EV vs Gas Total Cost of Ownership Calculator
Compare the full cost of owning an EV versus a gas car over time, including purchase price, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
Data last updated: March 2026
The sticker price is only part of the story. When you factor in fuel savings, lower maintenance, and insurance differences, an EV can cost thousands less over a typical ownership period. This calculator breaks down every major cost category so you can see the real numbers side by side.
25 kWh/100mi • 272 mi EPA range
Used for your electricity rate
Total price before trade-in
Total price before trade-in
Current price per gallon
Combined city/highway rating
EV insurance tends to be higher
Average annual premium
Tires, wipers, cabin filter, brakes
Oil changes, brakes, belts, fluids
5-Year Ownership Cost Comparison
Total Cost Comparison (5 Years)
The gas car saves you $418 over 5 years
Year-by-Year Cumulative Cost
| Year | EV Total | Gas Total | EV Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $38,081 | $33,997 | -$4,084 |
| Year 2 | $41,161 | $37,994 | -$3,167 |
| Year 3 | $44,242 | $41,991 | -$2,251 |
| Year 4 | $47,322 | $45,988 | -$1,335 |
| Year 5 | $50,403 | $49,984 | -$418 |
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.
- Tax credits and rebates can reduce the EV's effective purchase price by $2,500 to $7,500.
- Tire costs are slightly higher for EVs due to added weight, but the difference is modest ($50-100/year).
Frequently Asked Questions
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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