5 YR EV COST
$5,310 fuel
EV vs Hybrid vs Gas
In California at 35 miles a day and $4.28 gas, the EV costs $32 a year less to fuel than a 50 MPG hybrid and $891 less than a 28 MPG gas car. Change the state, car or miles below.
25 kWh/100mi, 363 mi range
35 mi
10 mi150 mi
Savings verdict
EV SAVES vs HYBRID$31.62/year
On fuel vs a 50 MPG hybrid. Over 5 years that adds up to $158.
3%
HYBRID CUT
5 YR HYBRID COST
$5,468 fuel
EV /MILE
$0.083/mi
GAS
$0.15
HYB
$0.09
EV
$0.08
HYBRID /MILE
$0.086/mi
Advanced inputs
¢/kWh
Leave at 0 to use state average
$/gal
MPG
Average US car: 28 MPG
MPG
Average hybrid: 50 MPG
Live savings meter
HYBRID1,094/yr
SAVES
32
/yr
EV1,062/yr
Three-way breakdown
GAS ANNUAL
$1,953/yr
HYBRID ANNUAL
$1,094/yr
EV ANNUAL
$1,062/yr
EV SAVES vs GAS (5yr)
$4,454 total
EV SAVES vs HYBRID (5yr)
$158 total
CO2 CUT vs GAS
6,192 lbs/yr
TREES EQUIVALENT
129 trees/yr
How the EV vs hybrid vs gas comparison works
This calculator computes per-mile fuel costs for three drivetrains simultaneously. For the EV, we use the EPA efficiency rating in kWh/100 miles multiplied by your local electricity rate. For the hybrid and gas vehicles, we divide the gas price by each vehicle's MPG rating. CO2 emissions use the EPA standard of 8,887 grams per gallon of gasoline and 0.86 lbs of CO2 per kWh of grid electricity (the U.S. average).
Where hybrids fit in
Hybrids occupy the middle ground between gas and electric. A typical hybrid achieves 45 to 60 MPG by combining a small gas engine with an electric motor and regenerative braking. This nearly doubles the fuel efficiency of a standard gas car without requiring any charging infrastructure. However, hybrids still burn gasoline, so their fuel costs and emissions remain higher than a fully electric vehicle.
Total cost of ownership factors not shown
- Purchase price: EVs have a higher MSRP, and the federal tax credit that used to close the gap ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. State and utility rebates may still help. Hybrids are typically priced between gas and EV models.
- Maintenance: EVs have the lowest maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements). Hybrids save somewhat on brakes but still need oil changes. Gas cars have the highest ongoing maintenance.
- Insurance: EV insurance runs 10 to 15% higher than gas or hybrid due to higher repair costs for battery and electronics.
- Resale value: EVs are depreciating faster than hybrids in the current market, though this gap is narrowing as battery technology improves.
Choosing the right drivetrain
If you have home charging access and drive under 250 miles per day, an EV will save you the most money on fuel. If you regularly take long road trips or lack charging access, a hybrid offers significant savings over gas with zero charging requirements. Gas vehicles make the most financial sense only when purchase price is the primary concern and annual mileage is low.
Only weighing a hybrid against a gas car? The hybrid vs gas calculator shows each hybrid's price premium, its yearly fuel savings, and the year it pays back.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Fully electric vehicles are almost always cheaper to fuel than hybrids. A typical EV costs $0.036-0.055 per mile in electricity at the US average home rate, while a 50 MPG hybrid costs about $0.086 per mile in gasoline at the US average of $4.28/gallon. Over 12,000 miles per year, that difference adds up to $370-590 in annual savings for the EV.
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