Compare the 5-year cost of owning an electric vehicle versus a gasoline car, including purchase price, fuel, maintenance, and incentives. All figures are estimates based on national averages; adjust the inputs to match your situation.
How this estimate is calculated
The calculator adds up three costs for each vehicle over your chosen ownership period: purchase price, total fuel or charging cost, and total maintenance cost. Gas fuel cost comes from your annual mileage divided by MPG, multiplied by gas price. EV charging cost comes from your annual mileage converted to kWh using your vehicle’s efficiency, multiplied by your electricity rate. Incentives and home charger installation cost are added to or subtracted from the EV’s purchase price before the two totals are compared.
The tool also identifies a breakeven point: the year at which the EV’s fuel and maintenance savings have paid back its higher upfront cost, if it has one. After that point, every additional year of ownership adds to your savings.
Why your actual numbers may differ
Default maintenance figures reflect typical U.S. averages: around $1,200 per year for gas vehicles versus roughly $600 per year for EVs, since EVs have no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less brake wear from regenerative braking. Electricity and gas prices are pre-filled with live rates but vary by state and by time of day, so updating them with your local numbers will give a more accurate result. State and local incentives can meaningfully shift the breakeven point. Check our Tax Credits and Incentives page to see what applies where you live.
Your Gas Vehicle
Your Electric Vehicle
Your Driving & Costs
Estimates are based on the values you entered and national average data from FuelEconomy.gov. Actual costs vary based on driving habits, local electricity and gas prices, vehicle model, insurance, financing, and depreciation. This calculator does not include insurance, registration fees, or financing costs. Always consult a financial advisor for major purchasing decisions.