How the EV vs Gas Car Comparison Works
This calculator compares annual fuel costs between an electric car and a gas car, based on your kilometers driven and real energy and fuel prices.
The Calculation Formula
Annual fuel cost is calculated with a simple formula:
- Electric car: km/year x consumption (kWh/100km) / 100 x electricity price ($/kWh)
- Gas car: km/year x consumption (l/100km) / 100 x gas price ($/l)
The difference represents annual savings when choosing the electric car.
Why EVs Cost Less Per Mile
An electric motor has 85-95% efficiency, while an internal combustion engine converts only 25-35% of fuel energy into motion. This translates to a significantly lower cost per kilometer: about $0.03-0.05/km for the EV versus $0.08-0.14/km for gas.
Factors Affecting Real Savings
- Charging type: home charging ($0.10-0.20/kWh) costs much less than public charging ($0.30-0.60/kWh)
- Solar panels: with solar, energy can be free, eliminating fuel costs entirely
- Driving style: city driving favors EVs thanks to regenerative braking
- Mileage: the more you drive, the greater the savings
Beyond Fuel: Total Cost of Ownership
For a complete picture, consider TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): EVs have a higher purchase price but benefit from tax incentives, lower registration fees, often cheaper insurance, and 40-60% lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, filters, clutch, minimal brake wear).