Electric vs Gas Car Cost Calculator
See how much you'd actually save (or lose) per year switching from a gas car to an EV, based on your real driving distance, local fuel and electricity prices, and maintenance differences.
*Estimates only. Excludes purchase price, incentives, insurance, and depreciation. Not financial advice.
Planning a road trip in either car? Split the fuel bill with your travel companions.
Road Trip Cost Splitter⚡ EV vs Gas, By the Numbers
The math behind fuel and running costs, and what actually moves the needle.
How it Works
We divide your annual miles by each vehicle's efficiency to find gallons or kWh consumed, multiply by your local prices, then add each vehicle's typical annual maintenance to get the full annual running cost.
The Formula
Gas Cost = (Miles / mpg) x Gas Price. EV Cost = (Miles / mi-per-kWh) x Electricity Price. Total Cost = Fuel Cost + Annual Maintenance for each vehicle.
Pro Tip
Charging at home overnight on an off-peak utility plan can cut your effective electricity price by 30-50% compared to daytime rates - check if your utility offers time-of-use EV charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is it to charge an EV than to fill up with gas? +
On average, charging an EV costs about half to a third as much per mile as filling a gas tank. A gas car averaging 28 mpg at $3.50/gallon costs about $0.125 per mile, while an EV averaging 3.5 mi/kWh at $0.15/kWh costs about $0.043 per mile - roughly 66% cheaper on fuel alone, before factoring in maintenance.
Do electric cars really need less maintenance? +
Yes. EVs have no oil changes, no spark plugs, no exhaust system, and far less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking. Studies from Consumer Reports and AAA typically show EV maintenance costs 30-50% lower than comparable gas vehicles over the ownership period, though EV tires can wear faster due to added weight and instant torque.
Does electricity price vary enough to change the outcome? +
Yes - residential electricity rates range from about $0.10/kWh in parts of the Pacific Northwest and South to $0.30+/kWh in Hawaii and California. At the high end, EV fuel savings shrink significantly and can occasionally be erased entirely if gas prices are also low in that region, so it's worth plugging in your actual local utility rate.
How is EV efficiency measured compared to gas mileage? +
Gas cars use miles per gallon (mpg). EVs use miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh) or the inverse, kWh per 100 miles. Most modern EVs achieve 3-4.5 mi/kWh, with smaller and more aerodynamic models at the top end. You can find your specific vehicle's efficiency rating on the window sticker or fueleconomy.gov.
Does this calculator include the purchase price difference? +
No - this tool focuses purely on ongoing annual fuel and maintenance costs, not the upfront purchase price or any tax credits. EVs often carry a higher sticker price (though the gap is shrinking), so a full ownership comparison should also weigh purchase price, available federal/state incentives, and expected resale value.