Free EV vs gas calculator — compare the total cost of owning an electric car vs a gas car over 5 years including fuel, maintenance, and tax credits.
The upfront cost of an EV is higher, but lower fuel and maintenance costs often make them cheaper to own over 5+ years.
Make your decision based on data, not hype. Our calculator factors in real-world electricity rates, gas prices, and maintenance costs for your specific situation.
The EV vs gas decision is no longer about technology compromise — it is about math. Run the numbers for your specific driving habits and local electricity rates.
Key Features & Benefits
- 5-Year TCO Comparison — Total cost of ownership over 5 years — purchase price, fuel/electricity, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation.
- Fuel vs Electricity Savings — Calculate monthly and annual savings from driving electric — based on your electricity rate and local gas prices.
- Federal Tax Credits — Factor in the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and state incentives to see the real purchase price difference.
- Maintenance Savings — EVs have no oil changes, fewer brake replacements, and simpler drivetrains — see the annual maintenance savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric cars really cheaper to own?
Over 5+ years, yes — for most drivers. EVs cost about $0.04/mile for electricity vs $0.12-0.16/mile for gas. Maintenance is 30-50% lower (no oil changes, fewer brakes). When combined with the $7,500 tax credit, most EVs reach cost parity with gas cars within 3-5 years.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
At the US average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh, charging a typical EV (60 kWh battery, 3 miles/kWh) from empty costs about $9.60 — equivalent to roughly $1.00/gallon for a 30 MPG gas car. A Level 2 home charger costs $500-$1,500 installed.
Do EVs have higher insurance costs?
EV insurance is typically 15-25% higher than comparable gas cars due to higher repair costs and expensive battery packs. However, this is factored into our total cost comparison. The fuel and maintenance savings usually more than offset the insurance premium.
How long do EV batteries last?
Most EV manufacturers warranty batteries for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and data shows average degradation of only 10-15% over that period. Real-world battery replacements are rare — most EVs retain 80%+ of capacity well past 150,000 miles.
Is the EV charging infrastructure ready for daily use?
For daily commuting, home charging covers 95% of needs — plug in at night, wake up to a full charge. For road trips, the DC fast charging network has grown to 65,000+ public stations nationwide. Tesla Superchargers add 200 miles in 15-20 minutes. Range anxiety is largely a thing of the past for most drivers.