EV vs Gas Cost Calculator
Compare what an electric car and a gas car actually cost you per year — fuel, maintenance, and how long it takes to recover a higher purchase price.
EV maintenance is estimated at 60% of the gas figure you enter, consistent with published fleet maintenance data. Excludes insurance, registration and incentives.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV actually cheaper to run?
On fuel, almost always. At 3.5 miles per kWh and 17 cents per kWh, an EV costs about 4.9 cents a mile. A 28 mpg gas car at $3.40 a gallon costs about 12.1 cents a mile. Over 12,000 miles that is roughly $865 a year saved before maintenance.
What about the higher sticker price?
That is what the break-even figure shows. Divide the price gap by annual savings and you get the years to recover it. Under 5 years is usually compelling; over 10, the case depends on other factors.
Why include maintenance separately?
EVs have no oil changes, no spark plugs, no timing belts, no exhaust, and regenerative braking greatly extends pad life. Independent fleet data puts EV maintenance roughly 40% lower per mile, which this calculator applies to your stated gas maintenance figure.
Does public charging change the answer?
Significantly. DC fast charging often costs 3 to 4 times home rates. If you rely on public charging, enter a blended rate closer to 40-50 cents per kWh rather than your home rate.
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