Electric Vehicle Range & Cost Calculator
Calculate your real-world electric vehicle range, home charging cost, and compare running costs against a petrol equivalent.
Real vs WLTP Range
WLTP range (official test) is typically 20–30% higher than real-world range. Cold weather (below 5°C) reduces range by 20–40% due to battery chemistry and cabin heating. Motorway driving at 70+ mph is significantly less efficient than urban driving for EVs — the opposite of petrol cars.
Home Charging vs Public
Home charging is the cheapest option: approximately 7–10p/mile at current rates. Rapid public charging at 60–80p/kWh can cost 20–25p/mile — approaching or exceeding petrol costs. Charging behaviour dramatically affects the economic case for an EV.
Total Cost of Ownership
EVs have lower fuel and servicing costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking) but higher purchase prices. Over 5 years at 10,000 miles/year, most EVs break even versus equivalent petrol cars, depending on purchase price differential and charging mix.
Travel Safety and Preparation
Before any international trip: check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for your destination at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice — advisories change frequently. Register your trip with the FCDO if travelling to a high-risk destination. Take two copies of all documents (passport, insurance, bookings) — one in luggage, one left at home with a trusted contact. Share your itinerary with someone at home. Travel insurance is not optional — a single overseas medical emerge
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