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EV vs Gas Calculator

Compare the total cost of owning an electric vehicle versus a gas car over 5 and 10 years, including fuel, maintenance, and the breakeven point.

Quick Answer

A $45,000 EV driven 12,000 miles/year at $0.14/kWh costs roughly $480/year in electricity. A $32,000 gas car at 28 MPG and $3.50/gal costs about $1,500/year in fuel. The EV typically breaks even on total cost in 6-8 years, depending on your driving habits and local energy prices.

Vehicle & Energy Details

EV Purchase Price

Gas Car Purchase Price

Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

Gas Price ($/gal)

Annual Miles

EV Efficiency (mi/kWh)

Gas MPG

Breakeven Point

9.4 years

until EV total cost equals gas car total cost

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Electric Vehicle

$49,200

Purchase $45,000 + Fuel $2,400 + Maintenance $1,800

Gas Car

$43,100

Purchase $32,000 + Fuel $7,500 + Maintenance $3,600

Gas car saves you $6,100 over 5 years

10-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Electric Vehicle

$53,400

Purchase $45,000 + Fuel $4,800 + Maintenance $3,600

Gas Car

$54,200

Purchase $32,000 + Fuel $15,000 + Maintenance $7,200

EV saves you $800 over 10 years

Annual Cost Breakdown

EV Fuel (Electricity)$480.00

Gas Fuel$1,500.00

EV Maintenance$360.00

Gas Maintenance$720.00

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual costs depend on your location, driving habits, vehicle model, local electricity rates, gas prices, and maintenance history. EV maintenance is estimated at $0.03/mile and gas at $0.06/mile based on industry averages. Tax credits, incentives, battery replacement, and insurance are not included. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.

About This Tool

The EV vs Gas Calculator helps you compare the total cost of owning an electric vehicle against a traditional gasoline-powered car. With EV adoption accelerating worldwide, one of the most common questions car buyers face is whether the higher upfront cost of an electric vehicle pays off in the long run. This calculator answers that question by modeling fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and purchase price over both 5-year and 10-year ownership periods.

How the Calculation Works

The calculator uses straightforward energy economics. For the EV, annual fuel cost equals your annual miles divided by the EV efficiency (miles per kWh) multiplied by your electricity rate. For the gas car, annual fuel cost equals annual miles divided by MPG multiplied by the price per gallon. These running costs are then projected over 5 and 10 years and added to each vehicle's purchase price. The breakeven point is calculated by dividing the EV price premium by the annual savings in running costs.

Why EVs Cost Less to Run

Electric vehicles have two fundamental cost advantages over gas cars. First, electricity is dramatically cheaper per mile than gasoline. At the national average of $0.14/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh efficiency, an EV costs about $0.04 per mile in energy. A 28 MPG gas car at $3.50/gallon costs $0.125 per mile — roughly three times more. Second, EVs have far fewer moving parts (no engine, transmission, exhaust system, or oil changes), which means maintenance costs are typically 40-60% lower. The Department of Energy estimates EV maintenance at about $0.03/mile versus $0.06/mile for gas vehicles.

Factors That Affect Your Breakeven Point

Several variables influence how quickly an EV pays for itself. The price gap between the EV and gas car is the biggest factor — a smaller premium means a faster breakeven. High annual mileage accelerates the breakeven because you accumulate fuel savings faster. Local electricity rates and gas prices also matter significantly: in states with cheap electricity and expensive gas (like Washington or California), EVs break even much sooner. Federal and state tax credits (up to $7,500 in 2026) can effectively reduce the EV price, though this calculator does not include them automatically — simply subtract credits from the EV price field.

Battery Life and Replacement Costs

Modern EV batteries are designed to last 200,000-300,000 miles and most manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties. Battery degradation is typically 10-15% over 10 years. Replacement costs have dropped dramatically — from $15,000+ a decade ago to $5,000-$8,000 for many models today — and continue to fall. For most drivers, the original battery will outlast the vehicle. If you plan to keep your car beyond 10 years or drive exceptionally high miles, factor in a potential battery replacement as an additional cost.

Charging Considerations

Home charging at off-peak rates is the cheapest way to fuel an EV. Installing a Level 2 home charger costs $500-$2,000 including installation. Public DC fast charging is more expensive, typically $0.30-$0.60/kWh, which reduces but does not eliminate the fuel cost advantage over gas. If you rely primarily on public fast charging, adjust the electricity rate upward in this calculator. Many workplaces and shopping centers now offer free or discounted EV charging, which can further lower your effective electricity cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years does it take for an EV to pay for itself?

Typically 5-8 years, depending on the price difference, annual mileage, electricity rates, and gas prices. Drivers who cover 15,000+ miles per year and live in areas with cheap electricity and expensive gas can break even in as few as 3-4 years. Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 can shorten the breakeven by 1-2 years.

Does this calculator include EV tax credits?

Not automatically. To account for federal or state EV tax credits, subtract the credit amount from the EV purchase price before entering it. For example, if the EV costs $45,000 and you qualify for a $7,500 federal credit, enter $37,500 as the EV price.

What is a good miles-per-kWh rating for an EV?

Most modern EVs achieve 3.0 to 4.5 miles per kWh. Smaller, efficient models like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6 can exceed 4.0 mi/kWh. Larger SUVs and trucks typically get 2.0-3.0 mi/kWh. Higher efficiency means lower fuel costs and a faster breakeven point.

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home vs. a public station?

Home charging at the national average of $0.14/kWh costs about $4-6 to fully charge a typical EV (60-80 kWh battery). Public DC fast charging runs $0.30-$0.60/kWh, costing $18-$48 for the same charge. Home charging is 3-4x cheaper and recommended for daily use.

Are EV maintenance costs really lower than gas cars?

Yes. EVs have no oil changes, fewer brake replacements (regenerative braking reduces wear), no transmission fluid, and far fewer engine components. AAA and Consumer Reports estimate EV maintenance at roughly half the cost of gas vehicles over the life of the car.

What about EV battery replacement costs?

Modern EV batteries are warrantied for 8 years/100,000 miles and typically last 200,000+ miles. Replacement costs have fallen to $5,000-$8,000 for many models. Most drivers will never need a replacement during normal ownership. This calculator does not include battery replacement as a standard cost.

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