ANNUAL SAVINGS
$716/yr
Gas vs Electric
EV fuel costs run 60-70% below gas. Typical savings: $800 to $1,200 per year.
25 kWh/100mi, 272 mi range
35 mi
10 mi150 mi
Savings verdict
YOU SAVE$716/year
On fuel vs a 28 MPG gas car in California. Over 5 years that adds up to $3,582.
45%
FUEL CUT
COST PER MILE
$0.069EV
GAS
$0.13
EV
$0.07
5 YEAR SAVINGS
$3,582 total
CO2 CUT
6,192 lbs/yr
Advanced inputs
¢/kWh
Leave at 0 to use state average
$/gal
MPG
Average US car: 28 MPG
Live savings meter
GAS/yr
SAVES
/yr
EV/yr
Cost breakdown
5 YEAR EV COST
$4,403 fuel
5 YEAR GAS COST
$7,984 fuel
GAS CO2/YEAR
8,939 lbs
TREES EQUIVALENT
129 trees/yr
How the Gas vs Electric Comparison Works
We calculate the per-mile fuel cost for both drivetrains using real data: your EV's EPA efficiency rating in kWh/100 miles multiplied by your local electricity rate, versus your gas car's MPG rating divided into the current gas price. CO2 emissions use the EPA's standard of 8,887 grams per gallon of gasoline and 0.86 lbs of CO2 per kWh of electricity (the U.S. grid average).
Why EV Fuel Costs Are Lower
Electric motors convert 85 to 90% of electrical energy into motion, while internal combustion engines convert only 20 to 35% of gasoline energy. This efficiency gap means EVs travel 3 to 4 miles per kWh equivalent, compared to gas cars at roughly 1 mile per kWh equivalent. Home electricity at 12 to 16 cents per kWh is also far cheaper per unit of energy than gasoline.
What This Comparison Does Not Include
- Maintenance savings: EVs have no oil changes, fewer brake replacements thanks to regenerative braking, and no transmission service. This adds $500 to $1,000 per year in savings.
- Purchase price difference: the upfront cost gap is narrowing, and tax credits can close it further.
- Insurance differences: EV insurance typically costs 10 to 15% more due to higher repair costs.
- Battery degradation: most EV batteries retain 90% or more capacity after 200,000 miles, but replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000 if needed.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Yes, in virtually all cases. The average EV costs about $0.04 per mile for electricity, while the average gas car costs $0.10–$0.15 per mile at $3.50/gallon. Even in expensive electricity states like California, EVs cost less per mile than gas vehicles.
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