EV vs Gas Comparison
Compare annual costs and find the break-even point between electric and gas vehicles.
Gas Vehicle
Electric Vehicle
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the EV vs Gas Comparison Calculator
This tool compares the annual operating cost of an electric vehicle to a gas vehicle based on your actual driving habits and local energy prices. It helps you see the real-world savings (or added cost) of going electric.
- Enter your annual miles. The average American drives about 13,500 miles per year. Use your actual mileage for more accurate results.
- Set gas vehicle details. Enter your gas car's MPG, your local gas price, and annual maintenance costs. Include oil changes, brake work, and other routine service.
- Set EV details. Most modern EVs get 3-4 miles per kWh. Check your electricity bill for your rate per kWh. EV maintenance is typically lower since there are no oil changes, fewer brake replacements (due to regenerative braking), and no transmission service.
- Add purchase prices (optional). If entered, the calculator shows the break-even year when the EV's lower operating costs offset its higher purchase price.
About the EV vs Gas Comparison
Electric vehicles typically cost 50-70% less to fuel than gas cars. At average US electricity rates (about $0.13/kWh), driving an EV costs roughly $0.04 per mile in electricity. A 28 MPG gas car at $3.50/gallon costs about $0.125 per mile in fuel. EV maintenance costs are also 30-50% lower because EVs have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and regenerative braking extends brake pad life significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home vs a gas station fill-up?
At the US average of $0.13/kWh, charging a 60 kWh battery from empty costs about $7.80 and gives you roughly 210 miles of range. An equivalent gas car getting 28 MPG would need 7.5 gallons ($26.25 at $3.50/gallon) for the same distance. Home charging is about 70% cheaper than gas on a cost-per-mile basis. DC fast charging at public stations is more expensive, typically $0.30-$0.60/kWh.
What is the break-even point for buying an EV?
The break-even point depends on the price difference and annual savings. If an EV costs $10,000 more than a comparable gas car and saves $2,000/year in fuel and maintenance, the break-even is 5 years. Federal tax credits (up to $7,500) and state incentives can significantly reduce the break-even period.
Do EVs really have lower maintenance costs?
Yes. EVs have no oil changes, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belts, and regenerative braking means brake pads last 2-3x longer. Consumer Reports data shows EV owners spend about 50% less on maintenance over the vehicle's lifetime. The main EV-specific cost is eventual battery replacement, but most batteries are warrantied for 8 years/100,000 miles and often last much longer.