A UK-based YouTuber who switched to a Tesla Model 3 for a year has analyzed its real-world expenses, comparing them to diesel and petrol vehicles. His breakdown highlights significant fuel savings despite higher insurance costs. The experience underscores the long-term financial benefits of electric vehicles in Britain.
In the United Kingdom, YouTuber Homeworx Garage UK shared his first-year ownership costs of a Tesla Model 3, marking a transition from diesel and petrol cars to electric. After accumulating 10,000 miles, he reported no maintenance expenses, with the vehicle performing as reliably as on day one.
Road tax provided an initial advantage for the electric car. The first year was free due to zero emissions, followed by an annual fee of $243, which increases to $405 for drivers exceeding 10,000 miles. This contrasts sharply with diesel vehicles, where first-year taxes can reach $7,428 for high-emission models. For instance, a diesel Mercedes C-Class emitting 121 grams of CO2 per kilometer incurs a $595 initial tax.
Insurance, however, rose more than 50 percent compared to his prior diesel van, climbing from $473 to $672 annually. The YouTuber attributed this partly to perceptions surrounding electric vehicles.
Fuel costs demonstrated the clearest savings. Home charging at 11.5 cents per kilowatt-hour totaled $267 for 10,000 miles. Public options, like Tesla Superchargers, range from 32 cents per kWh at night to 54 cents during the day, though most charging occurs at home for typical UK drivers. In comparison, diesel fuel for the same mileage costs around $1,620 yearly, while petrol reaches $1,845 based on current prices and efficiency rates. This yields over $1,350 in annual savings, potentially amounting to $7,000 over five years.
Such findings align with broader evidence that electric vehicles deliver promised long-term economies, even accounting for upfront premiums.
