Sustainability
Instant, private, and free
EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator.
Compare total cost of ownership between electric and gasoline vehicles
Set your values
Results update as you type.
Residential Charging
Most EV owners charge at home, which is significantly cheaper than public fast charging.
Resale Value
Resale values for EVs vary, but battery health is a key factor in long-term value.
Maintenance Benefits
No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and longer-lasting brakes due to regenerative braking.
FAQs
Is an electric car cheaper to own than a gas car?
In many cases, yes. While the purchase price is often higher, lower fuel and maintenance costs typically lead to overall savings over 3-7 years.
How much can I save on fuel with an EV?
On average, charging an EV costs about 1/3 to 1/2 as much as fueling a comparable gas car, depending on local electricity and gas prices.
Is maintenance really lower for EVs?
Yes, EVs have significantly fewer moving parts, requiring no oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belt replacements, and regenerative braking extends brake life.
How to Use the EV vs Gas Comparison Tool
Compare the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) between an Electric Vehicle and a Gasoline vehicle over a 5-year period.
- Enter your average annual driving mileage.
- Input local gas prices and the fuel efficiency (MPG) of the gas car.
- Enter your residential electricity rate and the EV's efficiency (miles per kWh).
- Enter the sticker price for both vehicles.
- Include any EV tax credits or state incentives.
- Estimate annual maintenance costs for both (typically lower for EVs).
- Review the 5-year total cost comparison and your break-even mileage.
Comparison Formulas
We compare upfront capital costs plus recurring operational expenses (fuel + maintenance) over time.
Annual Fuel Cost (Gas)
Total annual spending on gasoline.
Example:
Input: 12,000 miles, 25 MPG, $3.50/gal
Calculation: (12,000 / 25) × 3.50
Result: $1,680/year
Annual Fuel Cost (EV)
Total annual spending on charging at home.
Example:
Input: 12,000 miles, 3.5 mi/kWh, $0.15/kWh
Calculation: (12,000 / 3.5) × 0.15
Result: $514/year
Vehicle Buying Scenarios
This tool helps buyers decide if the higher upfront cost of an EV is justified by operational savings.
Commuter Analysis
High-mileage drivers typically see much faster paybacks for EVs.
Example: Compare savings for a 20,000 mile/year commute vs. 5,000 mile/year usage
Incentive Impact
Calculate how a $7,500 tax credit changes the financial math.
Example: See if an EV becomes cheaper than a comparable gas car instantly after incentives
Buying an EV? Keep these in mind:
Tips
- Home charging is almost always cheaper than public DC fast charging.
- Check with your utility for 'Time-of-Use' rates that offer cheaper electricity at night.
- EVs have significantly lower maintenance: no oil changes, spark plugs, or smog checks.
- Regenerative braking saves on brake pad wear, further reducing maintenance costs.
- Consider the range you actually need daily vs. occasional long trips.
Related Calculators
Cite this calculator
Canonical URL: https://mathify.one/en/sustainability/ev-vs-gas
Cite as: Mathify. (2026). EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator. https://mathify.one/en/sustainability/ev-vs-gas
Use Cases
Deciding between an EV and a gas car
Use this calculator to compare the total 5-year ownership costs of an electric vehicle versus a traditional gas-powered car, helping you make an informed financial decision.
Example: Compare a $35,000 EV with a $25,000 gas car, factoring in your local gas and electricity prices.
Evaluating the impact of EV incentives
See how federal or state incentives can reduce the effective purchase price of an EV and shorten the time it takes to break even on your investment.
Example: Enter a $7,500 incentive to see how it affects your total 5-year savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator determine the break-even point?
- The calculator compares the total cost of owning an EV versus a gas car over 5 years. It factors in purchase prices, fuel costs (based on your miles per year, gas price, MPG, electricity rate, and EV efficiency), maintenance costs, and EV incentives. The break-even point is when the cumulative savings from the EV offset its higher upfront cost.
- What inputs do I need to use this calculator?
- You'll need your annual miles driven, local gas price, your gas car's MPG, your electricity rate, your EV's efficiency (mi/kWh), the purchase prices of both cars, any EV incentives, and estimated annual maintenance costs for both vehicles.
- Does the calculator include the cost of home charging installation?
- No, the calculator only uses the fields provided: miles per year, gas price, MPG, electricity rate, EV efficiency, car prices, EV incentives, and maintenance costs. It does not include home charger installation or other additional costs.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Use your actual annual mileage – the more you drive, the faster an EV can pay off in fuel savings.
- Check your local electricity rate and gas price, as these vary significantly and directly impact the comparison.
- Include realistic maintenance costs – EVs typically have lower maintenance, but it's good to use your own estimates.
- Remember to subtract any EV incentives you qualify for, as they reduce the upfront cost difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include EV incentives, which can significantly lower the effective purchase price of an EV.
- Using an inaccurate electricity rate – your actual rate may differ from the national average, so check your bill.
- Overlooking the difference in maintenance costs – EVs often have lower maintenance, but it's important to use realistic numbers.
Last updated: August 13, 2026