EV vs. gas car cost calculator
Enter your driving habits and state to see the real cost gap between charging an EV and filling up a gas car. The national average electricity rate is 18.83¢/kWh; gasoline averages $3.79/gallon.
Prices current as of 2026-07-07 — EIA (electricity) & AAA (gasoline).
Why the cost gap exists
Electricity priced by the kilowatt-hour is cheaper per mile than gasoline priced by the gallon in every state we track, even where electricity rates run high. A gas car averaging 28 MPG at the national average price of $3.79 pays about13.5¢ per mile. An EV at 3.5 mi/kWh on the national average residential rate pays roughly 5.4¢ per mile at home.
Fast charging narrows that gap. Public DC fast chargers bill well above home rates, so drivers who rely on them exclusively see smaller savings than the home-charging figures above suggest. Use the charging cost calculator to price out a single charging session instead of a full year.
See how your own state's electricity and gasoline prices compare to the rest of the country on the state-by-state data page, or read thecheapest states to charge an EV andhome vs. public charging cost guides.
Frequently asked questions
How is the fast-charging cost calculated?
Fast-charging cost is the state’s home electricity rate multiplied by 2.2x, our premium for typical public DC fast-charging pricing. That premium exists because public networks price well above home rates.
What if my state’s electricity rate has changed?
Every state figure carries a "Data last updated" date, refreshed from EIA and AAA averages — check that date on the Methodology page, or enter your own utility bill rate for a more precise number.
Does this include maintenance or insurance costs?
No — this calculator compares fuel and electricity costs only. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts, but that saving is not included in the figures above.
What does the break-even figure mean?
Break-even is the year cumulative fuel savings offset an EV’s extra purchase price. Enter your EV price premium above to see it calculated, or leave it at zero to compare running costs only.