Why Compare Fuel vs Electricity Costs?
Fuel savings represent the single largest ongoing operational benefit of switching to an electric vehicle. While EVs often carry a higher upfront purchase price, charging with residential electricity is dramatically cheaper per mile than filling up at gas station pumps.
Using this Gas vs Electric Car Cost Calculator, you can accurately project your annual and 5-year fuel savings to evaluate the total financial payback of buying an EV.
Calculation Flow
Fuel & Energy Formulas
1. Gas Car Annual Cost
\(\text{Annual Gas Cost} = \left( \frac{\text{Annual Miles}}{\text{MPG}} \right) \times \text{Gas Price}\)
2. EV Electricity Annual Cost
\(\text{Annual EV Cost} = \left( \text{Annual Miles} \times \frac{\text{kWh/100mi}}{100} \right) \times \text{Electricity Rate}\)
Fuel vs Electricity Cost Matrix (13,500 Annual Miles)
| Vehicle Type | Efficiency Rating | Energy Price | Annual Fuel Spend | Cost / Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Sedan | 27 MPG | $3.60 / gal | $1,800 | $0.133 |
| Efficient Hybrid | 48 MPG | $3.60 / gal | $1,012 | $0.075 |
| Standard EV (Sedan) | 28 kWh / 100mi | $0.16 / kWh | $604 | $0.045 |
| Efficiency EV (Compact) | 24 kWh / 100mi | $0.16 / kWh | $518 | $0.038 |
| EV Truck / Large SUV | 42 kWh / 100mi | $0.16 / kWh | $907 | $0.067 |
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Input Annual Driving Distance
Enter how many miles you drive in a typical year.
Step 2: Input Gasoline Parameters
Enter your baseline gas car MPG and local gas price per gallon.
Step 3: Input Electric Vehicle Parameters
Enter the EV energy consumption (default: 30 kWh per 100 miles) and your electric utility rate per kWh.
Step 4: Compare Annual & 5-Year Savings
Analyze your annual fuel dollar savings and 5-year cumulative fuel benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper than gas per mile?
Yes, charging an EV at home typically costs $0.03 to $0.05 per mile, compared to $0.12 to $0.20 per mile for a gasoline car, offering a 60% to 75% savings on fuel.
How is EV efficiency measured?
EV efficiency is measured in kWh per 100 miles (or miles per kWh). Efficient EVs consume 25 to 30 kWh per 100 miles, whereas larger EV trucks consume 40 to 50 kWh per 100 miles.
Does public fast charging cost more than home charging?
Yes. DC Fast Charging (DCFC) costs $0.35 to $0.55 per kWh, which is 2x to 3x higher than home overnight electric rates.
How much can an EV save in fuel over 5 years?
Driving 13,500 miles per year, an EV typically saves $1,000 to $1,800 annually in fuel, resulting in $5,000 to $9,000 in 5-year fuel savings.
What is an eMPG (MPGe) rating?
MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) measures how far an EV can travel on 33.7 kWh of electricity, which contains the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline.
Do EVs also save money on routine maintenance?
Yes. EVs require no oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts, and regenerative braking extends brake pad life significantly, saving ~$400/yr in maintenance.
Is this calculator private?
Yes, all computations run locally in your web browser.