Compare the total fuel cost of an EV vs gas car over any period. Includes electricity costs, gas prices, and driving mileage.
The fuel cost difference between an electric vehicle and a gasoline car is substantial. At average US rates, an EV costs about $0.04 per mile in electricity, while a gas car costs about $0.12 per mile in fuel — a 65–70% saving.
Over a typical 15,000-mile year, that's roughly $600 in electricity vs. $1,875 in gasoline — saving $1,275 annually. Over a 7-year ownership period, fuel savings alone can total $8,000–$12,000.
This calculator compares the fuel/energy costs of your specific EV and gas car, factoring in your local electricity rate, gas price, driving miles, and vehicle efficiency ratings. It's the most fundamental comparison when evaluating an EV purchase.
Whether you drive a compact sedan, a full-size SUV, or a pickup truck, accurate ev vs gas cost comparison figures help you plan smarter and avoid costly surprises at the pump or dealership. Use this tool regularly to track changes over time and adjust your transportation budget accordingly.
Fuel savings are the largest ongoing cost advantage of EVs. This calculator quantifies exactly how much you'd save per month and per year, helping you make an informed decision and understand the payback on any EV price premium. Results update instantly as you adjust inputs, making it easy to explore different scenarios and find the best option for your driving needs and budget.
EV Cost/Mile = Electricity Rate ÷ Efficiency (mi/kWh) Gas Cost/Mile = Gas Price ÷ MPG Annual Savings = Annual Miles × (Gas Cost/Mile − EV Cost/Mile)
Result: EV saves $1,275/year in fuel
EV: $0.14/3.5 = $0.04/mile. Gas: $3.50/28 = $0.125/mile. Savings: $0.085/mile × 15,000 = $1,275/year. Over 7 years: $8,925.
Compact: EV $40/mo vs Gas $130/mo (save $90). Midsize: EV $50/mo vs Gas $155/mo (save $105). SUV: EV $65/mo vs Gas $175/mo (save $110). Truck: EV $80/mo vs Gas $230/mo (save $150). Based on 1,250 miles/month at average rates.
EV savings are highest where gas is expensive and electricity is cheap (Pacific NW: $1,800+/year savings). Savings are smallest where gas is cheap and electricity is expensive (some Southern states: $800/year). There's no US state where gas is cheaper per mile than home EV charging.
Gas prices have been volatile ($2–$5/gallon in recent years). Electricity prices are more stable (rising ~2%/year). Over a 10-year ownership, an EV is virtually guaranteed to have lower total energy costs, even if electricity rates increase modestly.
Fuel savings are the largest single factor, but total cost of ownership includes purchase price, depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. EVs win on fuel and maintenance but may have higher insurance costs and depreciation uncertainty. Overall TCO increasingly favors EVs, especially with tax credits.
At average US rates, EV charging costs about 65–70% less per mile than gasoline. An EV at $0.04/mile vs. gas at $0.125/mile saves $0.085/mile. At 15,000 miles/year, that's $1,275/year. The gap widens when gas prices rise.
The average EV costs $5,000–$10,000 more than equivalent gas models. At $1,275/year fuel savings plus $500–$1,000 maintenance savings, payback is 3–5 years. Federal tax credits ($7,500) can bring payback to 1–2 years.
Even at $0.25/kWh (among the highest US rates), EV cost is $0.07/mile — still cheaper than gas at $0.125/mile. Only at extreme rates above $0.40/kWh does EV charging approach gas costs per mile.
If you rely entirely on DCFC at $0.40/kWh, your cost is $0.11/mile — nearly equal to gas. Home charging delivers the biggest savings. If you can't charge at home, public L2 at $0.15–$0.25/kWh is still much cheaper than gas.
This calculator covers fuel/energy costs only. EVs additionally save $500–$1,000/year in maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements, no transmission service). Total savings are typically $1,800–$2,500/year including both fuel and maintenance.
Compact EVs (Hyundai Ioniq 6, Tesla Model 3): 3.5–4.5 mi/kWh. Mid-size SUVs (Model Y, Mustang Mach-E): 3.0–3.5 mi/kWh. Large SUVs/trucks (Rivian R1S, Ford F-150 Lightning): 2.0–2.5 mi/kWh. More efficient EVs save more per mile.