Electric vs. Gas Car Savings Calculator
Electric Vehicle
Gas Car
Total Cost Over Years
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Electric Vehicle | Gas Vehicle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase | $ | $ | |
| Fuel/Energy | $ | $ | |
| Maintenance | $ | $ | |
| Total | $ | $ |
Gas vs Electric Car Cost Calculator
Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle but wondering if it will actually save you money in the long run? Our interactive Electric Vehicle Savings Calculator is designed to help you make an informed decision by comparing the total cost of ownership between electric and gas-powered vehicles.
Why Compare Electric and Gas Vehicle Costs?
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of electric vehicles. While the environmental benefits of EVs are well-documented, the financial aspects often remain unclear to many potential buyers. The upfront cost of an electric vehicle is typically higher than a comparable gas car, but the long-term economics tell a different story.
Our calculator takes into account various factors that impact the total cost of ownership, including:
- Initial purchase price
- Fuel/energy costs
- Maintenance expenses
- Annual mileage
- Length of ownership
Understanding the True Cost of Electric Vehicle Ownership
Purchase Price Considerations
Electric vehicles generally have higher sticker prices than their gas-powered counterparts. However, this initial price gap is narrowing as battery technology advances and production scales up. Additionally, many regions offer incentives, tax credits, and rebates that can significantly reduce the upfront cost of an EV.
When using our calculator, you can input the actual purchase price after any applicable incentives to get a more accurate comparison.
Energy Costs: Electricity vs. Gasoline
One of the most significant advantages of electric vehicles is their lower energy costs. Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel on a per-mile basis. The calculator compares:
- For EVs: Electricity consumption (kWh/100 miles) × electricity price ($/kWh)
- For Gas Cars: Fuel consumption (gallons per mile) × gas price ($/gallon)
The difference in energy costs can be substantial, especially in regions with low electricity rates or high gas prices. Our calculator allows you to input local energy prices for a personalized comparison.
Maintenance Cost Differences
Electric vehicles typically have lower maintenance costs due to:
- Fewer moving parts in the drivetrain
- No oil changes required
- Reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking
- No exhaust system or transmission maintenance
Gas-powered vehicles require regular maintenance such as oil changes, transmission service, exhaust system repairs, and more frequent brake replacements. These costs add up over time and are factored into our calculator.
How to Use the Electric Vehicle Savings Calculator
Our user-friendly calculator allows you to customize inputs to match your specific situation:
- Enter vehicle purchase prices for both electric and gas options
- Input efficiency ratings (kWh/100 miles for EVs, MPG for gas cars)
- Set your local energy prices (electricity cost per kWh and gas price per gallon)
- Adjust annual maintenance costs based on your research or experience
- Enter your annual mileage to calculate fuel/energy consumption
- Select the number of years you plan to own the vehicle
- Click "Calculate Savings" to see the results
The calculator will display a comprehensive breakdown of costs and clearly show which option saves you more money over time.
Popular Electric and Gas Vehicles: Real-World Comparison Examples
When using our Electric Vehicle Savings Calculator, it helps to have accurate efficiency data for the vehicles you're considering. Here are some of the most popular 2025 models and their efficiency metrics:
Electric Vehicle Examples
| Model | Efficiency (kWh/100 miles) | EPA Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 21 kWh/100 miles | 272 miles |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | 26 kWh/100 miles | 330 miles |
| Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 29 kWh/100 miles | 247 miles |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 33 kWh/100 miles | 306 miles |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD | 24 kWh/100 miles | 361 miles |
| Kia EV6 Long Range | 30 kWh/100 miles | 310 miles |
| Volkswagen ID.4 Pro | 32 kWh/100 miles | 275 miles |
| Nissan Ariya | 34 kWh/100 miles | 304 miles |
| Rivian R1S | 41 kWh/100 miles | 321 miles |
| Polestar 2 Long Range | 28 kWh/100 miles | 320 miles |
Gas Vehicle Examples
| Model | Combined MPG | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series 330i | 35 MPG | 31 MPG | 41 MPG |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 52 MPG | 51 MPG | 53 MPG |
| Honda Civic | 36 MPG | 33 MPG | 42 MPG |
| Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | 25 MPG | 31 MPG |
| Hyundai Elantra | 37 MPG | 33 MPG | 43 MPG |
| Ford Escape | 30 MPG | 27 MPG | 33 MPG |
| Subaru Outback | 29 MPG | 26 MPG | 33 MPG |
| Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | 23 MPG | 28 MPG |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 22 MPG | 19 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 28 MPG | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
Sample Comparison: Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW 3 Series
Let's look at a specific example using our calculator:
- The Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025) uses approximately 21 kWh per 100 miles
- The BMW 3 Series entry-level 330i (2025) manages a combined 35 MPG rating
Scenario:
- 12,000 annual miles
- Electricity cost of $0.14/kWh
- Gasoline cost of $3.50/gallon
- 5-year ownership period
Annual Energy Costs:
- Tesla Model 3: (12,000 miles ÷ 100) × 21 kWh × $0.14/kWh = $352.80
- BMW 330i: (12,000 miles ÷ 35 MPG) × $3.50/gallon = $1,200
This example shows the Tesla Model 3 costs approximately $847.20 less per year in energy costs compared to the BMW 330i. Over 5 years, that's a $4,236 difference in energy costs alone.
Enter these specific values into our calculator to see how the total cost of ownership compares when including purchase price, maintenance, and other factors.
Factors That Affect Electric Vehicle Savings
Annual Mileage Impact
The more you drive, the greater the potential savings with an electric vehicle. This is because the cost per mile is significantly lower for EVs. High-mileage drivers typically see the fastest return on their investment when switching to electric.
Regional Variations in Energy Prices
Energy costs vary widely by location. Areas with low electricity rates and high gas prices create the ideal economic environment for electric vehicle savings. Conversely, regions with expensive electricity might see slower financial returns on EV investments.
Vehicle Efficiency Considerations
Not all electric vehicles are created equal when it comes to efficiency. The energy consumption rate (measured in kWh/100 miles) significantly impacts operating costs. Similarly, a gas vehicle's MPG rating directly affects its fuel costs. Our calculator allows you to input the specific efficiency ratings for accurate comparisons.
Ownership Duration
The longer you own an electric vehicle, the more likely you are to realize financial benefits. While the upfront cost might be higher, the cumulative savings on energy and maintenance can eventually offset the initial price premium. Our calculator's year slider helps you visualize this breakeven point.
Beyond the Calculator: Other EV Ownership Benefits
While our calculator focuses on the direct financial comparison, electric vehicles offer additional benefits worth considering:
Time Savings
Electric vehicle owners enjoy the convenience of charging at home rather than visiting gas stations. This translates to time saved throughout the ownership period.
Environmental Impact
Electric vehicles produce fewer emissions, even when accounting for electricity generation. This environmental benefit grows as the grid becomes cleaner with more renewable energy sources.
Driving Experience
Many EV owners report enjoying the quiet, smooth driving experience and instant torque that electric motors provide. These quality-of-life improvements aren't factored into the calculator but represent real value for many drivers.
Reduced Depreciation
As the market for electric vehicles matures, many models are showing stronger resale values compared to their gas counterparts. This trend could further improve the long-term economics of EV ownership.
Common Questions About EV vs. Gas Vehicle Costs
Do electric vehicles really save money?
For many owners, yes. While the initial purchase price is typically higher, the combined savings on fuel and maintenance often result in lower total costs over the vehicle's lifetime. Our calculator helps you determine if this would be true in your specific case.
How long does it take to recoup the higher upfront cost of an EV?
The "breakeven point" varies based on purchase price difference, energy costs, maintenance savings, and annual mileage. Many owners find they reach this point between 3-7 years of ownership. Use our calculator with your specific inputs to find your personal breakeven timeline.
What about battery replacement costs?
Modern electric vehicle batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, with most manufacturers offering 8-10 year warranties. While replacement would be expensive, it's increasingly unlikely to be necessary within the typical ownership period.
How do public charging costs compare to home charging?
Public charging is generally more expensive than home charging but still usually cheaper than gasoline. Our calculator uses a single electricity price, so you may want to adjust this value if you primarily use public charging stations.
Make an Informed Decision with Our Calculator
Purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial decision, and the choice between electric and gas power has long-term implications for your budget. Our Electric Vehicle Savings Calculator empowers you to make this decision based on data customized to your situation rather than general assumptions.
Try the calculator today, adjust the parameters to match your circumstances, and discover whether an electric vehicle would save you money in the long run. The results might surprise you!
Stay Informed on EV Developments
The electric vehicle landscape is rapidly evolving, with new models, improved technologies, and changing incentives. Bookmark our site and check back regularly for updates on the latest developments in the EV market and how they might affect the economics of ownership.
Ready to calculate your potential savings? Scroll up to use our interactive Electric Vehicle Savings Calculator and take the first step toward making an informed vehicle choice.