EV vs Gas Savings Calculator
Compare the real running cost of an electric car versus a gas car — cost per mile, yearly fuel cost, and 5-year savings — using your own driving and local prices. Optionally include lower EV maintenance.
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Real-world range, home-charging setup costs, and the models with the lowest cost per mile. No spam.
How EV vs gas savings are calculated
The comparison comes down to cost per mile for each fuel:
EV $/mile = electricity price ÷ (mi per kWh × efficiency)
Gas $/mile = gas price ÷ MPG
Yearly savings = (gas $/mile − EV $/mile + maintenance saving) × miles
At 2026 US averages — 3.5 mi/kWh, $0.16/kWh, 90% charging efficiency vs a 30 MPG car at $3.50/gal — the EV runs about 5.1¢/mile against 11.7¢/mile for gas. Over 12,000 miles that's roughly $790/year in fuel, and adding a modest 3¢/mile maintenance edge pushes it past $1,100/year.
Where EVs save — and where they don't
EVs win biggest when you charge at home, drive a lot, and gas prices are high. They win least if you rely on public DC fast charging (often 2–4× home rates), drive very few miles, or live where electricity is unusually expensive relative to gas. This tool only compares running costs; the full picture also includes purchase price, incentives, insurance, and resale — worth weighing separately.
Cut the EV side even further
Your EV cost per mile drops if you charge on an overnight time-of-use rate or from your own solar. See exactly what home charging costs with the EV Charging Cost Calculator, and check whether solar pays off for you with the Solar Panel Savings Calculator. Charging an EV also adds to your power bill — the Electricity Bill Calculator shows the combined picture.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include the cost of buying the car?
No. This compares only fuel and (optionally) maintenance running costs. Purchase price, incentives, insurance, and depreciation are separate and can swing the total either way.
What if I use public charging a lot?
Public DC fast charging often costs $0.35–$0.60/kWh. Enter your blended average electricity price to reflect that — it narrows but rarely erases the savings for most drivers.
Are the maintenance savings realistic?
EVs skip oil changes and wear brakes less due to regenerative braking. Estimates commonly land around 2–4¢/mile saved, but it varies by vehicle. Set the field to 0 for a fuel-only comparison.