PlugCompare

EV vs Gas Cost Calculator

Same annual mileage, two cars — see which one costs less to fuel each year.

Miles driven per year

Gas car MPG

Gas price ($/gallon)

EV consumption (kWh/100mi)

Electricity price ($/kWh)

Annual EV savings

$960

Gas car annual fuel cost: $1,500
EV annual electricity cost: $540

What you entered

Miles/year: 12000Gas MPG: 28Gas price: $4EV kWh/100mi: 30

1
Gallons needed per year
12000 ÷ 28 MPG= 428.6 gal
2
Gas car annual fuel cost
428.6 × $3.5= $1500.00
3
kWh needed per year
(12000 ÷ 100) × 30= 3600.0 kWh
4
EV annual electricity cost
3600.0 × $0.15= $540.00
5
Annual savings driving electric
$1500.00 − $540.00= $960.00

Result

Annual EV savings: $960

Driving electric saves an estimated $960 per year versus the gas car.

Annual fuel cost, gas car versus EV, by miles driven per year

Both columns cover the same annual mileage. The gas car does 28 MPG with fuel at 3.50 a gallon; the EV uses 30 kWh per 100 miles with electricity at 15 cents per kWh. Only the mileage changes down the rows.

Miles driven per year	Gas car fuel cost	EV electricity cost	Annual EV saving
5,000	$625	$225	$400
7,500	$937	$338	$600
10,000	$1,250	$450	$800
12,000	$1,500	$540	$960
15,000	$1,875	$675	$1,200
20,000	$2,500	$900	$1,600
25,000	$3,125	$1,125	$2,000
30,000	$3,750	$1,350	$2,400

The saving scales straight-line with mileage, which is why high-mileage drivers see the biggest gap. It is entirely dependent on the two prices: cheap gas and expensive electricity narrow it sharply, and leaning on paid public fast charging at 30 to 60 cents per kWh can close it altogether. This compares fuel only. It excludes the one-off cost of a home charger, purchase price, insurance, tax credits, and the lower routine maintenance an EV usually enjoys. Illustrative figures at the prices stated above. Enter your own local gas and electricity rates before drawing a conclusion.

Comparing two very different cost structures

Gas cars pay per gallon at a pump price that fluctuates often; EVs pay per kWh at electricity rates that vary by time of day and location — this calculator puts both on the same annual-mileage basis so they're directly comparable.

Why the comparison isn't fixed

Local electricity rates, gas prices, and each vehicle's real-world efficiency all shift the outcome — what favors an EV in one region or season may look different elsewhere, so it's worth rerunning with your actual local prices.

Frequently asked questions

I drive 15,000 miles/year — how much cheaper is an EV to fuel?

It varies by local prices. At $3.50/gal and 30 MPG, gas costs about $1,750/year. At $0.13/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh efficiency, an EV costs about $557/year — roughly $1,200 in annual fuel savings. Enter your actual numbers above.

Does this include the cost of home charging equipment?

No — this compares annual fuel costs only. A Level 2 home charger installation typically costs $500-2,000 as a one-time expense. Public fast charging costs more per kWh than home charging ($0.30-0.60/kWh vs. $0.10-0.15/kWh at home).

Are EVs always cheaper to fuel?

Almost always, but not guaranteed. In areas with very cheap gas and expensive electricity (or if you rely heavily on paid public fast charging), the gap narrows significantly. Run the comparison with your actual local rates.

Does this account for EV maintenance savings?

No — this is fuel cost only. EVs also have lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking), but that's a separate calculation not included here.