Used EV vs Petrol: A 3-Year Running Cost Comparison for South Yorkshire Drivers

For most South Yorkshire drivers, a used EV can save between £800 and £1,200 per year in running costs compared to a similar petrol car. While the upfront price may be slightly higher, the combination of lower "fuel" costs (especially with home charging), zero road tax (until 2025), and reduced servicing needs makes electric a cost-effective choice for Barnsley, Sheffield, and Doncaster commuters.

• Fuel Savings: Charging at home is significantly cheaper than petrol; even public charging often beats the pump.

• Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts, leading to lower routine servicing and repair bills.

• Tax & ULEZ: EVs currently enjoy £0 road tax (changing 2025) and are exempt from the Sheffield Clean Air Zone.

• Local Context: Commuting between Barnsley, Sheffield, and Doncaster is the "sweet spot" for EV efficiency.

• The Verdict: If you can charge at home, the 3-year savings often outweigh the slightly higher purchase price.

Useful links:

• Browse our EV and Hybrid stock: https://anycolourcar.com/car-search?finance-deposit=1000&finance-term-month=48&page=1&per-page=10&price-type=Finance&sort-by=age_oldest

• Check finance eligibility: https://anycolourcar.com/finance/eligibility

• Book a service or MOT: https://anycolourcar.com/book-mot-service-online

• Sell or part-exchange your current car: https://anycolourcar.com/sell

• Contact us: https://anycolourcar.com/contact-us

The Real Cost of Driving in South Yorkshire

When you’re looking for your next car in Barnsley, Sheffield, or Doncaster, the price on the window is only half the story. The "Total Cost of Ownership" is what really hits your pocket over time. With petrol prices fluctuating and the push toward greener driving, many local families are asking: Is it actually cheaper to go electric?

To find out, we’ve broken down the costs over a typical three-year ownership period, comparing a popular used petrol hatchback (like a Ford Focus or VW Golf) against a similar used electric model (like a Nissan Leaf or VW ID.3).

1. Fuel vs. Electricity: The Biggest Saving

The most immediate difference you’ll notice is at the "pump."

Petrol Costs:
If you drive 8,000 miles a year (a typical South Yorkshire average) in a car doing 45mpg, you’ll spend roughly £1,100–£1,300 per year on petrol, depending on current prices. Over three years, that’s £3,300–£3,900.

EV Costs (Home Charging):
If you have a driveway and a home charger, you can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Charging the same 8,000 miles could cost as little as £200–£300 per year. Over three years, that’s just £600–£900.

EV Costs (Public Charging):
If you rely on public chargers in Barnsley town centre or Meadowhall, costs are higher than home charging but usually still lower than petrol. You might spend £600–£800 per year, totalling £1,800–£2,400 over three years.

The Winner: EV (Saving up to £3,000 over 3 years if charging at home).

2. Servicing and Maintenance

A petrol engine is a complex beast with hundreds of moving parts, all requiring oil, filters, spark plugs, and belts. An electric motor is incredibly simple by comparison.

Petrol Servicing:
Expect to pay for an annual service, plus wear-and-tear items like brake pads and discs. Over three years, including one "major" service, you’re looking at roughly £600–£900.

EV Servicing:
EVs still need MOTs, tyres, and cabin filters, but there’s no oil to change and no cambelt to worry about. Because EVs use "regenerative braking" (using the motor to slow down), your brake pads often last twice as long as a petrol car's. Over three years, you might spend £300–£500.

The Winner: EV (Saving roughly £400 over 3 years).

3. Road Tax (VED) and Clean Air Zones

Road Tax:
Currently, used EVs registered before April 2025 pay £0 per year in Road Tax. Most modern petrol cars cost between £180 and £190 per year. While the government is introducing tax for EVs in 2025, you’ll still enjoy the saving until then.

Clean Air Zones:
If your commute takes you into the Sheffield Clean Air Zone, a modern petrol car (Euro 4+) is currently free, but older models may face charges. EVs are 100% exempt from all current and future UK Clean Air Zone charges, providing long-term peace of mind.

The Winner: EV (Saving roughly £550 over 3 years).

4. Depreciation: The "Hidden" Cost

As we discussed in our guide to depreciation, how much a car is worth when you sell it is a huge factor.

Historically, EVs depreciated faster because the tech was new. However, as the used market in South Yorkshire matures and more people look for affordable electric cars, residuals for popular models like the Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona Electric are stabilising.

A used petrol car is a "safe" bet for resale, but a used EV bought at 3 years old has already taken its biggest hit, making it a smart second-hand purchase.

The 3-Year Total: Petrol vs. EV

Potential 3-Year Saving: £2,420 – £3,770

Is an EV right for your Yorkshire commute?

While the savings are clear, an EV has to fit your lifestyle.

• The Commuter: If you live in Barnsley and work in Sheffield or Doncaster, a used EV with a 150-mile range is perfect. You’ll likely only need to charge twice a week.

• The Homeowner: If you have a driveway, an EV is a "no-brainer" for cost savings.

• The Long-Distance Driver: If you frequently drive from South Yorkshire to London or Scotland, you’ll need to factor in the cost and time of rapid public charging, which narrows the saving gap.

How AnyColourCar helps you switch

We know that moving to electric can feel like a big leap. That’s why we treat every customer like family, offering honest advice on whether an EV actually suits your budget and driving habits.

• Meticulous Prep: Every used EV we sell undergoes a rigorous battery health check and multi-point inspection.

• Transparent Guidance: We’ll explain charging, range, and cables without the jargon.

• Local After-care: Our Barnsley-based team is here for your MOTs and servicing, ensuring your EV stays efficient for years to come.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Are used EV batteries reliable?
Yes. Most manufacturers offer an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery. Even after that, data shows that most batteries retain over 80-90% of their capacity for well over a decade.

What happens if I can't charge at home?
You can still save money using public chargers, but the gap is smaller. Many workplaces in South Yorkshire now offer free or subsidised charging, which can make an EV even cheaper than home charging.

Will my insurance be higher for an EV?
Sometimes. EVs can be in higher insurance groups due to repair costs. We always recommend getting a quote for a specific model before you buy.

Is the Sheffield Clean Air Zone a worry for petrol cars?
Currently, most petrol cars from 2006 onwards are exempt. However, an EV guarantees you'll never have to worry about changing regulations or future charges.

Next Steps

• Browse our current EV and Hybrid stock: https://anycolourcar.com/car-search?finance-deposit=1000&finance-term-month=48&page=1&per-page=10&price-type=Finance&sort-by=age_oldest

• Check your finance eligibility in minutes: https://anycolourcar.com/finance/eligibility

• Get a valuation for your petrol car: https://anycolourcar.com/sell

• Book a winter health check or service: https://anycolourcar.com/book-mot-service-online

• Visit us in Barnsley for a friendly chat: https://anycolourcar.com/contact-us