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Electric Vehicle Fuel Savings Calculator

Compare gas vs electric vehicle fuel costs. Estimate annual savings, cost per mile, and long-term fuel savings by switching to an EV.

Gas Vehicle

$

Electric Vehicle

$ per kWh

The average American drives about 14,263 miles per year (FHWA).

Estimated Savings
$1,095.80/yr
Monthly Savings
$91.32
Annual Savings
$1,095.80
5-Year Savings
$5,479.00
10-Year Savings
$10,958.00

Annual Fuel Costs

Gasoline
$1,625.00/yr
$135.42/mo
500.00 gal/yr
Electricity
$529.20/yr
$44.10/mo
3,780.00 kWh/yr
Cost per mile: Gas $0.116 vs EV $0.038
Popular EV Efficiency Ratings
VehiclekWh/100miUse
Tesla Model 325
Tesla Model Y27
Chevrolet Bolt EV28
Hyundai Ioniq 624
Ford Mustang Mach-E30
BMW iX33
Rivian R1S35
Nissan Leaf30
Kia EV628
Mercedes EQS31

How Fuel Savings Are Calculated

This calculator compares the annual fuel costs of a gas-powered vehicle with an electric vehicle based on your inputs:

  • Gas cost: Annual miles / mpg × price per gallon
  • EV cost: (Annual miles / 100) × kWh per 100mi × price per kWh
  • Savings: Gas cost - EV cost

Average US Fuel and Electricity Costs

MetricValueSource
Average gas price$3.30/gallonEIA (2025 avg)
Average electricity rate$0.16/kWhEIA residential avg
Average miles driven/year14,263FHWA
Average gas car MPG27.5 mpgEPA fleet average
Average EV efficiency28 kWh/100miEPA estimates

Factors That Affect EV Savings

  • Electricity rates: Off-peak charging (often overnight) can cost 50% less than peak rates
  • Solar panels: Home solar can reduce charging costs to near zero
  • Public charging: DC fast chargers cost 2-4x more than home charging
  • Climate: Cold weather reduces EV range and efficiency by 20-40%
  • Driving style: Highway driving uses more energy; city driving benefits from regenerative braking

Total Cost of Ownership

Fuel savings are just one part of EV ownership costs. Other factors to consider:

  • Purchase price: EVs often cost more upfront, but federal tax credits ($7,500) and state incentives help offset this
  • Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts — no oil changes, transmission fluid, or timing belts
  • Insurance: EV insurance can be 10-20% higher due to higher repair costs
  • Depreciation: Varies by model; some EVs depreciate faster than gas equivalents
  • Home charger installation: Level 2 charger installation costs $500-$2,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save by switching to an EV?

Savings depend on gas prices, electricity rates, driving distance, and vehicle efficiency. Most drivers save $800-$1,500 per year on fuel costs alone by switching from a gas vehicle averaging 28 mpg to an EV averaging 27 kWh/100mi.

How is EV efficiency measured?

EV efficiency is typically measured in kWh per 100 miles (kWh/100mi). Lower numbers mean better efficiency. The average EV uses about 27-30 kWh per 100 miles. Some models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 achieve 24 kWh/100mi.

What is the average electricity cost for charging an EV?

The US average residential electricity rate is about $0.16/kWh, but varies by state from $0.10 to $0.35/kWh. Public fast charging typically costs $0.30-$0.60/kWh, which can significantly reduce savings.

Does this calculator include maintenance savings?

No, this calculator only compares fuel costs. EVs also save on maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regenerative braking), which can add $500-$1,000+ in additional annual savings.

How many miles does the average person drive per year?

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average American drives about 14,263 miles per year. This varies by state, age, and urban vs rural location.

Are EVs cheaper to fuel than hybrids?

Usually yes. A hybrid getting 50 mpg at $3.50/gal costs about $0.07/mile. An EV at 27 kWh/100mi and $0.14/kWh costs about $0.04/mile. The gap narrows with high electricity rates or very efficient hybrids.