EVs now outpacing petrol cars in annual mileage

Electric vehicles (EVs) are now covering more miles per year than petrol cars, according to the latest data from automotive experts Cap HPI.

A decade ago, the average EV travelled 6,355 miles per year, lagging 2,288 miles behind petrol cars. By January this year, however, the typical EV’s annual mileage had risen to 8,740 miles, exceeding the petrol average by 444 miles.

This shift has been consistent for nearly two years, with EVs surpassing petrol cars in mileage every month since April 2023.

At that time, the average EV was already driving further at 7,895 miles per year, 358 miles more than petrol vehicles.

The steady increase in EV usage is attributed to several factors, including rapid advances in battery technology, reduced range anxiety, and an expanding charging infrastructure both at home and in public spaces.

The broader selection of electric models available today has also played a role, as the market has moved beyond smaller, city-focused EVs to include a wider range of vehicles, from family-friendly SUVs to luxury saloons.

While EV mileage has increased, petrol cars are being driven less than they were a decade ago. The decline has been exacerbated by the pandemic, which reinforced a long-term downward trend.

Work patterns have shifted dramatically, with remote and hybrid working reducing the need for daily commutes. Improvements in public transport, growing environmental awareness, and the rise of digital services such as online shopping have also contributed to the overall reduction in petrol car usage.

Dylan Setterfield, head of forecast strategy at Solera Cap HPI, notes that these changes are shaping the future of UK car usage. "Our data shows that people are driving fewer miles now than they were 10 years ago.

“It also highlights that EV motorists have been consistently driving further than petrol car users for almost two years. This trend is likely to be long-lasting, driven by evolving technology, rising fuel costs, and a shift in how we use vehicles in our daily lives."