EV vs Gas Car TCO Calculator

This EV vs gas cost calculator compares the total cost of ownership for an electric car and a gasoline car. It highlights whether lower charging and maintenance costs are enough to offset a higher purchase price.

Inputs

EV purchase price

Gas car purchase price

EV subsidy or rebate

Kilometers driven per month

Electricity cost per kWh

EV efficiency (kWh/100 km)

Gas price per gallon

Gas car efficiency (mpg)

EV maintenance per year

Gas maintenance per year

Years of ownership

Verdict

Enter your driving assumptions to compare total cost.

EV total cost$0

Gas total cost$0

Break-even yearNo break-even

EV cost per km$0

Gas cost per km$0

How it works

EV total cost is purchase price minus subsidy, plus electricity and maintenance over the ownership period. Gas total cost is purchase price plus fuel and maintenance. The lower total cost wins.

Break-even compares the upfront price gap with annual operating savings. The model is intentionally simple, so add resale value, insurance, financing, or taxes separately if they matter for your decision.

Methodology

EV total cost equals purchase price minus subsidy plus electricity and maintenance over the ownership period. Gas total cost equals purchase price plus fuel and maintenance over the same period.

Assumptions

Default values such as 38,000 EV price, 30,000 gas-car price, 7,500 rebate, 1,200 km/month, 0.16/kWh, 3.80/gallon, and 5 years are illustrative examples.
Gas efficiency is entered in mpg and converted to kilometers per gallon.
Break-even compares the upfront price gap with annual operating savings.

Example calculation

If the EV costs more upfront but saves money on electricity and maintenance each year, the break-even year is the upfront gap divided by estimated annual savings.

Limitations

Insurance, financing, taxes, registration, charger installation, resale value, battery degradation, and local incentives beyond the entered subsidy are not included.
Energy prices and maintenance costs can vary sharply by location and vehicle model.

Last updated: July 7, 2026

Estimate disclaimer: This tool provides estimates only. It is not financial advice. Results depend on the numbers you enter and the simplified assumptions listed here.

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your input never leaves your device.

Frequently asked questions

What does EV vs gas total cost of ownership include?

This model includes purchase price after subsidy, monthly driving distance, fuel or electricity, maintenance, and years owned. Insurance, financing, taxes, and resale value are not included.

How do I enter EV efficiency?

Use kWh per 100 km. If your car reports miles per kWh, divide 100 by miles per kWh and then divide by 1.609 to estimate kWh per 100 km.

How is gas cost converted from mpg?

The calculator converts mpg to kilometers per gallon, then divides gas price per gallon by that distance to get fuel cost per kilometer.

What does break-even year mean?

It is the ownership year when operating savings recover the higher upfront EV price. If the EV is cheaper upfront, break-even is immediate.

Is an electric car worth it if the break-even year is later than I will own it?

Usually not on cost alone. You may still choose it for emissions, driving feel, or convenience, but this calculator focuses on money.