Electric or Gas Vehicle?

See the yearly cost to power an electric car versus fueling a gas one.

Your numbers

$
$

Annual comparison

EV cost / year
,
Energy cost only, excludes purchase price, maintenance, and incentives, where EVs and gas cars also differ.
About this calculator

Electric or Gas Vehicle?

An electric-vs-gas calculator compares the annual energy cost of driving an electric car with fueling a gasoline one, based on your mileage and local energy prices.

Comparing cost per mile

Fueling cost per mile is what you drive divided by efficiency, times the energy price. For a gas car that's miles ÷ MPG × price per gallon; for an EV it's miles ÷ miles-per-kWh × price per kWh. EVs are usually cheaper to power per mile, though how much depends heavily on your local electricity rate versus gas price.

Energy is only part of the total

This compares fuel and electricity only. The full ownership picture also includes purchase price, incentives, maintenance (EVs typically need less), insurance, and battery considerations. EVs often cost more upfront but less to run and maintain, so the total-cost comparison depends on how many miles you drive and how long you keep the car.

How to use it

  1. Enter your annual mileage.
  2. Enter the gas car's MPG and gas price.
  3. Enter the EV's miles per kWh and electricity price.
  4. Compare the annual energy cost of each.

Frequently asked questions

Is an electric car cheaper to run than gas?

Usually yes on energy cost per mile, but it depends on your local electricity and gas prices. Enter both above to compare.

What does this comparison leave out?

Purchase price, incentives, maintenance, and insurance, EVs often cost more upfront but less to run and maintain.

How do I compare fuel cost per mile?

Gas: miles ÷ MPG × price per gallon. Electric: miles ÷ miles-per-kWh × price per kWh.

See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.

Related calculators