EV vs Gas Calculator
What you'd actually save running electric — and how long it takes to pay back the higher sticker price.
✏️ These numbers were filled in from a shared link — change anything to make it your own.
How the comparison works
gas cost/yr = miles ÷ MPG × price per gallon
EV cost/yr = miles ÷ 100 × kWh per 100 mi × price per kWh
Add whatever you save on maintenance — EVs have no oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or exhaust systems, though they do eat tires slightly faster. Then divide the EV's price premium by those annual savings to get the payback period.
The honest caveat: this compares running costs and purchase price. It does not model depreciation, which varies a lot between EV models and has been less predictable than for gas cars, or battery replacement outside warranty. For the complete ownership picture on either vehicle, run the True Cost to Own Calculator.
Estimates only. Electricity and gas prices vary by region and season; public fast charging costs substantially more than home charging. General information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV actually cheaper than a gas car?
Per mile, almost always — electricity is cheaper than gasoline for the same distance, and EVs skip oil changes, spark plugs, belts, and exhaust work. The catch is the higher purchase price. The payback figure above tells you how many years of savings it takes to erase that premium.
How do I calculate EV charging cost?
EV efficiency is measured in kWh per 100 miles. Multiply your annual miles by that rate, divide by 100, and multiply by your electricity price per kWh. A car using 30 kWh/100 miles driven 12,000 miles a year at $0.16/kWh costs about $576 a year to charge at home.
Does public charging change the math?
Significantly. DC fast charging often costs two to three times home electricity rates, which can erase much of the advantage. If you cannot charge at home, raise the electricity price above to something closer to what public chargers actually cost you.
What about tax credits?
Federal, state, and utility incentives can reduce an EV’s effective price substantially, and eligibility depends on the vehicle, your income, and where you live. Enter the price after any credit you actually qualify for — do not assume you qualify for the maximum.