5 YEAR TOTAL
$51,310 EV
EV vs Gas Total Cost
Over 5 years at these settings the EV saves about $454 once purchase, fuel, insurance, and maintenance are counted.
25 kWh/100mi, 363 mi range
35 mi
10 mi150 mi
Savings verdict
EV SAVES$454 over 5 yrs
Total cost of ownership for a 2026 Tesla Model 3 Premium RWD vs a comparable gas car. Includes purchase price, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
1%
TCO CUT
PER YEAR
$10,262/yr
PER MILE
$0.803 EV
GAS
$0.81
EV
$0.80
BREAKEVEN
4.6 years
Advanced inputs
$
Total price before trade-in
$
Total price before trade-in
5 years
1 years10 years
$/gal
MPG
Average US car: 28 MPG
$/yr
$/yr
$/yr
$/yr
Live savings meter
GAS TOTAL51,764/5yr
SAVES
454
/5yr
EV TOTAL51,310/5yr
Year by year
| Year | EV total | Gas total | EV savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $38,262 | $34,353 | -$3,909 |
| Year 2 | $41,524 | $38,706 | -$2,818 |
| Year 3 | $44,786 | $43,058 | -$1,728 |
| Year 4 | $48,048 | $47,411 | -$637 |
| Year 5 | $51,310 | $51,764 | +$454 |
Calculate your charging cost in detailCheck available EV tax creditsSide by side fuel cost comparison
How we calculate total cost of ownership
This calculator adds up four major cost categories for each vehicle over your chosen ownership period: purchase price, fuel (electricity for the EV, gasoline for the gas car), insurance, and maintenance. The sum gives you a realistic picture of what each vehicle actually costs to own, not just buy.
Fuel cost methodology
EV fuel costs are calculated using the EPA-rated efficiency of your selected vehicle (kWh per 100 miles) multiplied by your state's residential electricity rate from the EIA. Gas fuel costs use the price per gallon you enter divided by the gas car's MPG rating. Both assume consistent daily driving across the full ownership period.
Why maintenance differs so much
EVs have far fewer wear parts than gas cars. There is no engine oil to change, no transmission fluid, no timing belt, no spark plugs, and no exhaust system. Regenerative braking significantly extends brake pad life. Consumer Reports and AAA studies consistently find EV maintenance costs 40-60% lower than comparable gas vehicles over the first 10 years of ownership.
Factors not included
- Depreciation and resale value vary widely by make, model, and market conditions.
- Financing costs (interest) depend on your credit score, loan term, and down payment.
- The federal EV credits have ended, but state and utility rebates can still reduce the EV's effective purchase price.
- Tire costs are slightly higher for EVs due to added weight, but the difference is modest ($50 to $100 per year).
FAQ
Frequently asked
This calculator includes the four biggest ownership costs: purchase price, fuel (electricity or gasoline), insurance, and maintenance. It does not include depreciation, financing/interest, registration fees, or parking costs, which vary too widely to estimate accurately.
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