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Gas vs Electric Cost Calculator

Compare what it costs to fuel a gas car against charging an electric vehicle for the same miles. See the cost per mile of each, the annual difference, and how much you would save.

You save with electric
$0
Gas: per year$0
Electric: per year$0
Gas: per mile$0
Electric: per mile$0
Tools · By Mustafa Bilgic · Last updated 20 June 2026

How the comparison works

The gas side is the familiar math: annual miles divided by MPG gives gallons used, multiplied by the price per gallon gives the yearly fuel bill. The electric side mirrors it: annual miles divided by the car's miles-per-kWh gives the kilowatt-hours used, multiplied by your electricity rate gives the yearly charging cost. Subtract one from the other and you have the annual fuel savings. The calculator also shows each car's cost per mile so you can compare them on equal footing regardless of how far you drive.

Worked example: 12,000 miles at 28 MPG and $3.50/gal costs $1,500 in gas (12.5¢/mi). The same miles in an EV at 3.5 mi/kWh and $0.15/kWh use about 3,429 kWh, costing roughly $514 (4.3¢/mi). That is an annual saving of about $986 — before counting lower EV maintenance.

What the calculator does not include

This tool compares fuel cost only, which is where electric vehicles usually win. It does not account for the purchase price, federal or local incentives, depreciation, insurance, or tire wear, all of which can differ between an EV and a gas car. Home charging at a residential rate is far cheaper than public DC fast charging, so if you cannot charge at home the savings shrink and may disappear. Use this figure as one input, then run the full numbers in the total cost of ownership tool before deciding.

Charging at home matters. The example assumes a home rate near $0.15/kWh. Frequent public fast-charging can cost 2–4× more. Learn the basics in EV charging explained.

Keep comparing

Read our deeper guides on electric vs gas cars and hybrid cars explained, then use the total cost of ownership calculator for the full picture. For your current gas car, the fuel cost calculator and MPG calculator sharpen the inputs above, and the cost per mile calculator adds insurance and depreciation.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to charge an EV or buy gas?

For most drivers charging at home, an electric vehicle is cheaper to fuel than a comparable gas car, often by half or more. A typical EV uses about 3 to 4 miles per kWh, so at a home rate near 15 cents per kWh it costs roughly 4 to 5 cents a mile, versus 12 to 15 cents a mile for gas at 28 MPG and $3.50 a gallon. The gap narrows if you rely on expensive public DC fast charging or live where electricity is costly.

What is miles per kWh for an electric car?

Miles per kWh is the EV equivalent of MPG: how far the car goes on one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Efficient compact EVs achieve 4 to 5 miles per kWh, mainstream models sit around 3 to 3.5, and large electric trucks and SUVs may be 2 to 2.5. Cold weather, high speeds, and heavy loads lower it, just as they lower gas MPG. Your car's trip computer usually displays your real figure.

Does this include the higher purchase price of an EV?

No. This calculator compares only the running fuel cost, gas versus electricity, which is where EVs typically save money. EVs often cost more to buy, and depreciation, insurance, and tires can differ, so use our total cost of ownership calculator for the complete financial picture before deciding. The fuel savings shown here are one important piece, not the whole comparison.