EV vs. Gas Car Cost Calculator
Is an EV worth it in the US? Compare cost per 100 miles, yearly fuel cost and when the higher EV price pays off — in dollars, miles and MPG.
Key facts
- At 30 kWh/100 mi and $0.18/kWh an EV costs about $5.40 per 100 miles, a gas car at 27 MPG and $3.85/gal about $14.26 — roughly $8.86 saved every 100 miles.
- A $6,000 higher EV sticker price pays off at about $1,196 saved per year after roughly 5.0 years (≈ 67,700 miles).
- It depends where you charge: at $0.45/kWh DC fast charging a 30-kWh/100mi EV climbs to about $13.50 per 100 miles and can cost more than an efficient gas car.
FAQ
- What does an EV cost per 100 miles?
- At around 30 kWh/100 mi and home electricity (~$0.18/kWh) about $5.40 per 100 miles. At expensive DC fast chargers ($0.40–0.50/kWh) it can climb to $12–18 — eroding the advantage over a gas car.
- How is the break-even calculated?
- The EV’s higher sticker price is divided by the annual fuel-cost saving. That yields the years (and miles) after which the price premium is offset by cheaper operation.
- Why are insurance, maintenance and tax credits missing?
- These items vary strongly by vehicle, state and buyer. To keep the comparison transparent, the tool uses only energy and purchase cost — the two largest, most predictable levers. Federal/state EV tax credits can improve the EV case further.