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Guide · 1 min read

Is an EV cheaper for your commute?

Running the per-mile math on electrons versus gallons.

EV & HYBRID

“EVs are cheaper to run” is true far more often than not — but by how much depends entirely on two numbers you control: what you pay per kWh at home, and what gas costs locally. The honest way to compare is per mile.

Gas cost per mile

Divide the price per gallon by your MPG. A 28-mpg car at $3.50 a gallon costs about 12.5 cents a mile in fuel. Our gas cost calculator works this out for any trip.

Electricity cost per mile

Divide your electricity rate by the car’s efficiency in miles per kWh. At $0.16/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, that’s about 4.6 cents a mile — roughly a third of the gas figure. The EV charging calculator shows your exact number.

Gas 12.5¢ / mi EV 4.6¢ / mi
Typical fuel cost per mile — gas vs charging at home
Where it flips
If you rely on pricey public DC fast charging instead of charging at home, the EV’s per-mile cost can climb close to gas. Home charging is where the savings live.

Put it together

Multiply the per-mile gap by your annual mileage to see the yearly saving — then weigh it against a higher purchase price and any incentives. The EV vs gas calculator projects the annual and five-year difference for your driving.

Compare your costs
EV vs Gas calculator
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