EV vs Gas Car Cost Comparison
Enter distance and EV/gas assumptions on the left, and the result pane updates annual cost, ownership total, monthly difference, and a compact breakdown.
Scenario
EV
Gas car
Result
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Recalculated from the current inputs.
ready to use.
- Visible firstKeep the input and result positions clear.
- Results firstPut the main number up front and keep the process secondary.
- Less to askNo sign-up or extra information before using the tool.
How to compare EV and gas-car running costs on the same basis
A vehicle running-cost comparison holds distance and ownership years constant, then converts efficiency and local prices into annual energy or fuel cost. This workspace adds maintenance, insurance, tax, parking, and a battery or engine allowance so the EV and ICE sides use the same structure.
The English page is an explicitly US scenario: miles, miles per kWh, mpg, US dollars, and dollars per gallon. Defaults are editable examples, not current official prices or buying advice.
Running cost means repeatable ownership math
This comparison does not decide which vehicle is better overall. It normalizes annual miles, years owned, energy or fuel use, and recurring ownership costs so the two powertrains can be read on one budget line.
- Distance: miles per year
- EV efficiency: miles per kWh
- Gas efficiency: miles per gallon
EV energy cost uses miles divided by miles per kWh
If an EV travels 3.8 miles per kWh, annual miles divided by 3.8 estimates kWh used. Multiplying by the editable electricity price gives annual charging cost.
- Annual kWh = miles ÷ mi/kWh
- Annual charging cost = annual kWh × $/kWh
Gas cost uses miles divided by mpg
Annual miles divided by mpg estimates gallons used. Multiplying by the editable dollars-per-gallon price gives annual fuel cost.
- Annual gallons = miles ÷ mpg
- Annual fuel cost = gallons × $/gal
Recurring ownership costs stay annual
Maintenance, insurance, tax or registration, and parking are entered as annual amounts. Use your quote, state fee, or recent bill instead of treating the sample as a market average.
- Insurance: quoted premium for the same driver
- Fees: registration, property or local charges where applicable
- Parking: home, work, and permit costs if relevant
Allowance fields spread large repairs over time
Battery and engine fields are not predictions. They let you spread a possible large cost over an expected service life to test sensitivity.
- Battery allowance = replacement estimate ÷ years
- Engine allowance = major service estimate ÷ years
- Set both cost and years to zero to exclude an allowance
Screen flow: assumptions first, verdict second
Enter horizon and vehicle assumptions on the left. The result pane updates without a Calculate button, so one changed price or efficiency value immediately changes annual, monthly, and ownership totals.
- Sample applies a higher-use SUV scenario
- Copy keeps the current verdict and totals
- Reset returns to the editable US example
Read annual, total, and monthly difference together
The winner label names the lower annual-cost side for the current inputs. The annual and monthly differences show whether the gap is large enough to matter in a budget.
US structured scenario
Try 12,000 miles, five years, 3.8 mi/kWh, 30 mpg, editable electricity, and editable gasoline. Raising gasoline or lowering home charging cost changes the gap immediately.
- Distance and horizon
- 12,000 mi/year · 5 years
- EV assumption
- 3.8 mi/kWh · $0.18/kWh
- Gas assumption
- 30 mpg · $3.75/gal
- Readout
- Annual, monthly, and five-year difference
Source and currentness basis
DOE AFDC methodology and FuelEconomy.gov support the distance ÷ efficiency × price structure and the idea that local prices should be user inputs. This page does not fetch live fuel or electricity prices.
Boundary checklist before using the result
Purchase price, incentives, depreciation, financing, charger installation, tolls, tire wear, resale value, and tax-credit eligibility are outside this quick comparison.
- Dealer quote and financing terms
- Federal, state, and utility incentives
- Home charging access and installation
- Resale or lease-end assumptions
EV vs gas cost FAQ
Does this compare purchase price too?
No. It focuses on running costs. Purchase price, incentives, depreciation, and financing are outside the result.
Are the default prices official current prices?
No. They are editable examples. Enter your own electricity and fuel prices.
Can battery or engine allowance be zero?
Yes. Leave both cost and years at zero to exclude that allowance.
Why does the US scenario use mpg?
US fuel economy is commonly shown as miles per gallon, so annual miles are divided by mpg before the editable dollars-per-gallon price is applied.
Is this enough for a purchase decision?
No. It is arithmetic for your assumptions; also check warranty, charging, depreciation, tax credits, and real quotes.
AFDC and FuelEconomy.gov are used for method context. All prices and ownership costs remain editable scenario inputs.