Gas vs Electric Car Calculator
Compare annual fuel cost of gas and electric cars.
Default 3.5
Results update as you type.
How it works
Electric cars usually cost much less to fuel than gasoline cars, and this calculator quantifies the annual difference. You enter your annual mileage, the gas car's fuel economy, the price of gas, the EV's efficiency, and your electricity rate, and it returns the annual fuel cost for each and the yearly saving from driving electric. The gas cost is your mileage divided by miles per gallon, times the gas price, while the EV cost is your mileage divided by its miles per kilowatt-hour, times the electricity rate. EVs are typically far cheaper to run because electricity delivers more miles per dollar than gasoline, especially when charged at home on off-peak rates. For a typical driver, the annual fuel savings can be several hundred to over a thousand dollars, and the gap widens with high mileage or expensive gas. This comparison covers fuel and charging costs only, which is the most direct operating difference. It does not include the vehicle purchase price, where EVs often cost more upfront, or maintenance, where EVs usually cost less due to fewer moving parts and no oil changes, or incentives, insurance, and depreciation. To assess total cost of ownership, combine these fuel savings with those other factors. Home charging is assumed; public fast charging can cost more per kilowatt-hour. Enter your mileage, efficiencies, and prices to compare fuel costs.
Gas = miles/MPG × gas price ; EV = miles/(mi per kWh) × kWh price
The gas car's annual fuel cost is the miles driven divided by its miles per gallon, times the price of gas. The EV's cost is the miles divided by its efficiency in miles per kilowatt-hour, times the electricity rate. The difference is the annual saving from driving electric on fuel alone.
Source:Vehicle operating cost
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter annual miles driven, gas car mpg, gas price and electricity price.
- 2
Adjust the options
Adjust ev efficiency if they apply — sensible defaults are already set.
- 3
Read your result
Annual EV savings updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save on fuel with an electric car?
Savings depend on your mileage, gas and electricity prices, and each vehicle's efficiency, but many drivers save several hundred to over a thousand dollars a year on fuel by switching to an EV. Electricity delivers more miles per dollar than gasoline, especially with home charging. The calculator shows your specific annual savings.
How are the two fuel costs calculated?
The gas car's annual cost is your annual miles divided by its miles per gallon, multiplied by the gas price. The EV's cost is your annual miles divided by its miles per kilowatt-hour, multiplied by the electricity rate. Comparing the two gives the fuel savings, which the calculator computes from your inputs.
What is a typical EV efficiency?
Many electric cars achieve around 3 to 4 miles per kilowatt-hour, with efficient models exceeding 4 and larger or performance EVs below 3. The calculator defaults to 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour as a reasonable average. Check your specific model's rating, often expressed as miles per kilowatt-hour or its inverse, kilowatt-hours per 100 miles.
Does this include the purchase price and maintenance?
No, this compares only fuel and charging costs, the most direct operating difference. It excludes the purchase price, where EVs often cost more upfront, maintenance, where EVs usually cost less with no oil changes and fewer moving parts, and factors like incentives, insurance, and depreciation. Combine these fuel savings with those to judge total cost of ownership.
Does home versus public charging change the result?
Yes. This calculator assumes charging at your home electricity rate, which is usually the cheapest option. Public DC fast charging often costs significantly more per kilowatt-hour, sometimes approaching or exceeding gasoline's cost per mile. If you rely heavily on public charging, enter a higher electricity price to reflect your real charging costs.