EV vs Gas Savings Calculator
Compare the annual fuel cost of an electric car to a gas car and see how much charging instead of filling up saves.
How it works
Gas cost = miles ÷ mpg × gas price · EV cost = miles ÷ (mi/kWh) × electricity price · Savings = gas cost − EV cost
Both cars are reduced to a fuel-per-mile figure: a gas car burns gallons priced per gallon, an EV draws kilowatt-hours priced per kWh. Home charging at typical residential electricity rates is usually far cheaper per mile than gasoline, which is the main running-cost advantage of an EV. The gap widens with higher gas prices and shrinks with expensive electricity or public fast-charging, so plug in your real numbers.
Worked example
Driving 12,000 miles in a 28 mpg car at $3.50/gal costs 12,000 ÷ 28 × 3.50 = $1,500 a year. An EV at 3.5 mi/kWh and $0.15/kWh costs 12,000 ÷ 3.5 × 0.15 ≈ $514. The EV saves about $986 a year — roughly $4,900 over five years.
Frequently asked questions
How much cheaper is an EV to fuel than gas?
On typical home electricity rates, charging often costs one-third to one-half of what gasoline costs per mile, saving many drivers $800–$1,200 a year. The savings depend heavily on your local electricity price versus gas price.
Does this include the higher purchase price of an EV?
No — this compares fuel and charging costs only. EVs often cost more to buy but less to run and maintain; to judge the full picture, weigh these fuel savings against any price difference and available incentives over how long you will keep the car.
What if I use public fast charging?
Public DC fast charging can cost two to four times home electricity rates, which erodes or eliminates the savings shown here. Enter your effective per-kWh price — if you rely mostly on public charging, use that higher rate for a realistic result.
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Educational estimate only — real costs vary by lender, insurer, location and driving habits. Not financial advice.