TL;DR: The Citroën Ami has been identified as the cheapest car to run in the UK, with new data showing it costs just 22.17p per mile. This figure is based on the total cost of ownership, which includes everything from depreciation to insurance and charging. The next cheapest option, the Dacia Spring, costs significantly more at around 38p per mile.
Key Facts
- 22.17p is the total cost per mile to run a Citroën Ami, making it the UK's most affordable vehicle according to the latest analysis.
- £6,649.88 is the total cost of ownership for an Ami over a typical three-year, 30,000-mile period, including depreciation.
- Dacia Spring is the second cheapest car to run, with a cost per mile of approximately 38p, positioning it as a more conventional but still affordable electric car in the UK.
- 28mph is the limited top speed of the Citroën Ami, which is legally classified as a quadricycle, not a car, designed for urban use.
Cheapest car to run: Citroën Ami costs just 22p per mile
New analysis has revealed the absolute cheapest car to run in the UK, a title now officially held by the Citroën Ami. Amid rising insurance premiums and fuel prices, the latest data from automotive experts CAP HPI and Auto Express shows the tiny electric vehicle costs its owner just 22.17 pence for every mile driven.
This figure places the Ami far ahead of its nearest competitor. The Dacia Spring, itself an affordable electric car, costs a considerably higher 38p per mile, illustrating the significant savings Ami ownership can offer for the right type of driver.
The calculation behind these numbers goes far beyond the price of a full charge or a litre of petrol. The figures are based on the total cost of ownership for cars, a comprehensive metric that provides a true picture of motoring expenses. This includes the major, often-hidden costs like UK car depreciation and maintenance, alongside insurance and energy consumption.
Over a standard three-year, 30,000-mile ownership period, the Citroën Ami running costs accumulate to a total of just £6,649.88. When compared to the five-figure ownership costs of even the most economical petrol hatchbacks, the financial benefit becomes strikingly clear.
Is the Citroen Ami really a car?
According to UK law, it isn't. The vehicle is legally classified as a quadricycle, a category for lightweight four-wheeled vehicles with specific restrictions. This means it comes with a roof and a heater, but performance is strictly limited.
Drivers are capped at a top speed of 28 mph and a maximum range of around 46 miles on a full charge. While this makes it an ingenious solution for short city commutes or a quick trip to the local shops, it's entirely unsuitable for motorway journeys or longer-distance travel. A trip up the M1, for example, is simply not feasible.
For drivers who find the Ami's limitations too restrictive, the Dacia Spring presents itself as the next best thing. As the runner-up for the cheapest car to run, it offers a much more conventional vehicle experience. It feels like a 'proper' car, with higher speeds and a longer range, making it a more versatile option for those seeking one of the most affordable electric cars in the UK. The Dacia Spring cost per mile, while higher than the Ami's, still represents excellent value.
The trend is undeniable. For UK motorists looking to drastically reduce their transport budget, downsizing and electrification appear to be the most effective strategies. The latest data shows that whether you can adapt to the unique proposition of a quadricycle or opt for a small, purpose-built electric car, the era of the petrol engine as the default 'budget' choice is officially over.