EV vs Gas Vehicle Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare the annual and lifetime fuel costs between an electric vehicle (EV) and a gasoline-powered vehicle based on your driving habits, local electricity rates, and gas prices.
Driving Habits
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Typical EVs: 25–35 kWh/100 mi. Check your vehicle's EPA rating. U.S. average ~$0.16/kWh (EIA, 2024). Check your utility bill. Level 2 chargers are ~85–95% efficient; DC fast chargers ~80–90%.Gas Vehicle
Check your vehicle's EPA MPG rating at fueleconomy.gov. U.S. average ~$3.30–$3.60/gallon (EIA, 2024).Formulas Used
EV Cost per Mile (wall-to-wheel):
EV Cost/Mile = (kWh per 100 mi ÷ 100) ÷ (Charging Efficiency ÷ 100) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
Charging efficiency accounts for energy lost as heat during AC→DC conversion in the charger and battery.
EV Annual Fuel Cost:
EV Annual Cost = Annual Miles × EV Cost per Mile
Gas Cost per Mile:
Gas Cost/Mile = Gas Price ($/gal) ÷ MPG
Gas Annual Fuel Cost:
Gas Annual Cost = Annual Miles × Gas Cost per Mile
Lifetime Cost:
Lifetime Cost = Annual Cost × Ownership Years
Annual Savings:
Annual Savings = Gas Annual Cost − EV Annual Cost
Assumptions & References
- Electricity rate default: $0.16/kWh — U.S. residential average (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024).
- Gas price default: $3.50/gallon — approximate U.S. average (EIA, 2024). Prices vary significantly by region and season.
- Charging efficiency default: 90% — typical for Level 2 (240V) home charging. DC fast charging is slightly lower (~80–88%).
- EV energy consumption default: 30 kWh/100 mi — mid-range for popular EVs (e.g., Tesla Model 3: ~25 kWh/100 mi; larger SUVs: ~35+ kWh/100 mi). Verify at fueleconomy.gov.
- This calculator covers fuel costs only. It does not include vehicle purchase price, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, tax credits, or financing costs.
- EVs generally have lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking) — not modeled here.
- Electricity and gas prices are assumed constant over the ownership period. Real prices fluctuate.
- Home charging is assumed. Public charging (especially DC fast charging) typically costs more per kWh.
- Annual mileage default: 12,000 miles — approximate U.S. average (Federal Highway Administration).