| Miles/Year | Gas | Electric |
|---|
Electric vs Gas, Per Mile
The fairest way to compare running costs is per mile. For a gas car it is the price of fuel divided by miles per gallon; for an EV it is the price of electricity divided by miles per kilowatt-hour. Lining the two up shows at a glance which is cheaper to drive on your roads, at your prices.
Why EVs Usually Win at Home
Charging at home on a normal residential rate is typically much cheaper per mile than gasoline, often by half or more. The advantage shrinks or disappears when you rely on public DC fast charging, which can cost several times the home rate, so where you charge matters as much as the rate itself.
The Variables That Move the Needle
Cold weather, highway speed, and climate control all cut an EV’s miles per kWh, while a thrifty hybrid narrows the gap on the gas side. The break-even gas price shows how cheap fuel would have to get before gas matches electricity, which on home charging is often a price not seen in years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What efficiency should I enter for an EV?
Many EVs average around 3 to 4 miles per kWh in mixed driving, less in cold or at high speed. Use your trip computer’s lifetime figure if you have it.
Does this include charging losses?
Use your real metered electricity use if possible, since charging is not perfectly efficient. Otherwise lower the miles-per-kWh slightly to approximate the loss.
What about total cost of ownership?
This is energy only. Purchase price, incentives, insurance, and maintenance all affect the bigger picture and can favor either side.