Free Running Cost Tool
Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate your annual fuel costs based on mileage and MPG. Compare petrol, diesel, and electric running costs.
Our calculator is coming soon. See example costs below.
Annual Fuel Costs by Type
Based on 10,000 miles per year at November 2024 prices
Petrol
40 MPG average
£1,590/yr
~15.9p per mile
Diesel
50 MPG average
£1,410/yr
~14.1p per mile
Hybrid
60 MPG average
£1,060/yr
~10.6p per mile
Electric
Home charging
£700/yr
~7p per mile
*Based on: Petrol £1.40/L, Diesel £1.47/L, Electricity 28p/kWh (home), 3.5 miles/kWh
Cost Per Mile by MPG
| MPG | Petrol (£1.40/L) | Diesel (£1.47/L) | Annual (10k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 MPG | 21.2p | 22.3p | £2,120 |
| 40 MPG | 15.9p | 16.7p | £1,590 |
| 50 MPG | 12.7p | 13.4p | £1,270 |
| 60 MPG | 10.6p | 11.1p | £1,060 |
| 70 MPG | 9.1p | 9.5p | £910 |
How to Reduce Fuel Costs
Check Tyre Pressure Monthly
Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 3%. Check when tyres are cold for accurate readings.
Drive Smoothly
Harsh acceleration and braking wastes fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain steady speeds where possible.
Remove Excess Weight
Every 50kg reduces MPG by about 2%. Clear out the boot and remove roof boxes/racks when not in use.
Use Air Con Wisely
Air conditioning can reduce MPG by 5-10%. At low speeds, open windows. At high speeds, use air con (lower drag).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost per mile?
How do I calculate fuel cost per mile?
Divide the fuel price per litre by your MPG, then multiply by 4.546 (litres per gallon). For example: £1.40/litre ÷ 40 MPG × 4.546 = 15.9p per mile. Our calculator does this automatically.
What is the average MPG for UK cars?
What is the average MPG for UK cars?
Real-world averages are typically: small petrol cars 40-50 MPG, medium petrol 35-45 MPG, diesel cars 45-55 MPG, hybrids 50-70 MPG. Official figures are often 10-20% higher than real-world driving achieves.
Is diesel or petrol cheaper to run?
Is diesel or petrol cheaper to run?
Diesel cars typically get 15-20% better MPG, but diesel fuel costs more per litre. For high-mileage drivers (12,000+ miles/year), diesel usually works out cheaper. For lower mileage, petrol is often better value.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Home charging costs around 7-10p per mile (at 28p/kWh). Public rapid charging costs 15-25p per mile. Compare this to petrol at 15-20p per mile. EVs are significantly cheaper to run, especially if you charge at home.
How many miles does the average UK driver do?
How many miles does the average UK driver do?
The UK average is approximately 7,400 miles per year. However, this varies significantly - commuters often do 10,000-15,000 miles while retired drivers may only do 3,000-5,000 miles annually.
How can I reduce my fuel costs?
How can I reduce my fuel costs?
Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic, maintain correct tyre pressure, remove roof boxes when not needed, avoid excessive idling, use cruise control on motorways, and combine short trips. These can improve MPG by 10-20%.