There is no single best fuel type. Petrol suits low mileage and short trips, diesel still makes sense for long motorway runs and towing, a hybrid suits mixed driving, and an electric car is cheapest to run if you can charge at home. The right answer depends on how far you drive, where you park and what you can afford up front.

Which fuel type is cheapest to run?

For most people it comes down to mileage and charging. An electric car charged at home on a good tariff usually has the lowest cost per mile. A full hybrid does well in town traffic. Diesel gives strong economy on long runs. Petrol is often cheapest to buy and simplest to maintain.

Our running cost calculator lets you put in your own mileage and prices and compare the options side by side.

When does a petrol car make sense?

You do mostly short or local journeys.
Your annual mileage is low to average.
You want a lower purchase price and straightforward servicing.

Petrol cars meet the London ULEZ standard if they meet Euro 4 emissions, which covers most petrol cars from about 2006 onwards. You can check any car on TfL's vehicle checker.

When is diesel still the right choice?

You regularly cover long motorway distances.
You tow a caravan or trailer.
You need the pulling power of a pickup or van.

Diesels are less suited to lots of short trips, because the diesel particulate filter (DPF) needs regular longer runs to clean itself. Our guide to avoiding DPF problems explains why. For London's ULEZ, diesels generally need to meet Euro 6.

Is a hybrid a good middle ground?

For many drivers, yes. A full hybrid charges its own battery and uses electric power at low speeds, which helps in stop-start traffic. A plug-in hybrid can cover a short commute on electric power if you charge it regularly, but uses more fuel if you do not. Our guide to the different types of hybrid explains the differences.

Who is an electric car best for?

Drivers who can charge at home or at work.
Regular, predictable journeys within the car's real-world range.
People who want lower running and servicing costs.

Electric cars now pay vehicle tax like other cars, so check the rate on GOV.UK. If you cannot charge at home, public charging costs more, so work out the numbers first. Our EV hub and guide to charging in Barnsley and South Yorkshire can help.

Common questions

Is diesel being banned?

No. You can still buy, drive and sell used diesel cars. Rules on new car sales are changing, which our guide to the 2030 petrol and diesel rules explains.

Do I need to worry about clean air zones in South Yorkshire?

Sheffield's Clean Air Zone does not charge private cars. Other cities have their own rules, so check before you travel. Our guide to clean air zones and ULEZ covers the main ones.

Is a used electric car a good idea?

It can be, if the battery is healthy and the range suits you. Our guide to checking used EV battery health explains what to look for.

Find the right car in Barnsley

Browse our cars in stock by fuel type, or call our sales team in Barnsley, South Yorkshire on 01226 574410 to talk it through. Thinking of changing your current car? You can sell or part exchange it with us.

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Updated October 2026.

Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric: Which Should You Choose?