We’ve seen a clear shift across our showrooms at Shelbourne Motors in recent months. As fuel prices at the pump continue to rise and fluctuate, more drivers are actively exploring alternatives and electric vehicles are firmly at the centre of that conversation.

With that, increased interest has come a wave of common questions from customers across Northern Ireland. We understand our customers and it's important that we can offer clarity and guidance. The important topics we hear are around real-world costs, the potential saving and whether switching to electric genuinely makes financial sense for their daily driving.

Which brings us to the question we’re being asked more than ever: Is it actually cheaper to run an electric car?

Let’s break it down using real-world costs, NI energy rates and examples from the vehicles we supply across our brands. Prices and tariffs are averages based on our research in March 2026.

The Cost of Petrol & Diesel in 2026

Fuel prices remain volatile, but as of early 2026:

• Petrol averages over £1.49 per litre
• Diesel averages over £1.59 per litre

That means:

• 1 litre = 0.22 gallons (UK)
• A typical petrol car doing 45 MPG
• A typical diesel doing 55 MPG

Cost per mile (Petrol)

• £1.46 per litre = £6.64 per gallon
• £6.64 ÷ 45 MPG = ~14.7p per mile

Cost per mile (Diesel)

• £1.54 per litre = £7.00 per gallon
• £7.00 ÷ 55 MPG = ~12.7p per mile
• Typical range: 13p–15p per mile

And that’s before factoring in real-world driving, cold starts or stop-start traffic — all of which increase fuel consumption.

The Cost of Charging an EV in Northern Ireland

Electricity prices vary depending on your tariff, but:

UK average electricity price cap: ~27p per kWh - Typical overnight (off-peak) NI rates: ~15p–18p per kWh (common EV tariffs)

Let’s use a realistic example:

EV efficiency: 3.0 miles per kWh (typical for models like Kia EV6, Toyota C-HR+, Nissan Ariya in mixed driving)

Cost per mile (Home Charging – Night Rate)

• 17p per kWh ÷ 3 miles per kWh = ~5.7p per mile

Cost per mile (Standard Rate)

• 27p per kWh ÷ 3 miles per kWh = ~9p per mile

Typical EV range: 5p–9p per mile

Real Example: 1,000 Miles Per Month

Let’s compare monthly running costs:

Monthly Cost driving 1,000 miles

• Petrol ~14.7p = £147
• Diesel ~12.7p = £127
• EV (night rate) ~5.7p = £57
• EV (standard rate) ~9p = £90

The Difference

• Save £70–£90 per month vs petrol
• Save £40–£70 per month vs diesel

That’s £800–£1,000+ per year in fuel savings alone.

What This Means for Shelbourne Motors Customers

Across our range — including Kia, Nissan, Renault, Dacia, Toyota and Maxus electric models — the cost advantage of EVs is clear when charging at home.

Popular examples include:

• Kia EV4, EV5, EV6, EV9
• Renault 5, Scenic, Megane range
• Nissan Ariya, Nissan Micra
• Toyota C-HR+, Urban Cruiser

These vehicles typically deliver 3–4 miles per kWh, making them ideal for maximising savings on local driving and commuting.

Final Thoughts

With fuel prices remaining unpredictable and electricity offering more stable overnight rates, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly smart financial choice — especially here in Northern Ireland where home charging is widely accessible.

At Shelbourne Motors, we’re helping more customers than ever make the switch — not just for sustainability, but for real, everyday savings.

Read more about Electric Cars available at Shelbourne Motors