Compare the true total cost of owning an electric vehicle versus a gas car. Factor in purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance, and incentives to see which saves you more money.
Federal credit, state rebates, etc.
Most EVs get 3-4 miles per kWh
Break-even point: Immediate — EV is cheaper from day one
Electric Vehicle
Gas Car
3 years
+$5,060
5 years
+$8,100
8 years
+$12,660
Positive = EV saves money. Negative = Gas car is cheaper.
Annual fuel savings with EV
$920/year
$77/month in fuel savings
Immediate savings!
The EV is cheaper from day one (lower purchase price + lower operating costs)
CO2 Saved
17.5 tons
over 8 years
Trees Equivalent
794
trees planted for 1 year
Gas Not Burned
3,200
gallons of gasoline
This calculator compares the total cost of ownership for an EV and a gas car over your chosen ownership period. It includes the purchase price (minus any incentives for the EV), annual fuel costs based on your driving habits and local energy prices, and estimated maintenance costs. EVs typically cost about half as much to maintain as gas cars due to fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, transmission fluid, or exhaust system repairs.
In many cases, yes. While EVs often have a higher purchase price, they cost significantly less to fuel and maintain. Electricity is cheaper per mile than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts — no oil changes, transmission repairs, or exhaust system work. Federal and state incentives can further reduce the upfront cost gap.
At the national average electricity rate of about $0.14/kWh, driving an EV costs roughly $0.04 per mile. A gas car averaging 30 MPG at $3.50/gallon costs about $0.12 per mile — three times as much. Home charging at off-peak rates can make EV fueling even cheaper.
The federal EV tax credit offers up to $7,500 for qualifying new EVs and up to $4,000 for used EVs. Many states offer additional rebates, tax credits, or reduced registration fees. Some utilities also provide rebates for installing a home charger. Check your state's incentive programs for the full picture.
Most EV manufacturers warranty their batteries for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Real-world data shows that the average EV battery retains over 90% of its capacity after 100,000 miles. Battery replacement costs have dropped significantly and continue to decline as technology improves.
Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate the fuel cost for any trip. Enter your distance, vehicle's MPG, and current gas price to see total cost, gallons needed, and cost per mile.
Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to run any appliance or device. Enter wattage, usage hours, and your electricity rate to see daily, monthly, and yearly costs.