Certain motorists are receiving an unexpected financial advantage as forecourt prices continue to climb.
Operating an electric vehicle has now become more economical than petrol or diesel – even for those who must depend on more expensive public charging points. Fresh data reveals that electric vehicle (EV) drivers utilising public chargers are currently spending less per mile than motorists filling up with fossil fuels for the first time in over a year, as pump prices continue their upward trajectory. The RAC reports that petrol has climbed to 157.3p per litre, an increase of 24.5p since late February, while diesel has soared to 189.9p, representing a jump of 47.4p.
This has driven the average operating cost of a petrol vehicle to 16.7p per mile and diesel to 17.4p per mile, according to figures from Charge UK. In comparison, electric drivers using a standard public charger – priced at approximately 54p per kWh – are now spending roughly 15p per mile, beating both alternatives.
Even those combining different charging options are coming out ahead. Motorists using standard chargers 80% of the time and rapid chargers for the remaining 20% are paying around 16.3p per mile – still more economical than diesel and only fractionally below petrol.
Only drivers who depend exclusively on rapid chargers – usually located at motorway services and priced at approximately 76p per kWh – are worse off, encountering costs of around 21.2p per mile.
This reversal has been ignited by escalating global tensions, with fuel prices rising steeply since hostilities intensified involving the US, Israel and Iran earlier this year. Melanie Shufflebotham of Zapmap said: "For electric drivers with a typical 80-20 split between home and public charging, the cost saving compared with running a petrol or diesel car is at the highest level since May 2024."
Yet EV motorists continue to face an unfair tax system. Public charging points carry a 20% VAT rate, while domestic electricity is charged at just 5% - pushing up expenses for those without off-street parking.
Campaigners are increasingly demanding this disparity be eliminated, with mounting pressure on HMRC to reduce VAT on public charging to 5%.
Despite the ongoing debate, appetite for electric vehicles is soaring. March saw a record 137,000 EVs purchased, representing a 14.5% increase on the previous year's figures, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows.
Ian Plummer of Auto Trader told the Times: "Cheaper running costs have long been a key incentive to make the switch to electric, and we've seen a significant uptick in consumers looking at electric vehicles on our platform following recent petrol price hikes, so we know there's growing awareness of just how much you can save.
"While there's lots to be positive about, the transition is not sorted. If the government is serious about a fair and accessible transition, it should do all it can to make public charging as affordable as possible."
The research will strengthen demands for ministers to create a level playing field - as Britain hurtles towards a 2030 prohibition on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.