Here’s how much cheaper it is to service an EV compared to a petrol, diesel or hybrid car over five years

Electric cars might come with premium prices tags over their petrol, diesel and hybrid equivalents, but cheaper running costs make them particularly appealing to drivers who finance and lease their vehicles rather than buying with cash.

Not only are they cheaper to charge than refuelling an internal combustion engine (ICE) alternative, they’re also far less expensive to maintain due to having fewer moving parts and longer service intervals.

And a new report has exposed just how much motorists can save on servicing over a five-year period if they switch to an EV today.

Based on analysis of hundreds of different cars, analysis suggests electric vehicle drivers pay 29 per cent less for servicing over a five-year period.

While the average outlay for a petrol, diesel or hybrid model is £5,709, EV owners pay just £4,022, according to calculations by The Car Expert that have been shared exclusively with This is Money.

‘While overall servicing costs have risen slightly across the market, the long-term maintenance savings with EVs remain compelling,’ explains Stuart Masson, the editorial director at the consumer advice platform.

The figures are based on data supplied by automotive analytics provider Clear Vehicle Data, covering more than 600 new and near-new cars currently on sale in the UK. 

Drawing on official manufacturer servicing schedules, the analysis includes every version of each model – from body styles and trim levels to gearbox and powertrain options – with millions of data points.

While servicing costs have increased across the board over the last 12 months due to inflation, rising energy bills and supply chain issues causing delays accessing parts, the data confirms that EVs remain ‘significantly cheaper’ to maintain than their petrol, diesel or hybrid counterparts. 

While there are many factors that may contribute to this, one likely explanation is the relative simplicity of EV drivetrains. 

With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and a lower number of components that require regular servicing, this reduces the maintenance costs of EVs (though actual costs will still vary by model, usage and manufacturer servicing schedules).

EVs also typically have longer mileage intervals.

While ICE models usually require a service every year or every 12,000 miles – whichever comes first – some EVs only need a service once they reach 18,000 miles. That said, all manufacturer recommended intervals are yearly. 

The findings reinforce the notion that electric cars make financial sense long after they leave the forecourt.

‘Servicing costs may not be front of mind when choosing a car, but they play a major role in what you’ll spend over time, and it’s vital that drivers factor that into their decision-making,’ Masson added.

While EVs might be cheaper to service, there is currently a shortfall of qualified technicians to work on them.

The Institute of Motor Industry’s latest EV TechSafe certification data published in August showed that 58,800 mechanics in the UK are qualified to work on EVs, which represents less than a quarter (24 per cent) of Britain’s automotive workforce. 

Based on the forecast increase in EVs on UK roads, the IMI is currently predicting a shortfall of 3,000 technicians by 2031. And the gap is expected to reach 16,000 by 2035.

The new IMI data also identified a worrying postcode lottery for EV technician availability. 

While London and the South East have the higher proportion of EVs, the regions do not boast the larger proportion of EV-qualified mechanics. 

Just 6.1 per cent and 6.4 per cent of professionals in London and the South East respectively are EV-trained.

The body’s data shows the East of England has the highest rate of EV qualifications (9.5 per cent), while Northern Ireland has the lowest (3.7 per cent).  

Kevin Finn, executive chair at the IMI said: ‘Automotive businesses urgently need to prioritise training more technicians so that the expected rising number of EV owners can find a local technician qualified to work safely on their vehicle.’

EV vs ICE servicing costs 

In the most detailed part of the analysis, EVs were found to be cheaper to service in 95 per cent (53 out of 56) like-for-like model comparisons – often by hundreds of pounds per year.

The differences become even clearer when looking at specific model comparisons. 

Examples include the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, which is 31 per cent cheaper to service over the first three years than the petrol model – and 32 per cent cheaper from years three to five. 

The Fiat 500e saves drivers even more, with service costs 34 per cent lower than the hybrid version in early ownership and 31 per cent lower in later years. 

The new all-electric Mini Countryman also delivers strong savings, with maintenance costs reduced by 18 per cent in the first three years, rising to 22 per cent from years three to five when compared to the conventional petrol option.

For fleet managers and higher-mileage drivers, the long-term savings of running an EV will be particularly appealing. 

Tim Hudson, managing director at Clear Vehicle Data, said: ‘Our data shows a clear trend: electric vehicles consistently cost less to maintain, and that gap remains significant in 2025. 

‘With more EV options available than ever before, the case for switching is stronger – particularly when you consider the measurable impact on running costs for both fleet operators and private buyers. 

‘As electric models expand across every vehicle segment, it’s becoming easier for drivers to choose options that offer real, long-term value.’