EV vs Gas Car: Real Cost Comparison

Search any gas car from the EPA database, pick an EV, and see the true cost difference — fuel, maintenance, CO₂, and 10-year cumulative spending.

Gas Vehicle

Electric Vehicle

Tesla Model 3 RWD
272 mi EPA range25 kWh/100mi
MSRP: $40,240− $7,500 tax credit
Effective: $32,740

Assumptions

Maintenance costs based on AAA 2024: gas 6.1¢/mi, EV 3.1¢/mi. CO₂ uses avg US grid intensity (0.386 lbs/kWh).

Select a gas vehicle above to see the comparison.

Gas vehicle MPG from EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Maintenance estimates from AAA's 2024 Your Driving Costs study. Federal EV tax credit eligibility varies — verify at fueleconomy.gov.

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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.