EV vs Gas Cost Calculator

The federal Section 30D EV tax credit — which previously provided up to $7,500 toward new EV purchases — expired on September 30, 2025. Because the credit is no longer available for new purchases, this calculator applies $0 federal credit to keep results accurate for buyers today. Some state-level incentive programs remain active. If your state offers an EV rebate or tax credit, you can subtract it from the EV purchase price field to see its effect on your break-even timeline.

This calculator uses the DOE Total Cost of Ownership methodology, which models five cost categories: purchase price, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and resale value. Under typical conditions the DOE TCO model is accurate to within ±10% of real-world outcomes. Your actual results will vary based on local gas prices (which can swing $1+/gallon), your electricity rate, how many miles you actually drive, which insurance carrier you use, and regional resale market conditions. Treat the output as an informed estimate, not a guarantee. Maintenance and insurance figures are national averages — get real quotes before making a purchase decision.

EV economics improve significantly with higher mileage. Fuel and maintenance savings are per-mile advantages, so driving 20,000 miles/year roughly doubles those savings compared to 10,000 miles/year. If you drive 18,000–25,000 miles annually — as many commuters, rideshare drivers, or rural drivers do — the EV's break-even year moves noticeably earlier and the 10-year savings are substantially higher. Adjust the annual mileage slider to see exactly how your driving pattern changes the calculation.

Modern EV batteries are warranted for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles to retain 70% of original capacity (federal regulation for all EVs sold in the US). Real-world data from Tesla, Nissan, and Hyundai fleets shows typical degradation of 8–12% over the first 5 years and 15–25% over 10 years — far from a catastrophic failure. The TCO calculation assumes the battery lasts the full ownership period, which is consistent with manufacturer data. If your EV is approaching 150,000+ miles or you live in a hot climate (Phoenix, Las Vegas) where degradation runs higher, factor in a one-time pack-condition check at year 8.

No — the federal Section 30D Clean Vehicle Credit ($7,500 for new EVs) and the Section 25E Used Clean Vehicle Credit ($4,000) both expired on September 30, 2025. New and used EV purchases made today receive $0 federal credit. State-level rebates and utility incentives may still be available — check your state DMV, energy office, or the DSIRE database for current programs. This calculator applies $0 federal credit to keep the TCO output accurate. Consult a licensed tax professional before relying on any credit assumption for a major purchase.

EV insurance averages 15–25% higher than comparable gas vehicles — typically $1,500–$1,800/year for an EV vs $1,200–$1,500 for a similar gas car. The gap comes from higher repair costs (specialized parts, high-voltage battery packs, fewer certified shops) and higher replacement values. Some carriers (State Farm, Geico, Progressive) now offer EV-specific discounts of 5–10%. Always get 3+ quotes before buying — premium differences across carriers can swing $300–$600/year for the exact same EV. Consult a licensed insurance agent for state-specific options.

Yes — the maintenance gap is one of the most consistent EV advantages. National averages from AAA and Consumer Reports: gas vehicles average $1,200/year ($12,000 over 10 years) in maintenance and repairs (oil changes, transmission service, brake pad replacements, exhaust, spark plugs, fuel system); EVs average $600/year ($6,000 over 10 years) because they have no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no exhaust system, and regenerative braking extends pad life 2–3×. Tire wear runs slightly higher on EVs due to weight and instant torque — that is the main item that does not save.

Resale is one of the most volatile parts of EV TCO. This calculator models gas vehicles retaining ~40% of purchase price at 5 years and ~20% at 10 years; EVs retain ~45% at 5 years and ~25% at 10 years (slightly better, per Edmunds and KBB long-term data). However, the used EV market is newer and shifts faster — Tesla price cuts in 2023–2024 dragged used EV values down 20–30% in some segments, while Model 3 and Model Y resale remained relatively strong. If you plan to sell within 3–5 years, treat the resale estimate as a wide range, not a fixed number.