Pure electric cars the UK are driven an average of 9,435 miles per year

The newest cars in Great Britain do an average of 10,377 miles in each of the first three years after they are registered. That’s the equivalent of 28 miles per day. However, there are big differences between cars of varying make, model and fuel type.

The analysis by the RAC Foundation – which predates the steep falls in road traffic seen as a consequence of Covid-19 – was based on the MOT data for 516,936 vehicles.

Private cars are required to start having annual MOTs once they are three years old. At that point the mileage is recorded by the test venue and it is that information this research uses.

The results show that new diesel cars cover an average of 12,496 miles in each of their first three years. This is 67% more than new petrol cars which only do an average of 7,490 miles per year.

Pure electric cars are driven an average of 9,435 miles per year. Looking at a selection of individual electric models:

A Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the most common vehicle of its type on the road – averages 12,500 miles per year.

When it comes to conventionally fuelled cars there are big differences between petrol and diesel versions of the same model. For example:

When it comes to selected manufacturers:

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:

“Unsurprisingly people with diesels have been doing most mileage, probably seeking better long-distance fuel economy, but this study is also evidence that battery-electric powered cars are not just trophy vehicles signalling their owners’ green credentials but prior to the lockdown were racking up the miles as everyday transport.

“Tens of millions of people still drive petrol and diesel-powered cars, but this data suggests that owners of electric cars have found them to be a practical proposition, running up the sort of big annual mileages that many of us need to do, challenging preconceptions about their range and the ease of re-charging.

“The next big question is what will happen when the Covid-19 lockdown ends? Some say our travel behaviour might change quite dramatically as we’ve mastered on-line meetings in place of the office routine, but any ongoing desire for social-distancing might yet draw us back to our own cars for the trips we make once the travel restrictions are lifted.”