EV vs. gas car cost calculator
Enter your driving habits and state to see the real cost gap between charging an EV and filling up a gas car. The national average electricity rate is 15.95¢/kWh; gasoline averages $3.27/gallon.
Why the cost gap exists
Electricity priced by the kilowatt-hour is cheaper per mile than gasoline priced by the gallon in every state we track, even where electricity rates run high. A gas car averaging 28 MPG at the national average price of $3.27 pays about11.7¢ per mile. An EV at 3.5 mi/kWh on the national average residential rate pays roughly 4.6¢ per mile at home.
Fast charging narrows that gap. Public DC fast chargers bill well above home rates, so drivers who rely on them exclusively see smaller savings than the home-charging figures above suggest.
Frequently asked questions
How is the fast-charging cost calculated?
We apply a premium of 2.2x the state’s average residential electricity rate to approximate public DC fast-charging pricing, which typically runs well above home rates.
What if my state’s electricity rate has changed?
Rates are refreshed periodically from EIA and AAA averages. Check the Methodology page for the last update date, or use your own utility bill rate for a more precise estimate.
Does this include maintenance or insurance costs?
No. This calculator compares fuel and electricity costs only. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts, but that is not modeled here.
What does the break-even figure mean?
If you enter an EV purchase price premium, break-even is the point at which cumulative fuel savings offset that extra upfront cost. Leave it at zero to compare running costs only.