EV vs Gas Cost Calculator

Compare the annual cost of driving an electric vehicle vs a gas car. Enter your miles, gas price, and electricity rate to see your real yearly savings.

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Enter your values and click Calculate

The total cost difference between an electric vehicle and a gas car comes down to three variables: how much you drive, what you pay for fuel, and how efficiently each vehicle uses that fuel. Gas cars are measured in miles per gallon (MPG); EVs are measured in miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh). The arithmetic is straightforward — but the results often surprise people. At average US electricity rates around $0.13/kWh and gas prices near $3.50/gallon, a typical EV costs about two to three times less per mile to fuel than a comparable gas car. This calculator shows the annual fuel cost for each vehicle type, the yearly savings, and the projected 5-year savings based on your specific inputs. It covers fuel costs only — it does not factor in purchase price, insurance, maintenance, or depreciation, all of which vary by model and ownership situation.

How It Works

The calculation uses two simple fuel cost formulas. Gas car annual cost = (miles per year ÷ MPG) × gas price per gallon. This gives you the number of gallons consumed, multiplied by the price per gallon. EV annual cost = (miles per year ÷ miles per kWh) × cost per kWh. This gives you the kWh consumed, multiplied by the electricity rate. Annual savings is the difference between the two. Five-year savings multiplies the annual figure by 5, assuming costs stay constant. As a worked example: 15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gallon gas, 30 MPG gas car, $0.13/kWh electricity, 3.5 mi/kWh EV. Gas cost = (15,000 ÷ 30) × $3.50 = $1,750/year. EV cost = (15,000 ÷ 3.5) × $0.13 = $557/year. Annual savings = $1,193. Five-year savings = $5,964.

Examples

Average US Driver
15,000 miles/year at national average gas ($3.50/gal) and electricity ($0.13/kWh) rates.
Result: Gas cost: $1,750/yr. EV cost: $557/yr. Annual savings: ~$1,193.
High-Mileage Commuter
25,000 miles/year with a less efficient gas car (22 MPG) and low electricity rate.
Result: Gas cost: $4,318/yr. EV cost: $724/yr. Annual savings: ~$3,594.
High Electricity State
California-style rates: 15,000 miles/year, $0.28/kWh electricity, $4.50/gal gas.
Result: Gas cost: $2,250/yr. EV cost: $1,200/yr. Annual savings: ~$1,050.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this calculator include the cost difference of buying an EV vs a gas car?
No — this calculator covers fuel costs only. EVs typically cost more upfront but have lower fuel and maintenance costs over time. To get a full picture, you would need to add the purchase price difference, insurance rates, tax credits (up to $7,500 federal in the US), and maintenance savings (EVs have no oil changes and simpler drivetrains). The fuel savings shown here are a starting point for the full total cost of ownership comparison.
What is a typical EV efficiency in miles per kWh?
Most modern EVs achieve between 3 and 4 miles per kWh under real-world conditions. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range averages about 4 mi/kWh. The Chevy Bolt is around 3.5 mi/kWh. Larger SUV-style EVs like the Ford F-150 Lightning are closer to 2.5–3 mi/kWh. Cold weather and high-speed highway driving can reduce efficiency by 15–30%.
Should I use my home electricity rate or a public charging rate?
If you charge primarily at home (as most EV owners do), use your home rate — typically $0.10–$0.20/kWh depending on your state and utility. If you rely heavily on public DC fast charging, rates are often $0.28–$0.50/kWh, which significantly changes the comparison. Many EV owners charge 80–90% of their miles at home, making the home rate the most relevant input for everyday driving.
How accurate are these estimates?
The estimates are accurate given the inputs provided. Real-world results vary based on driving style, terrain, seasonal temperature effects on EV range and efficiency, and fluctuating fuel prices. Gas prices in particular can change significantly from year to year. For long-term planning, run the calculator with a range of gas prices — say $3.00, $4.00, and $5.00/gallon — to see how the savings hold up across scenarios.

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