EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator
Choose your state's gas and electricity prices, enter your yearly miles and both cars' efficiency, and see which costs less to fuel — and how much you'd save.
How the comparison works
Gas cost per year = miles ÷ MPG × gas price
EV cost per year = (miles ÷ miles per kWh) × [home share × home price ÷ 0.9 + public share × public price]
The 0.9 accounts for about 10% energy lost while charging at home.
What makes EVs cheaper or more expensive to run?
- Electricity vs gas prices in your state. Cheap power and expensive gas favor EVs the most.
- Where you charge. Home charging is usually far cheaper than DC fast charging. Drivers who rely only on fast chargers save much less.
- Efficiency. Smaller EVs often get 3.5–4.5 miles per kWh; large trucks and SUVs may get 2–2.5.
- Climate. Cold weather can reduce EV efficiency noticeably in winter.
Beyond fuel
A full comparison also includes purchase price, insurance, maintenance, registration fees (some states add EV fees) and resale value. Use our cost per mile calculator to add these.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electric car cheaper to run than a gas car?
In most of the US, yes — especially if you charge mostly at home. Savings shrink in states with high electricity prices and for drivers who use mostly DC fast charging.
How much can I save per year with an EV?
It depends on miles, prices and efficiency. Many drivers covering 12,000 miles a year save several hundred dollars or more on fuel compared with a 30 MPG gas car.
What is a good EV efficiency?
Many compact EVs achieve about 3.5–4.5 miles per kWh. Larger SUVs and trucks often get 2–3 miles per kWh.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Average price of electricity by state (Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A)
- FuelEconomy.gov — Compare electric and gas vehicles