EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator
Compare the running cost of an electric car with a gas car. Enter how far you drive, the EV’s kWh per 100 miles or km, your electricity price, the gas car’s fuel economy and the fuel price to see yearly costs, savings, cost per mile, CO₂ and how fast an EV pays back its price difference.
Miles or km, matching the units above.
US EPA ratings: about 25–35 kWh/100 mi (≈ 16–22 kWh/100 km).
EPA figures already include them; add about 10% for dashboard figures.
US average ≈ 0.37; much lower with renewables.
How to use the EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator
- Pick your units and enter the distance you drive each year.
- Enter the EV’s efficiency in kWh per 100 miles or km and your electricity price.
- Enter the gas car’s fuel economy and the fuel price.
- Optionally add the EV’s extra price to see the payback time.
- Press Compare costs and check the chart and tables.
EV vs gas cost formulas
- EV energy (kWh) = distance × kWh per 100 ÷ 100 ÷ (1 − charging losses)
- EV cost = kWh × electricity price
- Gas fuel = miles ÷ mpg (or km × L/100 km ÷ 100)
- Gas cost = fuel × price per gallon or liter
- CO₂ = gallons × 8.887 kg (liters × 2.348 kg) for gasoline; kWh × grid intensity for the EV
- Payback = EV price difference ÷ yearly savings
Cost per 100 miles at a glance
EV at 30 kWh/100 mi vs a 30 mpg gas car:
| Electricity price | EV per 100 mi | Gas price | Gas car per 100 mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10 / kWh | $3.00 | $3.00 / gal | $10.00 |
| $0.16 / kWh | $4.80 | $3.50 / gal | $11.67 |
| $0.25 / kWh | $7.50 | $4.00 / gal | $13.33 |
| $0.40 / kWh | $12.00 | $5.00 / gal | $16.67 |
An EV at 30 kWh/100 mi costs the same per mile as a 30 mpg car when electricity costs 1/9 of the gas price per gallon (for example $0.39/kWh with gas at $3.50).
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate EV charging cost per year?
Multiply the distance by the efficiency and the electricity price: 12,000 miles × 30 kWh/100 mi = 3,600 kWh, and 3,600 × $0.16 = $576 per year.
How do I calculate gas cost per year?
Divide the distance by mpg and multiply by the price per gallon: 12,000 ÷ 30 = 400 gallons × $3.50 = $1,400 per year. In metric, distance × L/100 km ÷ 100 × price per liter.
Is an electric car cheaper to run?
Usually, when charging at home. In the default example the EV costs about $576 a year against $1,400 for the gas car. Relying on public fast chargers at $0.40–0.50 per kWh can erase most of the savings.
How much CO₂ does a gallon of gasoline produce?
Burning one gallon of gasoline produces about 8,887 grams (8.9 kg) of CO₂ according to the US EPA, or about 2.35 kg per liter. EV emissions depend on how your electricity is generated.
Do EPA kWh/100 mi ratings include charging losses?
Yes. EPA efficiency ratings are measured from the wall outlet, so they already include charging losses. If you use the efficiency shown on the car's dashboard, add roughly 10–15% losses.
What is not included?
The comparison covers fuel and electricity only. Maintenance (EVs usually need less), insurance, depreciation, home charger installation and battery manufacturing emissions are not included.