EVs not diesels are now doing the big mileage in the UK

The average electric car in Britain now covers more than 16,000km per year, a similar amount to the average diesel.

EVs evidently account for more than 1 in 32km driven in Britain. 

Research from the RAC Foundation suggests the average electric car less than three years old is doing over 16,000km per annum.  That’s significantly more than the equivalent petrol car, with an average figure of 12,000km annually.

Diesels and EVs are on equal terms, though 10 years ago most EVs racked up less than half the mileage of the equivalent diesel.

An RAC spokesperson said: “Until recently…fleets and businesses have looked to diesels when they’ve needed something capable of racking up the big miles whilst still offering reasonable fuel economy.” 

“Now it seems that fully electric cars are starting to take over …providing a practical alternative in terms of range and cost per mile.”

The data accrue from first-time warrant tests which are typically conducted once a car reaches three years of age. It’s of note that electric cars only account for 3.8 per cent of all cars registered in the UK.

The RAC spokesperson concluded: “Battery-powered vehicles account for a disproportionately large number of miles in use.”

This can only increase dramatically as the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars draws nearer. 

The government has also re-introduced a public-funded grant for EVs to help boost sales. Dubbed the Electric Car Grant, it offers up to £3750 towards the price of a new EV. The exact amount depends on how much renewable energy is used throughout the model’s production.