EV vs Gas Savings — Is an Electric Car Cheaper Than Gas?

Compare the total running costs of an electric vehicle vs a gas car over time.

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Your Rates & Driving

$0.16/kWh
$3.50/gal
12,000 mi
5 years

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Choose an EV above to compare its running costs against a gas vehicle.

How Much Can You Save With an Electric Vehicle?

Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to fuel and maintain than gas cars. The average American drives 12,000 miles per year and spends roughly $1,800-$2,400 on gasoline. An equivalent EV would cost $500-$700 in electricity — saving $1,100-$1,700 annually on fuel alone.

Maintenance savings add another $480 per year on average. EVs have no oil changes, fewer brake replacements (thanks to regenerative braking), no transmission fluid, and fewer moving parts overall. The typical EV costs about $0.06 per mile to maintain vs $0.10 per mile for a gas car.

Over 5 years, the total savings from fuel and maintenance typically range from $7,500 to $11,000 depending on your electricity rate, gas prices, and driving habits. In many cases, these savings offset the higher purchase price of an EV within 3-5 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric cars worth it in 2025?
For most drivers, yes. EVs now cost less to fuel ($500-800/year vs $1,500-2,500 for gas), require less maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements), and qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. The average EV owner saves $6,000-10,000 over 5 years compared to a gas car.
Is an electric car cheaper than gas long-term?
Yes, in most cases. While EVs have a higher upfront cost, lower fuel costs ($0.04-0.06/mile vs $0.12-0.20/mile for gas) and reduced maintenance (40% fewer parts) make EVs cheaper over 5-10 years. Our calculator shows the exact break-even point for any EV vs gas comparison.
How much do you save on maintenance with an EV?
EV owners save an average of $4,600 in maintenance costs over the first 50,000 miles. EVs have no oil changes, no transmission service, and regenerative braking extends brake pad life to 100,000+ miles. The main maintenance costs are tires and cabin air filters.
What is the EV tax credit for 2025?
The federal EV tax credit provides up to $7,500 for new qualifying EVs and up to $4,000 for used EVs. The credit amount depends on battery sourcing and assembly requirements. Many states offer additional rebates of $500-5,000.
How much does EV insurance cost compared to gas cars?
EV insurance averages 15-25% more than comparable gas cars due to higher repair costs for battery and specialized components. However, some insurers offer EV-specific discounts. Shopping around can minimize the difference to under $200/year.