Compare the long-term financial and environmental impact of owning a gasoline-powered car versus an electric vehicle.
Car Cost Comparison Calculator
Enter the upfront cost of the gasoline car.
Enter the upfront cost of the electric car.
Estimate the total miles you drive per year.
Average cost of one gallon of gasoline.
Average cost of one kilowatt-hour of electricity (home charging).
Miles per gallon for the gasoline car.
Miles per gallon equivalent for the electric car.
Estimated annual maintenance costs for the gas car.
Estimated annual maintenance costs for the electric car.
How many years you plan to own the car.
Your Estimated Costs Over 5 Years
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Gas Car Total Cost:—
Electric Car Total Cost:—
Gasoline Cost:—
Electricity Cost:—
Gas Car Maintenance:—
Electric Car Maintenance:—
How it's calculated: Total Cost = Purchase Price + (Annual Fuel Cost * Ownership Years) + (Annual Maintenance Cost * Ownership Years). Annual Fuel Cost is calculated based on annual mileage, fuel price, and vehicle efficiency (MPG or MPGe).
Cost Over Time
■ Gas Car Total Cost
■ Electric Car Total Cost
Detailed Breakdown
Annual Cost Breakdown
Metric
Gas Car
Electric Car
Fuel Cost
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Maintenance Cost
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Total Annual Operating Cost
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What is a Gas vs Electric Car Calculator?
A gas vs electric car calculator is a financial tool designed to help consumers and businesses compare the long-term ownership costs and potential savings between a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle and a fully electric vehicle (EV). It takes into account various financial factors such as purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and projected ownership duration to provide an estimated total cost of ownership for each type of vehicle. This allows users to make a more informed decision when purchasing a new car, considering not just the initial price but also the ongoing expenses that can significantly impact their budget over time.
Who should use it? Anyone considering purchasing a new vehicle, especially those weighing the options between a gasoline car and an electric car. This includes:
Prospective car buyers trying to understand the total cost of ownership.
Environmentally conscious individuals looking to quantify the financial benefits of switching to electric.
Fleet managers evaluating the cost-effectiveness of electrifying their vehicle fleets.
Individuals curious about how fluctuating fuel prices might affect their driving costs.
Common misconceptions:
EVs are always more expensive: While the initial purchase price of EVs can be higher, government incentives, lower running costs (fuel and maintenance), and longer lifespans can make them cheaper overall.
Electricity is always cheaper than gas: This depends heavily on local electricity rates versus gas prices, and the efficiency of the vehicles being compared.
Maintenance is negligible for EVs: EVs have fewer moving parts, reducing routine maintenance needs like oil changes, but they still require maintenance for tires, brakes, suspension, and battery health checks.
Gas vs Electric Car Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of the gas vs electric car calculator relies on calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO) for each vehicle type over a specified period. The formula for TCO is generally expressed as:
This is the straightforward upfront cost of acquiring the vehicle. It can be influenced by make, model, features, and any available government incentives or tax credits.
2. Annual Fuel Cost
This is a critical variable that differs significantly between gas and electric cars.
For Gas Cars:
Annual Fuel Cost (Gas) = (Annual Mileage / Gas Car MPG) × Gas Price per Gallon
This calculates how many gallons of gas are needed annually and multiplies it by the cost per gallon.
For Electric Cars:
Annual Fuel Cost (Electric) = (Annual Mileage / Electric MPGe) × Electric Price per kWh × 33.7
MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) is used to compare EV efficiency to gasoline cars. The factor 33.7 represents the approximate energy content of one gallon of gasoline in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This formula converts the EV's efficiency into an equivalent energy cost comparable to gasoline.
3. Annual Maintenance Cost
This includes routine servicing, repairs, and parts replacement. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking).
4. Ownership Years
This is the projected timeframe over which the comparison is made. A longer ownership period generally amplifies the savings from lower running costs of EVs.
Variables Table
Variables Used in the Calculator
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Purchase Price (Gas/Electric)
Initial cost to buy the vehicle.
USD ($)
$15,000 – $80,000+
Annual Mileage
Total distance driven per year.
Miles
5,000 – 25,000+
Gas Price per Gallon
Cost of one gallon of gasoline.
USD ($/gallon)
$2.50 – $6.00+
Electric Price per kWh
Cost of one kilowatt-hour of electricity (home charging).
USD ($/kWh)
$0.10 – $0.30+
Gas Car MPG
Fuel efficiency of the gasoline car.
Miles per Gallon (MPG)
15 – 60+
Electric MPGe
Energy efficiency of the electric car.
Miles per Gallon equivalent (MPGe)
50 – 150+
Annual Maintenance (Gas/Electric)
Estimated yearly costs for upkeep and repairs.
USD ($/year)
Gas: $300 – $1000+ Electric: $100 – $500+
Ownership Years
Projected duration of car ownership.
Years
1 – 15+
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's illustrate with two scenarios using the gas vs electric car calculator:
Example 1: The Daily Commuter
Sarah drives 15,000 miles per year for her commute. She's looking at a gasoline sedan priced at $28,000 with 30 MPG, and an electric sedan priced at $38,000 with 110 MPGe. Gas prices are $3.70/gallon, and her home electricity rate is $0.16/kWh. She plans to keep the car for 7 years. Annual maintenance is estimated at $600 for the gas car and $250 for the EV.
Inputs:
Gas Car Purchase Price: $28,000
Electric Car Purchase Price: $38,000
Annual Mileage: 15,000 miles
Gas Price per Gallon: $3.70
Electric Price per kWh: $0.16
Gas Car MPG: 30
Electric MPGe: 110
Annual Maintenance (Gas): $600
Annual Maintenance (Electric): $250
Ownership Years: 7
Calculator Output (Illustrative):
Gas Car Total Cost (7 years): ~$57,750
Electric Car Total Cost (7 years): ~$55,100
Primary Result: The electric car is estimated to be ~$2,650 cheaper over 7 years.
Gasoline Cost (7 years): ~$18,500
Electricity Cost (7 years): ~$7,700
Gas Car Maintenance (7 years): $4,200
Electric Car Maintenance (7 years): $1,750
Interpretation: Despite the higher initial purchase price, Sarah's EV is projected to be more cost-effective over her planned ownership period due to significantly lower fuel and maintenance expenses. The savings on fuel alone are substantial.
Example 2: The Occasional Driver
Mark drives only 8,000 miles per year. He's considering a used gasoline SUV for $20,000 (20 MPG) and a new electric hatchback for $35,000 (90 MPGe). Gas is $4.00/gallon, electricity is $0.18/kWh. He plans to own the car for 5 years. Maintenance: $700/year for the SUV, $300/year for the EV.
Inputs:
Gas Car Purchase Price: $20,000
Electric Car Purchase Price: $35,000
Annual Mileage: 8,000 miles
Gas Price per Gallon: $4.00
Electric Price per kWh: $0.18
Gas Car MPG: 20
Electric MPGe: 90
Annual Maintenance (Gas): $700
Annual Maintenance (Electric): $300
Ownership Years: 5
Calculator Output (Illustrative):
Gas Car Total Cost (5 years): ~$41,000
Electric Car Total Cost (5 years): ~$44,150
Primary Result: The gasoline SUV is estimated to be ~$3,150 cheaper over 5 years.
Gasoline Cost (5 years): ~$16,000
Electricity Cost (5 years): ~$7,680
Gas Car Maintenance (5 years): $3,500
Electric Car Maintenance (5 years): $1,500
Interpretation: In this case, Mark's lower annual mileage and the higher initial cost of the EV mean the gasoline SUV is more economical over the 5-year period. The fuel savings from the EV don't fully offset its higher purchase price and electricity costs at this lower mileage.
How to Use This Gas vs Electric Car Calculator
Using the gas vs electric car calculator is simple and designed to provide quick insights. Follow these steps:
Input Vehicle Details: Enter the purchase price for both the gasoline car and the electric car you are considering.
Estimate Your Driving Habits: Input your estimated annual mileage. This is crucial as it directly impacts fuel consumption and costs.
Enter Fuel Prices: Provide the current average price per gallon for gasoline and the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity in your area. Remember to use your home charging rate for electricity if applicable.
Specify Vehicle Efficiency: Enter the MPG for the gasoline car and the MPGe for the electric car. These figures are usually found on the vehicle's window sticker or manufacturer's website.
Estimate Maintenance Costs: Input your best estimate for annual maintenance expenses for both types of vehicles. Remember EVs generally have lower maintenance needs.
Set Ownership Period: Select the number of years you anticipate owning the vehicle. This determines the timeframe for the total cost calculation.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate Costs" button.
How to Read Results:
Primary Result: This highlights the estimated total savings (or extra cost) of one vehicle type over the other for the specified ownership period. A positive number indicates savings with the electric car.
Total Costs: View the projected total cost of ownership for each vehicle over the selected years.
Intermediate Values: Examine the breakdown of costs, including total fuel expenses and maintenance costs for both vehicles. This helps pinpoint where the major differences lie.
Chart: The cost-over-time chart visually represents how the total costs accumulate annually for each vehicle, making it easy to see the crossover point where one becomes more economical.
Table: The detailed annual breakdown shows the yearly fuel and maintenance costs, offering a clearer picture of ongoing operational expenses.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Use the results to inform your purchase decision. If the EV shows significant savings over your planned ownership period, it might be the financially smarter choice, even with a higher upfront cost. Consider factors like driving habits (high mileage favors EVs), local fuel prices, available incentives, and your personal environmental priorities. If the gas car appears cheaper, especially for lower mileage drivers or shorter ownership periods, it might be the more economical option for your specific situation.
Key Factors That Affect Gas vs Electric Car Calculator Results
Several factors can significantly influence the outcome of a gas vs electric car calculator. Understanding these can help you refine your inputs for a more accurate comparison:
Fuel Price Volatility: Gasoline prices fluctuate significantly due to geopolitical events, supply and demand, and seasonal factors. Electricity prices are generally more stable, especially if sourced from regulated utilities or renewable energy contracts. Unexpected spikes in gas prices can dramatically increase the operating cost of a gas car, making EVs more attractive.
Electricity Rates and Charging Habits: The cost of electricity varies by region and time of day. Charging at home during off-peak hours is typically much cheaper than using public fast chargers. The calculator often assumes a standard home charging rate, but actual costs can differ based on your specific utility plan and charging behavior.
Vehicle Efficiency (MPG & MPGe): The actual miles per gallon (MPG) for a gas car and miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for an EV can vary based on driving style, terrain, weather conditions (especially cold weather for EVs), and vehicle load. A more efficient vehicle of either type will naturally lead to lower fuel costs.
Maintenance and Repair Costs: While EVs generally have lower maintenance costs, unexpected repairs (e.g., battery replacement outside of warranty) can be very expensive. Conversely, complex internal combustion engines in gas cars have more potential points of failure and require regular fluid changes. The calculator uses estimates, but actual repair bills can vary widely.
Government Incentives and Tax Credits: Many governments offer tax credits, rebates, or grants for purchasing new electric vehicles to encourage adoption. These can significantly reduce the effective purchase price of an EV, drastically altering the TCO calculation. Always research available incentives in your region.
Resale Value: The long-term resale value of both gas and electric cars is a factor. Historically, gas cars have had more predictable depreciation, but the market for used EVs is evolving rapidly. A higher resale value for either vehicle type would reduce its overall cost of ownership.
Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums can differ between gas and electric vehicles. EVs may sometimes have higher insurance costs due to the higher value of their components, particularly the battery pack.
Battery Degradation and Replacement: EV batteries degrade over time, reducing range. While most manufacturers offer long battery warranties (e.g., 8 years/100,000 miles), the eventual cost of battery replacement outside of warranty is a significant potential expense that can impact long-term TCO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the calculator include potential government incentives for EVs?
A: This basic calculator does not automatically include government incentives. You should research available federal, state, and local tax credits or rebates for electric vehicles and manually adjust the 'Electric Car Purchase Price' input to reflect the net cost after incentives for a more accurate comparison.
Q2: How accurate are the maintenance cost estimates?
A: The maintenance cost estimates are averages based on general industry data. Actual costs can vary significantly depending on the specific vehicle model, driving conditions, and whether you use dealership service centers or independent mechanics. EVs typically require less frequent maintenance (no oil changes, fewer moving parts).
Q3: What if my electricity price varies (e.g., time-of-use rates)?
A: This calculator typically uses a single average electricity price per kWh. If you have time-of-use rates, your actual electricity costs could be lower if you primarily charge during off-peak hours, or higher if you charge during peak times. For a more precise calculation, you might need to estimate your average kWh cost based on your charging patterns.
Q4: How does battery degradation affect the long-term cost of an EV?
A: Battery degradation reduces an EV's range over time. While most batteries are warrantied for many years, eventual replacement can be costly. This calculator doesn't explicitly factor in battery replacement cost, but it's a crucial consideration for very long-term ownership (beyond 10-15 years) or if purchasing a used EV with significant mileage.
Q5: Is the MPGe rating for electric cars reliable?
A: MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) is a standardized measure used by the EPA to compare the energy efficiency of alternative fuel vehicles, including EVs, to gasoline vehicles. While useful for comparison, real-world efficiency can still vary based on driving conditions, temperature, and driving style.
Q6: Should I consider the resale value of the cars?
A: Yes, resale value impacts the total cost of ownership. While this calculator focuses on operational costs, a car that holds its value better will have a lower net cost over your ownership period. Market trends for EV resale values are still evolving.
Q7: What about charging infrastructure and convenience?
A: This calculator focuses purely on financial costs. However, the availability and speed of charging stations (public and home) are practical considerations. If charging convenience is a major concern, it might influence your decision regardless of cost savings.
Q8: Does the calculator account for insurance costs?
A: No, this calculator does not include insurance costs. Insurance premiums can vary widely based on your location, driving record, vehicle model, and coverage levels. It's advisable to get insurance quotes for both vehicle types you are considering.