Electric cars cost almost a third less to service than petrol or diesel models, new data reveals.
Research by The Car Expert and Clear Vehicle Data shows EV service costs are 29% lower than ICE models over five years, saving owners hundreds of pounds.
The study examined service schedules for more than 600 new and nearly new vehicles across various sizes and body styles. It found petrol owners pay an average of £5,709 for five years of regular servicing, while EV owners pay just £4,022.
Researchers attribute these savings largely to EVs’ simpler mechanical nature. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and fewer components requiring regular maintenance, electric vehicles need less time and work during service appointments.
“Servicing is often an overlooked part of the total cost of ownership, but it’s an area where electric vehicles continue to deliver a clear and measurable advantage,” said Stuart Masson, editorial director at The Car Expert. “While overall costs have risen slightly across the market, the long-term maintenance savings with EVs remain compelling.
“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.”
| Average Servicing Costs | Petrol / Diesel / Hybrid Cars | Electric Cars | EV Saving |
| Year 1 | £308 (+4%)* | £256 (+10%) | 17% |
| Year 2 | £753 (+3%) | £540 (+6%) | 28% |
| Year 3 | £1,209 (+3%) | £839 (+3%) | 31% |
| Year 4 | £1,477 (+26%) | £1,029 (+5%) | 30% |
| Year 5 | £1,962 (+3%) | £1,318 (+3%) | 33% |
| Total after 5 years | £5,709 (+4%) | £4,022 (+4%) | 29% |
* Percentages increase compared to 2024 prices
The research found EVs were cheaper to service than comparable ICE models in 95% of cases. The Vauxhall Corsa Electric costs 31% less to service in the first three years than its petrol counterpart – and 32% less from years three to five. The Fiat 500e offers even greater savings, with service costs 34% lower than the petrol version initially and 31% lower in later years.
Larger luxury models show similar trends. The Audi Q6 e-tron is 17% cheaper to maintain than the petrol or diesel Q5 during the first three years, increasing to 19% cheaper from years three to five. The Mercedes EQS costs 28% less to service than the S-Class in years one to three, and 29% less from years three to five.
Not all EVs follow this pattern, however. The Volkswagen ID.3 – despite its attractive £30,000 starting price – costs 45% more to service than a petrol Mk8 Golf in early years and remains 22% more expensive in years three to five.
“We break down servicing costs by every imaginable vehicle configuration – fuel type, body style, mileage, trim level, and more,” said Tim Hudson, managing director at Clear Vehicle Data.
“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.”
Hudson added: “As electric models expand across every vehicle segment, it’s becoming easier for drivers to choose options that offer real, long-term value.”
