Fuel vs Electric Car Cost Comparison

Annual fuel cost (gas car) vs annual electricity cost (EV) for the same mileage.

Inputs

Typical EV: 3-4 mi/kWh.

Result

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General calculation reads

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter annual miles, gas car MPG, gas price.
  • Enter EV efficiency and electricity price.
  • Read annual savings.

About this calculator

EVs are typically 60-70% cheaper to fuel than gas cars at average US prices. This calculator does the per-mile math: gas cars at $3.85/gal and 28 MPG cost ~14¢/mi; EVs at $0.15/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh cost ~4¢/mi. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation aren't included — for full cost-of-ownership see total-cost-of-ownership-car.

Frequently asked

How accurate is "miles per kWh"?+
Tesla Model 3: ~4 mi/kWh. Tesla Model Y: ~3.5. F-150 Lightning: ~2-2.5. Cold weather drops 20-30%.
What about home charging vs supercharger?+
Home charging at $0.15/kWh is the typical baseline. Public DC fast charging is often 2-3× more expensive.
EV vs hybrid?+
Hybrids are 35-50% cheaper to fuel than pure-gas at typical efficiencies. EVs are usually 60-70% cheaper. Hybrids have lower upfront cost.
Does this include EV maintenance savings?+
No — EVs also save on oil changes, brake pads, transmission service. Total ownership savings are larger than fuel savings alone.
What about charging-time inconvenience?+
Real for road trips; minimal for daily home charging (overnight). Factor in your typical use pattern.

Related calculators

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kWh Cost Per Month
Cost = W × hr/day × 30 / 1000 × $/kWh.
MPG Improvement Annual Savings
Better MPG → annual fuel savings. (1 − base/improved) × annual gas cost.
Total Cost of Ownership (Car)
Purchase + insurance + fuel + maintenance + depreciation over N years.

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