EV vs. Gas Cost Calculator

Would an electric car
actually save you money?

Compare yearly fuel costs using your own mileage and local prices, and see how long a higher sticker price takes to pay back.

⛽ Gas car

Miles per year

Gas price ($/gal)

Car MPG

⚡ Electric car

Home electricity ($/kWh)

kWh per 100 miles

Price premium vs. gas car ($)

Share of charging at public fast chargers (%)

Public charging price ($/kWh)

Estimated yearly savings with an EV

Gas / year

EV / year

Gas per mile

EV per mile

What this does and doesn't include

💡

Enter your own prices. Gas and electricity prices vary a lot by state and by time of day, so the defaults are just starting points. Check your utility bill for your real kWh rate.

🔌

Public fast charging costs much more than home charging, often two to three times as much. If you can't charge at home, raise the public share to see how the math changes.

⚠

Fuel only. This leaves out insurance, maintenance, depreciation, tax credits, registration fees, and home charger installation, all of which can tip the decision either way.

How it works

Gas cost per year is miles ÷ MPG × gas price. Electric cost per year is miles × kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100 × your blended electricity price, which mixes your home rate with the public fast-charging rate according to the share you enter. The yearly savings are the difference, and the payback period is your price premium divided by those savings. The result covers fuel only.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my car's kWh per 100 miles?

The EPA lists efficiency for every electric vehicle at fueleconomy.gov. Typical efficient models use around 25 to 35 kWh per 100 miles, depending on size and driving.

What electricity price should I enter?

Look at your utility bill for the price per kWh, including delivery charges. Some utilities have cheaper overnight rates for EV charging, which would lower your cost.

Is public fast charging more expensive?

Often yes, sometimes two to three times the home rate. If you cannot charge at home, raise the public charging share to see how the savings change.

Does this include federal or state EV incentives?

No. EV incentives have changed recently, so check the current rules at IRS.gov, fueleconomy.gov, and your state and utility websites before counting on one.