EV vs. Gas Cost Calculator
Compare the real cost-per-mile of driving electric vs. gasoline — based on your actual electricity rate, fuel economy, and local gas price.
Your numbers
Annual cost comparison
Common EV efficiency ratings
Source: U.S. EPA fueleconomy.gov, 2024–2025 model year data. Values are combined city/highway. Last updated: July 2026.
| Vehicle | kWh / 100 mi | MPGe |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD | 24 | 140 |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD | 25 | 137 |
| Lucid Air Pure RWD | 25 | 137 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 28 | 121 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 28 | 120 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium | 30 | 113 |
Use these as a starting point — your real-world efficiency depends on driving style, temperature, terrain, and speed. Enter your own number above for a more accurate comparison.
Why Cost-Per-Mile Matters More Than Sticker Price
The cost difference between charging an EV and filling a gas tank depends on two volatile inputs: the price of electricity and the price of gasoline. Both vary widely by location and time. Residential electricity in the U.S. averages around $0.14/kWh but ranges from under $0.10 in states with cheap hydropower to over $0.30 in parts of California and the Northeast. Gasoline prices swing with global oil markets, regional supply, and seasonal demand.
This means the savings from driving electric are not a single fixed number — they depend on where you live, when you charge, and what you drive. A driver in Washington state paying $0.09/kWh with a gas car that gets 25 MPG will see dramatically different savings than someone in Connecticut paying $0.28/kWh with a 35 MPG car.
How the Calculation Works
The math is simple and transparent:
EV cost per mile: Divide your EV's energy consumption (kWh per 100 miles) by 100, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. For example, a car that uses 25 kWh/100 mi at $0.14/kWh costs $0.035 per mile.
Gas cost per mile: Divide the gas price per gallon by your car's MPG. A car that gets 30 MPG at $3.10/gallon costs about $0.103 per mile.
Multiply either number by your annual mileage to get the yearly cost. The difference between the two is your annual savings — or extra cost — from choosing electric over gas.
Important caveats: This calculator covers fuel costs only. It does not include vehicle purchase price, insurance, maintenance, or depreciation. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements), which adds to the savings beyond what these numbers show. Public charging is more expensive than home charging — if you rely on DC fast chargers, your effective electricity rate could be 3–5× higher than residential rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
It depends on your local electricity rate. At the U.S. average of $0.14/kWh, a typical EV that uses 25 kWh per 100 miles costs about $0.035 per mile — roughly one-third the cost of a gas car. If you charge during off-peak hours, some utilities offer rates as low as $0.05/kWh, which drops the cost to just over a penny per mile.
Is an EV cheaper to run than a gas car?
In most cases, yes. Electricity is typically cheaper per mile than gasoline, especially if you charge at home. The exact savings depend on your electricity rate, your EV's efficiency, gas prices, and your gas car's MPG. Use the calculator above to enter your specific numbers and see your estimated annual savings.
What is the average cost per mile for an EV?
At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.14/kWh, a typical EV costs between $0.03 and $0.05 per mile depending on efficiency. The most efficient models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (24 kWh/100 mi) cost about $0.034 per mile, while larger SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E (30 kWh/100 mi) cost about $0.042 per mile. Gas cars typically cost $0.08–$0.14 per mile.
Does this calculator include charging equipment costs?
No. This calculator compares fuel costs only — electricity vs. gasoline. It does not include vehicle purchase price, insurance, maintenance, or charger installation. A Level 2 home charger typically costs $500–$2,500 installed, but the fuel savings often cover that cost within the first year or two of ownership.