EV Savings Calculator
Compare the fuel cost of an electric vehicle versus a gas car — per year and per mile
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Quick summary
Enter your annual mileage, gas price, and MPG alongside your electricity rate and the EV's efficiency (miles per kWh) to compare fuel costs head-to-head. Driving 12,000 miles a year, a 28-MPG gas car costs about $1,500 in fuel while an EV at 3.5 mi/kWh and $0.16/kWh costs around $550 — roughly $950 saved per year, or nearly $9,500 over a decade. Charging at home is assumed; expensive public fast-charging or very cheap gas can erase the gap.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV vs fill a gas car?
Charging at home is usually far cheaper per mile. At $0.16/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, an EV costs about 4.6¢/mile; a 28-MPG car at $3.50/gallon costs 12.5¢/mile. Over 12,000 miles that's roughly $550 versus $1,500. Public DC fast-charging costs more and narrows the gap.
Do electric cars really save money?
On fuel and maintenance, usually yes — electricity per mile is typically cheaper than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts to service. Whether they save overall also depends on purchase price, incentives, and how long you keep the car. This tool isolates the fuel-cost comparison.
What is a good EV efficiency in miles per kWh?
Most EVs get 3–4 miles per kWh in mixed driving; efficient models exceed 4, while heavy trucks and SUVs or cold-weather/highway driving can drop below 3. Check your model's EPA rating (sometimes given as kWh/100 miles — divide 100 by it to get mi/kWh).
When does an EV cost more to fuel than gas?
When electricity is expensive and gas is cheap — for example, relying on pricey public fast-charging (often $0.40–$0.60/kWh) while gas is under $2.50/gallon. The calculator can show negative savings in those cases, which is why home charging matters so much to EV economics.
Key terms
- Cost per Mile
- Fuel or energy cost to drive one mile; the core comparison.
- mi/kWh
- EV efficiency — miles driven per kilowatt-hour of battery energy.
- Level 2 Charging
- 240V home charging, the cheapest and most common way to charge an EV.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.