EV vs gas — what will you actually save?
The complete electric-vs-combustion cost model: this week's real fuel prices (week of 2026-07-20), your charging mix, maintenance, price inflation and the EV's purchase premium — projected over your ownership years, with the break-even point. Works in miles and gallons or kilometres and litres.
Market and fuel
Prefilled with this week's official average ($4.00/gal) — edit freely.
Your driving
Combustion car
Electric car
How much more the EV costs to buy than the comparable combustion car, after incentives. Set 0 to compare running costs only.
Advanced assumptions
Includes fuel vs electricity, maintenance, and the $5,000 purchase premium. The EV pays for its premium in year 4.
| Year | Combustion cumulative | EV cumulative | Net savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,520 | $6,298 | −$3,778 |
| 2 | $5,089 | $7,611 | −$2,523 |
| 3 | $7,707 | $8,941 | −$1,234 |
| 4BREAK-EVEN | $10,377 | $10,288 | +$90 |
| 5 | $13,101 | $11,651 | +$1,450 |
| 6 | $15,879 | $13,032 | +$2,847 |
| 7 | $18,713 | $14,430 | +$4,283 |
| 8 | $21,606 | $15,846 | +$5,759 |
Fuel prices are this week's official averages; electricity prices, maintenance and inflation are editable estimates — verify against your utility bill and local incentives. CO₂ figure covers tailpipe emissions only (petrol 2.31 kg/L, diesel 2.68 kg/L); it excludes electricity generation, which varies by grid.
Charging points and networks near you.
Trip and full-tank costs at this week's prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an EV save per year compared to a gas car?
It depends on your fuel price, electricity price and mileage. At typical US values (12,000 miles/year, 28 MPG, this week's average gas price, 80% home charging) an EV saves on the order of a thousand dollars per year in energy plus several hundred in maintenance — the calculator above computes your exact number.
What is the break-even year?
If the EV costs more to buy than a comparable gas car, the break-even year is when your accumulated running-cost savings exceed that purchase premium. The calculator marks it in the chart and in the year-by-year table.
Does home vs public charging matter?
Enormously. Home charging is typically 2 to 3 times cheaper per kWh than public fast charging. Use the slider to match your situation — someone charging 100% at public fast chargers can see the EV advantage shrink dramatically.
Which prices does the calculator use?
The fuel price is prefilled with this week's official average for the market you pick (US EIA, EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, Statistics Canada) and stays editable. Electricity prices, maintenance and inflation are transparent, editable estimates — we never present assumptions as measurements.