EV vs Gas Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare purchase price plus modeled energy and maintenance costs for an electric vehicle and a gas car. See annual operating savings, a simplified 10-year cost comparison, break-even point, and CO2 emissions side by side.
Electric Vehicle
Gas Vehicle Comparison
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Disclaimer
This simplified comparison includes purchase price, energy, and maintenance assumptions only. It excludes depreciation, resale value, financing, insurance, registration, taxes, incentives, charging-equipment cost, and charging losses. Compare matched vehicle configurations and obtain current quotes before deciding.
Annual Fuel Cost (EV)
EV Fuel Cost = (Annual Miles ÷ Efficiency mi/kWh) × Electricity Rate $/kWh
Annual Fuel Cost (Gas)
Gas Fuel Cost = (Annual Miles ÷ MPG) × Gas Price $/gallon
Annual Maintenance
EV Maintenance = Annual Miles × $0.061/mile
Gas Maintenance = Annual Miles × $0.101/mile
Planning averages use the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. Actual maintenance varies by model, warranty, tires, driving conditions, and repair history.
Modeled Cost Scope
Modeled Cost (N years) = Purchase Price + Annual Energy and Maintenance × N
This simplified model excludes insurance, registration, taxes, incentives, depreciation, resale value, charging equipment, and financing. Gas and electricity prices are held constant.
Break-Even Point
Break-Even = (EV Price − Gas Price) ÷ (Gas Annual Running − EV Annual Running)
Break-even is only calculable when the EV costs more upfront but less annually to run. If the EV is both cheaper to buy and cheaper to run, it is immediately cost-advantageous.
CO₂ Emissions
EV CO₂ = (Annual Miles ÷ Efficiency) × 0.7715 lb CO₂/kWh
Gas CO₂ = (Annual Miles ÷ MPG) × 19.59 lb CO₂/gallon
The EV factor is EPA eGRID2023 national generation output; the gas factor is EPA tailpipe CO₂. This is an operating-emissions comparison, not a lifecycle analysis, and it does not change by selected state.
EV vs Gas: Purchase and Operating Cost Guide
The decision to switch from a gasoline-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle is one of the most significant financial decisions a driver can make. While EVs have become increasingly competitive on purchase price, the financial comparison goes beyond the sticker price. This calculator deliberately narrows the scope to purchase price, energy, and modeled maintenance; other ownership costs require a vehicle- and household-specific analysis.
Why EVs Are Cheaper to Fuel
The most immediate savings from owning an EV come at the fuel pump, or rather, from avoiding it. Electricity can be cheaper per mile than gasoline under many input combinations. At the example electricity rate of 18 cents per kilowatt-hour, an EV that achieves 3.5 miles per kWh costs about 5.1 cents per mile to fuel. A gas vehicle achieving 30 miles per gallon at $3.93 per gallon costs about 13.1 cents per mile. That difference — roughly 8 cents per mile — translates to about $1,200 in fuel savings per year for a driver covering 15,000 miles.
In states with low electricity rates like Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming, where rates average 12 to 13 cents per kWh, EV fuel costs drop below 4 cents per mile. In states with higher electricity rates like California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, savings on fuel are partially offset by higher electricity costs, though these states also tend to have higher gas prices that maintain favorable EV economics.
Maintenance Savings Add Up Significantly
Beyond fuel, EVs save substantially on maintenance. Electric motors have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. There are no oil changes, no spark plug replacements, no timing belt services, no transmission fluid changes, and fewer cooling system services. Regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy back into electricity rather than dissipating it as heat, dramatically extends brake life — many EV owners report going 100,000 miles or more without needing brake pad replacements.
The DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center estimates maintenance at $0.061 per mile for all-electric vehicles and $0.101 per mile for gasoline vehicles. At 15,000 miles, that modeled difference is $600 per year. Actual tire, repair, warranty, and model-specific expenses can be higher or lower.
Understanding the Break-Even Point
Many EVs still carry a purchase price premium over comparable gas vehicles, particularly in the mainstream market. However, the lower annual operating costs of EVs — fuel plus maintenance — mean that the modeled EV cost can eventually undercut the modeled gas-vehicle cost. The point at which this happens is the break-even point.
For a typical comparison where an EV costs $5,000 to $8,000 more upfront but saves $1,500 to $2,000 per year in fuel and maintenance, the break-even point can fall between 3 and 5 years in this simplified scope. Actual ownership results may differ once excluded costs and resale value are included.
Environmental Impact: EVs and CO₂ Emissions
Using the EPA eGRID2023 US output rate of 0.7715 pounds of CO₂ per kWh, an EV rated at 3.5 mi/kWh models at about 100.0 grams per mile. A 30 MPG gas car using EPA's 19.59 lb/gallon factor models at 296.2 grams per mile—a 66.3% reduction for this operating-emissions example. Vehicle manufacturing and other lifecycle stages are not included. As the electrical grid becomes increasingly powered by renewable energy sources, EV emissions will continue to decline, while gas vehicle emissions remain constant throughout their operational life.
Additional Factors to Consider
This calculator focuses on fuel and maintenance costs, but a complete financial comparison should also consider depreciation, insurance, charging equipment costs, and available incentives. EVs in some markets have experienced higher depreciation rates, though this varies significantly by brand and model. Insurance costs are generally similar between EVs and gas vehicles, though some models carry higher premiums due to repair costs.
Note: The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D, up to $7,500 for new EVs) expired September 30, 2025 under Public Law 119-21 and is not available for 2026 vehicle purchases. If you purchased a qualifying EV before that date, you may still claim it on your 2025 tax return. Many states offer additional EV rebates and incentives that remain active — check your state's energy office. Employers increasingly offer workplace charging, and many utilities offer time-of-use rates that make overnight home charging even more economical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the total cost of ownership compare for EVs vs gas vehicles?
This calculator is a simplified cost comparison, not a complete total-cost-of-ownership model. It adds purchase price, energy, and modeled routine maintenance for 5 and 10 years. It excludes depreciation, resale value, financing, insurance, registration, taxes, incentives, and charging equipment, so the lower-cost option depends on the values you enter.
What is the break-even point for buying an EV?
The break-even point is the year when your cumulative savings on fuel and maintenance exceed the price premium you paid for an EV over a comparable gas vehicle. For example, if an EV costs $5,000 more upfront but saves $1,500 per year in fuel and maintenance, the break-even point is about 3.3 years. States with higher gas prices and lower electricity rates reach break-even faster.
How much does it cost to fuel an EV vs a gas car per year?
At the example inputs of 18¢/kWh, 3.5 mi/kWh, 15,000 miles, $3.93/gallon, and 30 MPG, EV energy is about $771/year and gasoline is about $1,965/year. These are input-driven examples, not current national quotes; enter your utility's all-in rate and local gasoline price.
Do EVs really save money on maintenance?
The model uses the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center estimates of $0.061 per mile for an all-electric vehicle and $0.101 per mile for a gasoline vehicle. These are planning averages; tire, repair, warranty, and model-specific costs can differ.
How do EV and gas vehicle CO2 emissions compare?
Using the EPA eGRID2023 US output rate of 0.7715 lb CO2/kWh, an EV rated at 3.5 mi/kWh models at about 100.0 g CO2/mile. Using EPA's 19.59 lb CO2/gallon factor, a 30 MPG gasoline car models at about 296.2 g/mile—a 66.3% reduction in this operating-emissions example. It is not a lifecycle comparison and does not use state-specific grid factors.
Which states offer the best EV savings?
States with high gas prices and low electricity rates offer the best EV savings. California, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Massachusetts have high gas prices, making EV fuel savings substantial. States like Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have low electricity rates, making charging inexpensive. Texas and Florida offer large markets with good charging infrastructure. Many states also offer EV purchase incentives, rebates, and HOV lane access that add value.
Does gas price volatility affect the EV vs gas comparison?
Yes, significantly. Gas prices fluctuate with global oil markets, geopolitical events, and seasonal demand. In years when gas prices spike above $4.00 or $5.00 per gallon, EV savings increase dramatically. Electricity prices are generally more stable and predictable. This price stability is one of EV ownership's biggest financial advantages — your fuel budget becomes far more predictable. A sensitivity analysis shows that for every $1.00 increase in gas prices, an EV driver saves an additional $500 to $700 per year at 15,000 miles.
Data Sources
Vehicle prices, gasoline price, and efficiency are editable planning inputs. The selected state changes the electricity price only; emissions use the national eGRID factor.