EV vs Gas Car Long-Term Savings Calculator
Total cost of ownership comparison — electric vs gas over 5 years.
Fuel cost comparison
Electricity is equivalent to ~$1.20/gallon of gas for a typical EV. For 300 miles/week: gas car costs ~$33/week, EV ~$12/week — saving ~$1,100/year in fuel alone.
Maintenance advantage
EVs have 60–70% fewer moving parts. No oil changes, fewer brake jobs (regenerative braking), no transmission service. Average maintenance saving: $800–1,200/year.
2026 federal EV tax credit
New EVs meeting income and price requirements qualify for up to $7,500 federal credit. Used EVs: up to $4,000. This directly reduces the premium over a gas vehicle.
At average US driving (15,000 mi/year) and 2026 energy prices, EV owners save $1,100–1,800/year in fuel. Adding maintenance savings, total 5-year advantage is $8,000–15,000 depending on gas prices.
