How to read your result
The core comparison is simple: cost per mile. A gas car's is your gas price divided by its MPG. An EV's is the electricity it uses per mile times what you pay to charge. Because an EV converts energy far more efficiently, its per-mile cost is usually much lower — but three things decide by how much.
1. Your electricity price vs local gas price
This is the whole ballgame. In a cheap-power state, home charging can be the equivalent of paying about a dollar a gallon. In a high-rate state like California or the Northeast, the EV still usually wins, but the margin is smaller. Very cheap gas plus a fuel-efficient hybrid can close the gap further.
2. How much you fast-charge
Home charging is the cheapest fuel most people can buy. Public DC fast charging often costs two to four times as much — sometimes more than gasoline per mile. If you can't charge at home, run the numbers with a high public-charging share before assuming big savings.
3. The car you're comparing against
Swapping a 40 mpg hybrid for an EV saves less than swapping a 20 mpg SUV. Enter the MPG of the specific gas car you'd otherwise buy for an honest comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper to run than a gas car in 2026?
Usually yes for fuel. Charging at home on average US electricity is roughly like paying $1.00–$1.50 per gallon versus $3+ for gasoline. Savings shrink where electricity is expensive, gas is cheap, or you rely on public fast charging.
How much does it cost to charge an EV per mile?
A typical EV uses about 0.28–0.32 kWh per mile. At the US average home rate (~16¢/kWh) that's roughly 4–5 cents per mile, versus about 11–13 cents per mile for a 28 mpg gas car at $3.30/gallon.
Does this include the cost of buying the car?
No — it compares fuel and running cost. Enter an "EV price premium" in the advanced options to see a rough payback on a higher purchase price. EVs also tend to cost less to maintain, which this tool doesn't yet monetize.
Is there still an EV tax credit in 2026?
No federal credit — it ended after 2025. Some states and utilities still offer purchase or home-charger rebates.
How long does it take to charge an EV at home?
On a standard 120V outlet (Level 1), you add only ~3–5 miles of range per hour — fine for low-mileage drivers. A 240V Level 2 charger (like a dryer outlet) adds ~20–30 miles per hour, so an overnight charge easily covers a typical day. Most home charging happens overnight while you sleep, which is why it's so cheap.
Do EVs cost less to maintain than gas cars?
Generally yes. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no exhaust or timing components, and regenerative braking means brake pads last far longer. Studies consistently put EV maintenance costs below comparable gas cars. This tool compares fuel only, so your total savings are usually a bit larger than what you see here.
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