Is an electric car cheaper to run than a gas (petrol) car where you live? This EV vs gas calculator works out your electric car savings: enter how far you drive, your fuel and electricity prices and the extra cost of the EV to see your yearly savings and how long the EV takes to pay for itself.
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What decides whether an EV saves money
- Electricity price. Charging at home on a cheap night tariff costs far less than public fast charging.
- Fuel price. The higher fuel costs where you live, the more an EV saves.
- Distance driven. Savings grow with every kilometre or mile, so high-mileage drivers benefit most.
- Purchase price gap. Incentives and discounts can shrink or remove the extra cost of the EV.
How it is calculated
Yearly fuel cost uses your distance, fuel economy and fuel price. Yearly charging cost is distance × EV consumption × electricity price. The difference, plus any maintenance saving you enter, is your yearly saving. Payback time is the extra purchase price divided by that saving.
Frequently asked questions
Are EVs cheaper to maintain?
Usually, because they have no oil changes, fewer moving parts and less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking. Tyres can wear faster on heavier EVs. Enter a yearly maintenance saving if you have a figure for your models.
What EV consumption should I use?
Many compact and mid-size EVs use about 15–20 kWh per 100 km (roughly 25–32 kWh per 100 miles). Larger SUVs and trucks use more, and winter driving increases consumption.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than to buy gas?
In most places, yes, especially when you charge at home, where the cost per kilometre or mile is often a fraction of the fuel cost. Public fast charging can be much more expensive, so the answer depends on where you charge.
Results are estimates for planning only. Related: EV charging cost calculator · Fuel cost calculator