Diesel vs Electric - Which is Cheaper?

Driver Advice

At first glance, diesel cars might seem cheaper than EVs. But EVs offer lower running costs, less maintenance, and better fuel economy. And with the UK’s ever-expanding charging station network, buying or leasing an EV could be a smart move. Here’s why.

Posted on 5 Mar 2025 Posted by Josh May

Diesel vs Electric

Most diesel cars have a cheaper initial price tag than electric vehicles. So you might see them as the more affordable choice.

One of the reasons why EVs cost more to buy or lease is because of the batteries, which are very expensive. EVs also feature more advanced technology, which drives production costs up.

The main advantage of choosing an EV car lease is cheaper running costs. Diesel is one of the most expensive fuels on the market. This is because it’s taxed at a higher rate, as it is considered a dirtier type of fuel. 

The widespread availability of electricity makes charging your EV one of the cheapest ways to refuel. On average, it costs about £8 to charge a standard 200-miler plug-in at home and even less at a rapid charger where you can top up about 100 miles of charge for around £6.50. 

Serious savings on fuel costs

This is where EVs truly shine. Check out these fuel cost comparisons:

  • Diesel: Around £60 to fill up a 50-litre tank
  • Electric: Just £25 for equivalent mileage

 

Want a real-world example?
Vauxhall Corsa Electric costs about 4.6p per mile to run, compared to 8.1p for the diesel version. That’s nearly half the price!

Electric car performance perks

Forget what you’ve heard about electric cars being slow. 

EVs deliver instant acceleration that’ll make any diesel look sluggish. 

We’re talking:  

  • Zero to fast in seconds - Tesla Model 3 Performance can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds
  • A smooth, quiet driving experience
  • High-tech features like regenerative braking, which recovers energy that would otherwise be lost when braking and converts it back into electricity


Do electric cars have lower maintenance?
Older cars have over 100 moving parts. EV’s? No more than 20. And regenerative braking also contributes to less wear and tear on the tyres and brakes of plug-in vehicles. All of this leads to lower maintenance costs and fewer headaches. 

The environmental benefits of electric cars

Choosing an electric car over a petrol or diesel car isn’t just about saving money. You’ll also be cutting your CO2 emissions by more than 50%. 

 

When you lease an EV, you can expect:


And with an ever-growing EV charging network, range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. Charge at home, work, or a public charging station - it’s never been easier. 

 

Ready to lease smarter? 

Electric cars are the way forward - faster, cheaper, and better for the environment. We have some of the best electric and hybrid lease offers on the market, so give us a call to learn how we can help. 

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