Gas vs EV Cost Calculator
The Gas vs. EV Cost Calculator compares the annual fuel/energy cost of driving a gas-powered vehicle versus an electric vehicle, based on your typical annual mileage. Works in U.S. units (miles, MPG, mi/kWh) or metric (kilometers, L/100km, kWh/100km). Both vehicles' annual costs scale linearly from the same "cost per mile (or km)" figure, so if your actual annual mileage differs from what you enter, the dollar comparison shifts proportionally for both vehicles — the EV's advantage in dollars grows or shrinks with total distance driven, even though its per-mile advantage stays fixed. The calculator uses one flat electricity price for the whole year, but real-world EV costs can run lower on an off-peak or time-of-use utility rate, or noticeably higher if you rely heavily on public DC fast charging. Since the comparison covers energy costs only, it's meant to be paired with the separate maintenance, insurance, and purchase-price differences between the two vehicles when weighing true total cost of ownership.
Switch between U.S. Customary and Metric units.
How This Tool Works
Pick your units, then enter your annual distance, your gas vehicle's fuel economy and fuel price, and your EV's efficiency and electricity price to compare annual fuel/energy costs.
Formula & Method
U.S.: gas cost per mile = gas price ÷ MPG; EV cost per mile = electricity price ÷ (miles per kWh). Metric: gas cost per km = (L/100km ÷ 100) × price per liter; EV cost per km = (kWh/100km ÷ 100) × price per kWh. Annual cost = cost per distance × annual distance driven.
Example Calculation
U.S. units: driving 15,000 miles/year, a 25 MPG gas car at $3.20/gallon has a cost per mile of $3.20 ÷ 25 = $0.128/mile, so annual gas cost = $0.128 × 15,000 = $1,920. An EV at 4 mi/kWh and $0.16/kWh has a cost per mile of $0.16 ÷ 4 = $0.04/mile, so annual EV cost = $0.04 × 15,000 = $600. Annual savings = $1,920 − $600 = $1,320. In metric: driving 24,000 km/year, a gas car at 9 L/100km and $1.60/liter has a cost per km of (9 ÷ 100) × $1.60 = $0.144/km, so annual gas cost = $0.144 × 24,000 = $3,456. An EV at 20 kWh/100km and $0.16/kWh has a cost per km of (20 ÷ 100) × $0.16 = $0.032/km, so annual EV cost = $0.032 × 24,000 = $768. Annual savings = $3,456 − $768 = $2,688.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this include maintenance costs?+
No, this compares fuel/energy costs only. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs too (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), which would widen the savings further.
Can I compare costs in metric units?+
Yes — switch the unit toggle to Metric and enter annual distance in kilometers, gas consumption in L/100km, and EV efficiency in kWh/100km. Fuel and electricity prices use your local currency.
Where do I find my EV's efficiency rating?+
Check the EPA fuel economy label or your vehicle's trip computer — shown as miles/kWh (U.S.) or kWh/100km (metric). To convert mi/kWh to kWh/100km, divide 62.14 by your mi/kWh figure.
Does public charging change the math?+
Yes — public DC fast charging often costs more per kWh than home charging, so your actual EV costs may be higher if you rely heavily on public chargers.
How do I convert my gas car's MPG to L/100km (or back) to use in metric mode?+
Divide 235.21 by your MPG to get L/100km, and divide 235.21 by your L/100km figure to convert back to MPG — the same constant works both directions because both units already express 'fuel per fixed distance.' For example, 30 MPG works out to about 235.21 ÷ 30 ≈ 7.84 L/100km.
Why might my actual annual savings differ from what this tool shows?+
The calculator multiplies whatever MPG (or L/100km) and mi/kWh (or kWh/100km) figures you type in directly by your annual mileage — it doesn't pull EPA-rated numbers on its own. Real-world efficiency for both gas and electric vehicles is usually a bit lower than the window-sticker rating, especially in cold weather or highway driving, so using your own tracked efficiency from a fill-up or your EV's trip computer will give a more accurate comparison than the rated figures.
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<a href="https://everyfix.net/tools/gas-vs-ev-cost-calculator/">Gas vs EV Cost Calculator</a> by <a href="https://everyfix.net">EveryFix</a>Related Tools
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