Free calculator
EV vs Gas Cost Calculator
The fair comparison is cost per mile at the same annual mileage. Enter your gas car's MPG and your electricity price, and the calculator puts both powertrains on the same footing.
Annual energy cost
Gas car
$0
EV
$0
Enter values to compare.
- Gas cost per mile
- $0.000
- EV cost per mile
- $0.000
- Blended EV $/kWh
- $0.000
- 10-year savings
- $0
The comparison that matters
Electric vehicles are usually cheaper per mile on energy, but the size of the advantage depends almost entirely on where you charge. The table below uses the current national gas price of $4.269 and a typical U.S. residential electricity rate of 17 cents per kWh.
| Vehicle type | Efficiency | Energy cost per mile | Annual (13,500 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas sedan | 32 MPG | $0.130 | $1,755 |
| Gas SUV | 22 MPG | $0.190 | $2,565 |
| EV sedan (home charging) | 4.0 mi/kWh | $0.043 | $581 |
| EV SUV (home charging) | 2.8 mi/kWh | $0.061 | $824 |
| EV sedan (public fast charging) | 4.0 mi/kWh | $0.108 | $1,458 |
The public charging trap
An EV that charges mostly at home can cut energy costs by 60 to 75 percent. An EV that relies on public fast charging may save only 20 to 40 percent, because public rates are two to three times residential rates in many markets. If you cannot charge at home or at work, run the numbers carefully before assuming an EV will save money.
What this calculator leaves out
- Purchase price and incentives. The upfront gap can take years of fuel savings to close.
- Maintenance. EVs avoid oil changes and have fewer brake wear items, but tires wear faster because of weight.
- Insurance and registration. Some states charge EV owners an annual road-use fee to replace fuel tax revenue.
- Charging equipment. A Level 2 home charger typically costs $500 to $1,500 installed.
How to use the result honestly
If home charging is available and your daily driving is under 200 miles, the energy case for an EV is strong. If you tow, drive long rural routes, or rent in an apartment without charging, the case is weaker. Use the annual energy savings here as one input, then compare total cost of ownership over the years you plan to keep the car.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper to run than a gas car?
Usually yes, on fuel alone. At $4.27 per gallon and 28 MPG, a gas car costs about $0.153 per mile. An EV at 3.5 miles per kWh and $0.17 per kWh costs about $0.049 per mile — roughly a third as much. The gap narrows if you charge mostly at expensive public fast chargers.
How much does home charging cost per mile?
Multiply your electricity rate by the miles per kWh. At $0.17 per kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, the cost is about 4.9 cents per mile. At a $0.45 per kWh public fast charger, the same car costs about 12.9 cents per mile.
Does this calculator include purchase price or maintenance?
No. It compares running fuel and electricity costs for the same annual mileage. Purchase price, incentives, insurance, tires, and maintenance are separate and often dominate the total cost of ownership in the first years.
What miles per kWh should I use for an EV?
Compact EVs typically return 3.5 to 4.5 miles per kWh in mixed driving; larger SUVs and trucks return 2.0 to 2.8. Cold weather can cut efficiency by 20 to 30 percent, and highway speeds above 70 MPH reduce it further.