Electric vs Petrol vs Diesel

Buying your next car has never been more complicated.

Should you choose an electric car, stick with a petrol model, or is diesel still the best option? What about hybrids and plug in hybrids? With changing technology, government policies and running costs, many buyers are understandably unsure which fuel type is right for them.

At Redgate Lodge, we sell hundreds of vehicles every year covering petrol, diesel, hybrid and fully electric models. Rather than recommending one fuel type over another, we believe in helping our customers choose the vehicle that best suits their driving habits and lifestyle.

This guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of each option, helping you make an informed decision.

Quick Answer

Which fuel type should I buy?

There isn’t one correct answer.

The best vehicle depends on:

• How many miles you drive each year
• Whether you mostly drive in town or on motorways
• Whether you can charge at home
• Your budget
• How long you intend to keep the vehicle
• Your annual running costs

If you answer those questions honestly, choosing the right vehicle becomes much easier.

Should I Buy an Electric Car?

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity and, for many drivers, they make excellent sense.

Advantages of Electric Cars

• No petrol or diesel required
• Extremely low day to day running costs
• Smooth, quiet driving
• Instant acceleration
• Lower servicing requirements
• No exhaust emissions
• Excellent for daily commuting
• Ideal for drivers with home charging

Many modern electric vehicles comfortably exceed 250 miles on a single charge, with premium models capable of travelling well over 350 miles.

Disadvantages of Electric Cars

Electric vehicles aren’t perfect for everyone.

Potential considerations include:

• Public charging can still be more expensive than home charging.
• Charging takes longer than refuelling.
• Long journeys require more planning.
• Home charging is highly recommended.
• Insurance can sometimes be slightly higher depending on the model.

Should I Buy a Petrol Car?

Petrol remains one of the most popular choices in the UK.

Modern petrol engines are quieter, smoother and more economical than many people realise.

Petrol is ideal if you:

• Drive under 10,000 miles per year
• Mostly drive locally
• Occasionally travel longer distances
• Don’t have home charging
• Want lower purchase prices

Petrol vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs than many diesel vehicles when used for shorter journeys.

Should I Buy a Diesel Car?

Despite rumours over recent years, diesel certainly isn’t dead.

For many motorists, diesel remains the best choice.

Diesel is perfect if you:

• Drive over 15,000 miles per year
• Regularly use motorways
• Travel long distances
• Tow caravans or trailers
• Need excellent fuel economy

Modern diesel engines perform best when regularly driven at motorway speeds.

If your driving mainly consists of short trips around town, petrol or hybrid may be a better option.

Should I Buy a Hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles combine a petrol engine with an electric motor.

The battery charges automatically while driving, meaning there is no need to plug the vehicle in.

Hybrid vehicles are particularly popular with drivers who spend time in both town and motorway environments.

Benefits include:

• Better fuel economy
• Lower emissions
• Quiet town driving
• No charging cables required

Should I Buy a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)?

Plug in hybrids offer a mixture of electric and petrol driving.

Many can travel between 30 and 60 miles using electricity alone before the petrol engine takes over.

They work particularly well if:

• You can charge at home
• Most journeys are under 40 miles
• You occasionally travel long distances

Electric vs Petrol vs Diesel Running Costs

Running costs depend entirely on your driving style.

Generally speaking:

Electric

• Lowest fuel costs when charged at home
• Lowest servicing requirements

Petrol

• Moderate servicing costs
• Moderate fuel costs

Diesel

• Excellent fuel economy on long journeys
• Potentially higher maintenance if mainly used for short trips

Hybrid

• Excellent balance between fuel economy and convenience

Which Vehicle is Cheapest to Run?

If you can charge at home, electric vehicles often have the lowest overall running costs.

If you rely entirely on public rapid chargers, the savings compared with petrol can reduce considerably.

For drivers without home charging, petrol or hybrid vehicles often represent excellent value.

Which Fuel Type Holds Its Value Best?

Residual values vary depending on:

• Brand
• Model
• Mileage
• Specification
• Market demand

Well maintained vehicles with comprehensive service history generally retain stronger resale values regardless of fuel type.

Which Vehicle is Best for City Driving?

For predominantly urban driving:

Diesel is generally less suited to repeated short journeys because modern diesel engines benefit from reaching full operating temperature regularly.

Which Vehicle is Best for Motorway Driving?

For frequent motorway users:

Modern diesel engines continue to deliver excellent motorway fuel economy and long distance comfort.

Which Vehicle is Best for Low Mileage?

If you drive under 6,000 miles each year:

• Petrol
• Hybrid
• Electric (particularly with home charging)

Which Vehicle is Best for High Mileage?

If you drive over 20,000 miles annually:

• Diesel
• Electric (if charging is convenient)

Both can offer excellent long term running costs depending on how and where the vehicle is used.

Can I Own an Electric Car Without Home Charging?

Yes.

Many people successfully own electric vehicles without a driveway.

However, home charging generally provides the greatest convenience and the lowest charging costs.

If you rely solely on public charging, it is worth checking the availability and pricing of chargers near your home, workplace and regular routes before purchasing.

Is Diesel Being Banned?

No.

There is currently no ban on owning or driving diesel cars in the UK.

Modern Euro 6 diesel vehicles remain perfectly legal to buy, sell and drive.

Some cities operate Clean Air Zones or Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), so it is always worth checking local requirements if you regularly travel into those areas.

Are Electric Cars Reliable?

Electric vehicles have significantly fewer moving parts than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

There is no engine oil, clutch, timing belt, exhaust system or many of the mechanical components found in conventional vehicles.

As with any vehicle, regular maintenance remains important, including tyres, brakes, suspension, software updates and cooling systems.

Are Petrol Cars Being Phased Out?

No.

New petrol and diesel vehicle sales will eventually change under future government policy, but millions of petrol vehicles will remain on UK roads for many years.

Buying a used petrol vehicle remains a perfectly sensible option for many motorists.

Which Fuel Type Produces the Lowest Emissions?

Battery electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions while driving.

However, overall environmental impact depends on several factors, including electricity generation, vehicle manufacturing and how the vehicle is used throughout its life.

For many drivers, choosing the right vehicle and keeping it well maintained can have a meaningful impact on efficiency regardless of fuel type.