Data last verified: August 2026
EV vs Gas — 5-Year Ownership Cost
Direct answer
Compare the 5-year total cost of owning an EV versus a gasoline car. We add purchase price (with no federal credit — 30D/25E expired Sept 30, 2025), energy, maintenance, and insurance using your state electricity and gas prices. EVs typically cost more to buy but less to fuel and maintain; the calculator shows which wins for your mileage and state.
Where EVs gain and lose
- Energy: electricity per mile is usually a third of gasoline — the largest recurring saving.
- Maintenance: EVs skip oil changes, belts, and exhaust work (~$0.06/mi vs ~$0.10/mi, US DOE).
- Insurance: EVs often cost ~$100–250/yr more to insure — counted in the model.
- Purchase: with the federal credit gone, the upfront gap is wider in 2026 than in 2023–25.
Disclaimer: Model estimate only. Depreciation, incentives, and driving mix vary widely. Verify fuel and electricity rates with your bills. Not financial advice.
Data sources & methodology
- U.S. EIAResidential electricity rates and gasoline prices by state (2026).
- U.S. DOEEV vs gasoline maintenance cost differentials.
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025)Federal 30D/25E EV credits ended Sept 30, 2025.
Methodology and citations are maintained by the PVFig editorial team. Where an official schedule is not yet loaded, results are shown as model estimates and the source is stated as a reference.