April 2028 the government plans to add a pay-per-mile charge of 3p a mile for electric cars, which would add £300 on 10,000 miles. See Road tax and Pay-per-mile tax.
Servicing and wear
Teslas have no oil changes, and brake pads last long because regenerative braking does most of the slowing. Tyres can wear faster because the cars are heavy and quick. See Tyres.
Run your own numbers in the Tesla vs petrol calculator.