Electric vehicle cost per distance

Enter electricity consumption in kWh per 100 km, journey distance, unit rate and annual distance. For a charging-cost estimate, consumption should include electricity drawn from the grid. A dashboard figure may measure energy leaving the battery and omit charging losses.

Formula

Journey energy = consumption × kilometres ÷ 100. Journey cost = energy × electricity price. Cost per 100 km = consumption × electricity price. Annual cost uses annual kilometres; the monthly estimate is the annual cost divided by 12.

Worked example

At a grid consumption of 18 kWh/100 km, a 250 km journey requires 45 kWh. Driving 12,000 km over a year uses 2,160 kWh on the same assumption. Multiply each energy total by your chosen unit price.

What the result means

Use a blended rate if charging happens at several prices, weighted by the energy bought at each rate. The monthly result represents average annual driving, not necessarily this month’s journeys.

Electricity price · United Kingdom

£0.2611/kWh is Ofgem’s average capped electricity unit rate for standard variable tariffs paid by Direct Debit in England, Scotland and Wales, valid from 1 July to 30 September 2026. It includes 5% VAT and excludes the separate standing charge. It is not an average across all contracts and does not apply to Northern Ireland. Use your own tariff where available.

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026 · Ofgem · July–September 2026

Enter the unit rate including any applicable tax. Check your bill rather than adding a tax percentage automatically. Standing charges, export payments and subscription fees are separate. Ofgem information applies to Great Britain; Northern Ireland has its own regulator and market arrangements.

Assumptions and limits

Speed, weather, heating, load and route affect consumption. The estimate excludes purchase price, insurance, maintenance, parking and charging session fees.

Questions answered

Methodology · Report an error