EV vs Gas Total Cost of Ownership Calculator
Quick answer: Enter both vehicles' purchase prices, your annual miles, and local fuel prices. The calculator returns total cost over your chosen ownership period and the breakeven year.
Compare the true 5-year cost of an electric vehicle versus a gas car. Factors fuel/electricity, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and the federal EV tax credit. The "cheaper" option depends on your driving habits, local gas/electric prices, and how long you keep the car.
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Last reviewed: April 2026Report an error
Gas Car
Electric Vehicle
EV Total Savings
$6,357
Gas total: $37,000. EV total: $30,643. EV is cheaper by $6,357 over 5 years. EV breakeven year: 2.
Gas Total (5 yr)
$37,000
EV Total (5 yr)
$30,643
Cost Breakdown Over 5 Years
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How to Use This EV vs Gas TCO Calculator
- 1Enter analysis years and annual miles you drive.
- 2Fill in gas car details: price, MPG, fuel cost, maintenance, insurance.
- 3Fill in EV details: price, miles per kWh, electricity cost, maintenance, insurance, tax credit.
- 4Read total cost for each option and the breakeven year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Typically 4-7 years for someone driving 12,000+ miles/year, depending on fuel costs and the EV tax credit. Lower mileage drivers (<8,000/yr) may not break even before they sell.
- Most EV batteries are warranted 8 years / 100,000 miles. Replacement after warranty costs $5k-$15k, but real-world degradation is gentler than feared (~10% loss after 100k miles for newer EVs).
- Yes — typically 10-30% more than gas equivalents. EVs have higher repair costs (specialized parts, fewer body shops). The savings on fuel/maintenance usually outweigh this, but factor it in.
- No — Level 2 home charger installation is typically $500-$2,000. Add it to the EV upfront cost if you don't already have one.
- The $7,500 federal EV tax credit (Inflation Reduction Act) requires income limits, North American assembly, and battery sourcing rules. Check fueleconomy.gov for the latest list of eligible vehicles.
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