Tools in This Collection
EV vs Gas Calculator
Compare total cost of ownership for electric vs gas vehicles
EV Lifetime Savings Calculator
Project cumulative EV savings over full vehicle lifetime
EV Charging Cost Calculator
Compare home vs public charging costs per mile
Gas Trip Cost Calculator
Estimate fuel cost for road trips by distance and MPG
Boat Fuel Calculator
Calculate fuel cost and range for marine vessels
EV vs Gas: A True Cost Comparison
The sticker price difference between EVs and gas vehicles is shrinking, but the real comparison is total cost over 5-10 years of ownership. Electricity is dramatically cheaper per mile than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts — no oil changes, fewer brake jobs (regenerative braking extends pad life), no transmission service.
Fuel Cost Comparison: EV vs Gas per Mile
At the national average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 60kWh battery costs about $7.80 for a full charge. With a 250-mile range, that's $0.031 per mile. By comparison, at $3.50/gal with a 30 MPG gas vehicle, each mile costs $0.117 — nearly 4x more. Over 12,000 miles annually, the EV saves roughly $1,040 in fuel alone.
EV Charging Cost Calculator
The EV Charging Cost Calculator compares home charging (typically $0.13/kWh overnight) versus public DC fast charging (typically $0.35-0.45/kWh at commercial stations). Frequent public charging significantly reduces EV cost savings — home charging is where the economics make sense.
EV vs Gas Lifetime Comparison
The EV vs Gas Calculator models total cost including purchase price, fuel/electricity, insurance differences, and maintenance. Over 10 years at 12,000 miles/year, a $42,000 EV vs a $32,000 gas car often breaks even around year 5-6 when fuel savings accumulate. Federal and state EV credits can shift the break-even earlier.
Long-Term Savings Projection
The EV Lifetime Savings Calculator projects cumulative savings over the full vehicle life, accounting for battery degradation (typically 2-3% capacity loss per year after year 3) and electricity rate increases. For high-mileage drivers (20,000+ miles/year), EV economics are compelling even at higher electricity rates.
Gas Trip Cost Planning
For road trips in a gas vehicle, the Gas Trip Cost Calculator estimates fuel cost based on trip distance, your vehicle's MPG, and current gas prices. A 1,200-mile trip at 30 MPG at $3.50/gal costs $140 in gas — a useful baseline for trip budgeting before committing to the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
At the US national average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 60kWh battery from 0-100% costs about $7.80. For most drivers charging from 20% to 80% (the recommended range for battery longevity), a typical top-up costs $4-6. Overnight charging with a Level 2 home charger (240V) takes 6-8 hours and is the most cost-effective option.
How much can I save by switching to an EV?
Fuel savings depend on your annual mileage and local electricity vs gas prices. At $3.50/gal and $0.13/kWh, a typical driver doing 12,000 miles/year saves about $1,040 annually in fuel. Add ~$500/year in reduced maintenance (no oil changes, less brake wear), and total annual savings often exceed $1,500 for average drivers.
Does EV charging at public stations eliminate the savings?
DC fast charging at commercial stations typically costs $0.35-0.45/kWh — 2.5-3x more than home charging. If you rely primarily on public charging, the fuel cost advantage shrinks significantly. EV economics work best for drivers who can charge at home regularly. Public charging should be the exception, not the routine.