Gas vs. Electric Cars: A 5-Year Cost Breakdown
Beyond the Sticker Price: True Cost of Ownership
Our Electric vs Gas Car Cost Calculator analyzes fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and incentives over time. Here's how to interpret the results.
1. Understanding the Variables
Fuel/Energy
- Gas: $/gallon × MPG
- EV: $/kWh × efficiency
Example: 15k miles/year @ $0.15/kWh = $550/year (EV) vs $1,800 (gas)
Maintenance
- Gas: Oil changes, belts, spark plugs
- EV: Tire rotations, cabin filters
AAA data: EVs cost ~$330/year less to maintain
Depreciation
- EVs lose value faster (battery concerns)
- Hybrids hold value best
How to Use the Calculator
- Input your driving habits: Miles/year, local gas & electricity prices
- Select vehicles: Compare specific models (e.g., Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry)
- Adjust incentives: Add tax credits or rebates
2. Real-World Comparison
Scenario: 2024 Tesla Model 3 vs Honda Accord
Input Parameters
- Miles driven: 12,000/year
- Gas price: $3.50/gallon
- Electricity: $0.12/kWh
- Timeframe: 5 years
Vehicle Specs
- Accord: 32 MPG, $30k MSRP
- Model 3: 4 mi/kWh, $42k - $7.5k tax credit
| Cost Factor | Honda Accord (Gas) | Tesla Model 3 (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Energy | $6,563 | $1,800 |
| Maintenance | $3,250 | $1,500 |
| Depreciation | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | $41,813 | $36,300 |
Key Findings
- EV saves $5,513 despite higher initial price
- Savings increase with higher mileage or gas prices
- Depreciation is the largest cost for both
3. Practice Problems
Problem 1: Break-Even Point
Using the calculator, determine how many miles you'd need to drive for a $40k EV to be cheaper than a $25k gas car (30 MPG, $3.50/gallon).
Solve: $15k price difference ÷ ($0.20/mile gas cost - $0.05/mile EV cost) = 100,000 miles
Problem 2: Impact of Electricity Rates
Compare costs when electricity is $0.30/kWh (California) vs $0.08/kWh (Washington). Use a Tesla Model Y vs Toyota RAV4.
Run the Numbers