Rises in fuel prices mean that an electric vehicle (EV) can now travel over four times further than an equivalent petrol car for the same cost.
Andersen EV, a UK-based manufacturer of premium home charge points, conducted a real-world ‘How Far for a Fiver?’ test comparing the distance that could be covered by a Renault 5 E-Tech electric and a petrol-powered Citroën C3 using £5 of electricity and fuel. The Renault 5 completed the entire journey from Lincoln to Exeter, while the Citroën ran out of petrol after just 47 miles.
- Recent increases in petrol prices mean an EV can travel more than four times the distance the same cost
- Andersen EV’s real-world ‘How Far for a Fiver?’ challenge sees electric Renault 5 travel over 200 miles; petrol Citroën C3 runs out of fuel after just 47 miles
- Comparison comes as the average price of petrol reaches 160p per litre, its highest since November 2022
- Pairing an EV with an overnight electricity tariff can significantly reduce everyday driving costs
The disparity in cost-effectiveness has been amplified by climbing prices at the pumps. The average price of petrol has now reached 160p per litre, its highest level since November 2022, after increasing by more than 9p during July, according to the RAC.
For the challenge, the Renault 5 was charged overnight at home with £5 of electricity, making use of a smart energy tariff. The same £5 was enough to purchase 2.48 litres of petrol for the Citroën C3. Both vehicles set off from Lincoln and followed the Fosse Way towards Exeter.
The petrol car initially displayed an estimated 40 miles of range. To conserve fuel, the air conditioning and other non-essential features were switched off and the car was driven conservatively, coasting on downhill sections wherever possible. After the estimated range fell to 20 miles, the fuel warning light came on. The Citroën began losing power and ultimately had to pull into a lay-by, having travelled exactly 47 miles.
The Renault 5 began the challenge with a range of approximately 215 miles. Notably, the air conditioning was kept on throughout the journey, while the car’s Eco mode and regenerative braking were deployed to maximise efficiency. When it passed the stationary Citroën, the Renault was still displaying around 180 miles of range. It then continued comfortably to Exeter, completing the full 200-mile route on the original £5 charge.
David Martell, CEO of Andersen EV, said: “There is still a perception that running an electric car can be more expensive than driving a petrol equivalent, but this challenge shows the difference that charging at home on the right tariff can make.
“For drivers who can charge at home and take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity, going electric can replace anxiety about rising petrol prices with lower and more predictable everyday running costs.”
Watch the full ‘How Far for a Fiver?’ challenge here:
