EV vs. Gas Cost Calculator
See what you'd actually spend charging an EV compared to your gas car for the same driving — cost per mile, per year, and over five years.
This compares fuel/energy cost only — not the price of the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, or depreciation. EVs typically cost less to maintain (no oil changes), which isn't counted here either. See the FAQ for the full picture.
How this is calculated
Both sides come down to the same idea — cost per distance, times distance driven — just with different fuel:
EV cost / mile = (kWh per 100mi ÷ 100) × electricity rate
annual cost = cost per mile × miles per year
Worked example: 12,000 miles/year, a gas car at 28 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon, versus an average EV (30 kWh/100mi) charged at $0.17/kWh: gas costs $0.125/mile ($1,500/year); the EV costs $0.051/mile ($612/year) — a savings of $888 in year one, or roughly $4,440 over five years.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV actually cheaper than gas?
For most typical driving and home charging, yes — electricity is usually cheaper per mile than gasoline, often by half or more. The gap narrows (or can reverse) if you charge mostly at expensive public fast chargers, drive a very inefficient EV, or already drive an unusually fuel-efficient gas car.
Does this include the cost of buying the car?
No — this is a fuel/energy cost comparison only. It doesn't account for the purchase price, loan interest, insurance, or resale value, which can differ significantly between an EV and a comparable gas car and matter a lot to the real total cost of ownership.
What about maintenance costs?
Not included here, but worth knowing: EVs typically cost less to maintain since they have no oil changes, no exhaust system, and fewer moving parts in the drivetrain. That tends to widen the gap in the EV's favor beyond what this fuel-only comparison shows.
What if I mostly charge at public stations, not at home?
Public fast charging is often 2–3× the cost of home charging. Enter a higher blended rate above if most of your charging happens at public stations — the calculator uses whatever rate you enter, so it's easy to see how that changes the outcome.
Can I use this outside the U.S.?
Yes — switch to metric units for kilometers, L/100km, and kWh/100km, and use the currency selector for the displayed symbol. Enter your own local prices either way; this tool converts units, not currencies.