Fuel vs Electric Car Calculator

Compare the total cost of owning a gasoline car versus an electric vehicle over time.

How the Comparison Works

This calculator compares the total cost of ownership for gas vs electric cars:

Purchase costs: Initial price minus any tax credits or incentives.
Fuel/Energy: Gas costs vs electricity costs based on efficiency and prices.
Maintenance: EVs typically cost 30-50% less to maintain (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements).
Depreciation: Purchase price minus expected resale value.

The comparison shows total cost over your ownership period including all expenses.

Is an electric car cheaper to run than gas?: Yes, electric cars typically cost 50-70% less per mile to run. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts requiring less maintenance. However, the higher purchase price means you need to drive enough miles to break even.
How many miles until an EV pays for itself?: Typically 50,000-100,000 miles depending on the price difference and your electricity costs. If you drive 15,000 miles/year, an EV can pay for itself in 4-7 years. Higher mileage drivers break even faster.
What costs more: charging an EV or filling up gas?: Charging an EV costs about $0.03-0.05 per mile vs $0.10-0.15 per mile for gas. For 12,000 miles/year, you might spend $400-600 on electricity vs $1,200-1,800 on gas, saving $800-1,200 annually.