EV vs Gas Savings Calculator

Compare total cost of owning an electric vehicle vs gas car. See fuel, maintenance, and total savings over 5-10 years.

miles
$/gal
MPG
$/kWh
mi/kWh

Annual Fuel Savings

$1,277.14

Annual Maintenance Savings

$600.00

Total Annual Savings

$1,877.14

5-Year Savings

$9,385.71

10-Year Savings

$18,771.43

EV Savings Breakdown

Annual Gas Fuel Cost$1,757.14
Annual EV Fuel Cost- $480.00
Annual Fuel Savings$1,277.14
Gas Maintenance/yr$1,200.00
EV Maintenance/yr- $600.00
Annual Maintenance Savings$600.00
Total Annual Savings$1,877.14
5-Year Savings$9,385.71
10-Year Savings$18,771.43

Use the EV vs Gas Savings Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This calculator helps you determine the potential financial savings of owning an electric vehicle (EV) compared to a gasoline-powered car over a specified period. It's crucial for making an informed decision about your next vehicle purchase, considering both short-term and long-term operating costs.

The calculator works by comparing the total cost of ownership for an EV against a gas car. This typically involves subtracting the annual fuel/charging costs, maintenance, and relevant tax incentives/credits for the EV from those of the gas car, then projecting these differences over the chosen number of years.

Remember to consider all variables, including fluctuating electricity and gas prices, and potential future battery replacement costs for EVs. A common mistake is underestimating the impact of charging at home versus public charging, or overlooking available government incentives for EVs.

Example: Comparing a Tesla Model 3 to a Honda Civic over 5 years

  1. 1 Input the average fuel efficiency of the gas car (e.g., 35 MPG), average gas price ($3.50/gallon), average electricity rate ($0.15/kWh), EV efficiency (e.g., 4 miles/kWh), annual mileage (12,000 miles), and initial price difference ($10,000 more for EV) and any EV tax credit ($7,500).
  2. 2 The calculator determines annual gas cost ($1,200) vs. annual electricity cost ($450). It then factors in potential lower EV maintenance ($200/year less) and the initial price difference adjusted by the tax credit ($2,500 more for EV upfront).
  3. 3 After 5 years, the EV could result in a total savings of approximately $3,250, considering the initial higher purchase price offset by the tax credit and ongoing lower operating costs.
  4. 4 This example shows that while an EV might have a higher upfront cost, significant savings on fuel and maintenance, combined with incentives, can make it more economical in the long run.

Source: DOE · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save by switching to an electric vehicle?
EV owners save an average of $1,000-1,500 per year on fuel and $500-800 per year on maintenance (no oil changes, less brake wear). Over 10 years, total savings can reach $15,000-25,000 depending on your driving habits.
Are electric cars cheaper to maintain than gas cars?
Yes. EVs have far fewer moving parts, no engine oil, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear. Maintenance costs are typically 30-50% lower than comparable gas vehicles.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
At the US average electricity rate of about $0.16/kWh, a full charge for a 60 kWh battery costs roughly $9.60 and provides 200-250 miles of range. Monthly charging costs are typically $30-60 for average drivers.