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What this calculator compares

We stack the full ownership cost for both drivetrains—sticker price, tax credits, state rebates, charger installation, fuel or electricity, maintenance, and insurance—so you see the true five to ten year cost of owning each vehicle.

Adjust the purchase price, incentives, charging mix, and MPG/kWh sliders to match your real situation.

Every change updates the lifetime totals, so you immediately know which drivetrain is cheaper and by how much.

When an EV usually wins

Electric vehicles tend to pull ahead when:
  • You can access the full $7,500 federal credit plus any state rebates.
  • Most charging happens at home where electricity is cheaper than public DC fast charging.
  • You drive 12,000+ miles per year, amplifying the lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Run the analysis at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years to see how long it takes for incentives and operating savings to overcome the upfront premium.

How to stress test the results

Use realistic ranges to avoid over- or under-estimating savings:

  • Slide annual miles up or down to match your commute, not the EPA average.
  • Blend your true charging mix (for example, 70% home / 30% public) so the electricity bill matches reality.
  • Increase maintenance or insurance costs if you plan to buy premium trims, performance tires, or add-ons.

Tip: Export the table and rerun the numbers after you collect quotes for insurance, charger installation, and dealer pricing to keep your EV vs gas comparison grounded in real bids.

Key Financial Terms

Understand the essential concepts behind this calculator

Electric Vehicle (EV)

A vehicle powered by an electric motor and battery pack instead of an internal combustion engine.

Learn more →

Fuel Efficiency

Distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed

Learn more →
View all financial terms in our glossary →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the EV vs Gas Car Calculator

The calculator helps you compare the total costs of owning an electric vehicle and a gas vehicle. It considers factors like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and incentives over a period of 5 to 10 years.
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Federal EV Tax Credits

The Inflation Reduction Act provides up to $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs, with income and price caps. Credits apply at point of sale as of 2024.
→Source: IRS - Clean Vehicle Tax Credits(2024)

Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

Studies show EVs reach cost parity with comparable gas vehicles within 4-6 years for most buyers, considering fuel, maintenance, and incentives, with 10-year savings of $6,000-15,000.
→Source: Consumer Reports - EV Ownership Costs(2024)

Electricity vs Gasoline Costs

The EPA estimates EV operation costs of $0.04-0.06 per mile versus $0.12-0.18 per mile for gasoline vehicles, with electricity rates averaging $0.14/kWh nationally.
→Source: U.S. Department of Energy - Alternative Fuels Data Center(2024)