Often, yes—especially for energy and routine maintenance—but not automatically. An electric car can cost less per mile to charge than a comparable gas car costs to fuel, and battery-electric cars generally need less scheduled maintenance. Whether you save overall depends on your local electricity and gasoline prices, how and where you charge, vehicle efficiency, purchase price, incentives, insurance, depreciation, repairs, mileage and how long you keep the car.
The useful comparison is not “EVs versus gas cars” in the abstract. It is two similar vehicles, driven the same distance, using the rates and costs that apply to you.
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What “cost to run” includes—and what it does not
Running costs are the recurring expenses of using a car: principally energy, scheduled maintenance and repairs. “Cost to own” is broader. It also includes the purchase price after any incentives you can actually claim, financing, insurance, depreciation and, for some EV owners, charging equipment and installation.
An EV can win on electricity and routine service while still costing more over your ownership period if its purchase price, insurance, financing or depreciation outweigh those savings. Conversely, a higher upfront price may be offset by lower running costs, particularly over many miles. There is no universal answer without choosing the vehicles, mileage and ownership period to compare.
#1 Best Overall
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
For purchase-cost context, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office publishes periodic analyses of EV purchase-cost estimates, including a report linked from its incremental purchase cost methodology page. Those market-sensitive estimates should not substitute for current prices and incentives on the specific cars you are considering.
How to compare energy cost per mile
Start with energy cost per mile, using the gas car’s real-world fuel economy and the EV’s energy consumption. For gasoline, divide the local price per gallon by miles per gallon. For an EV, multiply kilowatt-hours used per mile by the applicable electricity rate per kilowatt-hour.
| Vehicle | Calculation | Inputs to use |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline car | Local dollars per gallon ÷ miles per gallon = dollars per mile | Current local gasoline price and the car’s expected fuel economy |
| Electric car | kWh per mile × electricity dollars per kWh = dollars per mile | The model’s energy use and the rate for each charging source |
To estimate annual energy spending, scale the calculation to your expected miles. For a gas car, divide annual miles by miles per gallon to estimate gallons used, then multiply by dollars per gallon. For an EV, multiply annual miles by kWh per mile, then apply the appropriate rate to the share charged at home, at work and in public. Add those source-specific totals together. This is an estimate, not a tariff quote: utility time-of-use rules, public charging prices and actual driving efficiency can change the result.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use the car’s efficiency, not a generic EV figure
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) says current light-duty all-electric vehicles may use about 25–40 kWh per 100 miles, depending on how they are driven. That is a broad range, not a guarantee for a particular model or driver. Use the efficiency figure for the EV you are evaluating, and compare it with the gas vehicle’s expected fuel economy under similar use.
Rank #2
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
The AFDC Vehicle Cost Calculator can compare up to eight vehicles and asks about driving patterns and state electricity pricing. Its listed prices and vehicle specifications can change; the site cautions that not all data have been verified by DOE or the site manager and recommends checking prices and specifications with manufacturers or dealers.
What published examples can—and cannot—tell you
An August 2023 AFDC overview gives illustrative energy-cost ranges of 2–6 cents per mile for all-electric vehicles and 10–15 cents per mile for comparison gasoline or diesel sedans. These are dated broad examples, not current local quotes or a promise that any EV will cost less to power than any gas car. Electricity rates, fuel prices, vehicle efficiency and charging choices all matter.
Why charging location changes the result
“Electricity price” is not necessarily one number for an EV owner. A driver may charge at home, at work and at public stations, each with different access and prices. Calculate a weighted estimate using the share of charging you expect at each source and the rate that applies there, rather than assuming every mile is charged at the household rate.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHome charging can make the calculation more favorable when the household’s electricity rate is low, but the comparison should include any home charging equipment and installation costs relevant to your setup. A home EV charger or Level 2 home charging station also requires suitable residential parking and electrical service. If you cannot charge at home, use the actual workplace or public options available to you and their prices; do not assume a home-charging rate.
Rank #3
- WORKS WITH EVERY TESLA + OTHER EVs: Built-in Tesla-style plug (NACS standard) connects directly to Tesla Model S, 3, X and Y - and any EV with a NACS port - no adapter needed. The plug even has a button to pop open your Tesla’s charge port. Non-Tesla J1772 vehicles can charge with a NACS-to-J1772 adapter (not included). The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? Your can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car’s port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Charging involves more than finding a plug. AFDC notes that public charging stations are less ubiquitous than gas stations, and that charging equipment is needed to deliver grid energy safely to a vehicle battery. It reported more than 60,000 publicly accessible U.S. charging stations and over 162,000 charging ports in 2024. Those nationwide counts provide infrastructure context, not evidence that a convenient station is available near your home, work or regular routes.
Before relying on an EV for your routine, check the charging locations and prices you expect to use. Include time-of-use utility rules or other rate details that affect your home charging, and check current public charging prices directly. If charging access would require new equipment or changes at home, put those costs into the ownership comparison instead of treating them as free.
Maintenance usually favors battery-electric cars
Battery-electric cars do not have conventional engines and generally have fewer moving parts and fewer fluids that need routine replacement. In its August 2023 Electric Vehicle Basics overview, AFDC states: “All-electric vehicles lack conventional engines and have far fewer moving parts and fewer fluids to change, so they typically require less maintenance than conventional vehicles or even PHEVs.” That supports a general expectation of lower scheduled maintenance; it does not establish the repair bill or long-term reliability of a particular model.
Do not translate “less maintenance” into “no maintenance” or “no repairs.” Compare the manufacturers’ maintenance schedules for the specific vehicles, and use model-specific information for repairs rather than assigning every EV the same savings. The AFDC overview is useful background, not a current warranty specification for a named car; warranty terms vary by manufacturer and model.
Rank #4
- [Up to 9x Faster Charging Speed]: Provides up to 46 miles/hour charging speed via hardwired connection (48 amp - up to 9x faster than a standard wall outlet) or up to 38 miles/hour via the NEMA 14-50 plug (40 amp). Professional installation recommended for optimal safety and performance. [Install The Power Outlet Cord]: No smaller than 8AWG if charge 40-48A, we suggest 6AWG cord.(1.The input side is belongs to the electrician electric automobile regulation scope, need to use three 6AWG cable wires for 48A; 2.The charging cable belongs to the automotive connector certification standard, so the 8AWG cable can meet the 48A.)
- [DESIGNED WITH J1772 Connector for All North America j1772 Connector EVs/PHEVs. Not fits for Tesla/Nacs Connector Cars(j1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]: Compatible with Tesla cars (Adapter needed, not included), Ford, GM, Audi, Kia, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevrolet Bolt, VW ID 4, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, IONIQ 5 2024 and before, BMW i3, i4, iX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, etc. [Not fits for Nac connector cars-Kia EV6 2025/EV9,Ariya 2025&2025 loniq 5(J1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]
- [Safety & Faster Charging with ETL, FCC, Energy Star Certified]: Meets the Safety Criteria Defined by: SAE J1772, UL2231-1/-2, UL 991, UL 2231, UL 2251, UL1998 and UL 2594. (ETL and FCC certified EV car charger with 3-year Warranty)
- [Plug-play Mode(The Default Setting), Smart Touch Screen, No APP Needed]: Clearly show the charging amperage, charging speed, input voltage, delay time, etc. For the touch buttons: 1. Pull out the charging gun before press the buttons, otherwise no respond; 2. Long press "Ⓐ" or "Time" button to enter the setting interface, then you can adjust the amperage from 16A to 48A freely or Set the charging start time; 3. You can do "factory reset" if doesn't charging.
- [Smart WIFI APP, You can Set the Charging Period]: By APP, you can wirelessly check the charging cost, history, fully-charged notification, track the charging status, during off-peak period, etc. [Wi-Fi Reset/Factory Reset Function, Add New Device Quickly]: If you can't find your device or you have replaced a new phone, just pull out the charging latches, simultaneously long press the Ⓐ button and time adjustment button on the product screen until it shows "Factory Reset", then wait 3-5 seconds and re-start your device.
How to make a fair vehicle-to-vehicle comparison
Choose vehicles that are reasonably similar in size, features and intended use. Compare them over the same annual mileage and the same ownership period. A small, efficient EV against a much larger gas vehicle may show a difference, but it will not isolate the effect of the powertrain as fairly as matched alternatives.
- Set the scenario. Record expected annual miles and how many years you plan to keep each vehicle. Use the same mileage and time horizon for both.
- Enter realistic purchase costs. Use the price you expect to pay and subtract only incentives for which you are eligible. Add financing costs if you are comparing total ownership expense.
- Calculate gasoline spending. Use current local dollars per gallon and the gas car’s expected miles per gallon to estimate annual gallons and cost.
- Calculate EV charging spending. Use the EV’s kWh per mile and your expected annual miles. Split energy use across home, work and public charging, then apply the relevant rate to each share.
- Add charging setup where needed. Include equipment and installation costs if your charging plan requires them; do not add them if they do not apply to your situation.
- Compare recurring service and ownership costs. Include scheduled maintenance and reasonable model-specific repair assumptions, then add insurance, depreciation and financing if your question is total cost rather than energy cost alone.
- Check the assumptions. Confirm current vehicle prices, specifications, incentives, utility rates and public charging prices before treating the estimate as a decision figure.
Keep the result organized by category. That makes it clear whether an EV’s energy savings are large enough to affect your decision, or whether purchase cost, insurance, depreciation or charging access is the more important factor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much could you save over several years?
A national modeled estimate can offer context, but it should not be mistaken for a forecast for your household. In a June 12, 2024 release, the U.S. Treasury estimated $18,000–$24,000 in discounted lifetime savings for an EV compared with a comparable gasoline vehicle over a typical 15-year vehicle lifespan. Treasury said it applied a 3.5% discount rate to expected annual fuel and maintenance savings of $1,500–$2,000. Its cost-per-1,000-mile example compared selected model-year 2022 vehicle ratings and used U.S. residential electricity and gasoline prices accessed June 6, 2024. The estimate built on Energy Innovation Policy & Technology analysis, so it is a historical modeled result under stated assumptions—not a current, individualized guarantee.
Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen described the release’s framing this way: “Consumers are saving up front and over time, with $1,750 savings on gas and maintenance each year and $21,000 saved over the lifetime of a vehicle.” That quote belongs to the same June 2024 policy context and assumptions. It should not be read as the amount every buyer will save, or as a present-day estimate for a different pair of cars.
Best Value
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
A 2026 Consumer Reports summary likewise points to the possibility of charging savings of hundreds of dollars a year while emphasizing local rates and vehicle efficiency. Because the page itself was not accessible, that summary is supporting context only; the calculation for your own vehicles should rest on current local inputs.
Which drivers are more likely to come out ahead?
The math shifts with the driver’s circumstances. A high-mileage owner who can charge at home at a favorable rate has more opportunity to accumulate energy savings than someone who drives relatively few miles. An owner dependent on public fast charging may face a different rate and convenience trade-off. These are scenarios, not universal rules: compare actual charging prices and efficiency rather than assuming either driver will save.
The ownership period matters because energy and service savings accrue over time, while purchase price, installation and depreciation occur on different schedules. Someone replacing a car after a short period should not automatically use a 15-year modeled estimate as their expected savings. For a long-term ownership comparison, total the expected costs and savings across the years you intend to keep the vehicle, and account for uncertainty in future energy prices and resale value rather than treating either as fixed.
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Common comparison mistakes
- Using a national average instead of your rates. Local electricity and gasoline prices, as well as public charging costs, determine your energy bill.
- Assuming every EV mile is charged at home. Use your real charging mix, especially if public or workplace charging will be a regular part of the plan.
- Comparing different kinds of cars. Match size and use as closely as practical, and use realistic efficiency for each one.
- Confusing lower running cost with lower total cost. Energy and maintenance are only part of ownership; include purchase price, incentives, financing, insurance, depreciation, charging setup and repairs when answering the broader question.
- Treating old examples as current quotes. The AFDC per-mile ranges date to August 2023, Treasury’s modeled estimate was released in June 2024, and present-day prices and incentives need to be checked for your location and vehicles.
When to use a calculator—and when to verify manually
The AFDC calculator is a practical starting point if you want to compare multiple models with your driving patterns and state electricity pricing. Its ability to compare up to eight vehicles helps narrow a shortlist, but a calculator can only be as useful as its inputs. Review assumptions about annual mileage, fuel economy, electricity use and rates, then check listed vehicle prices and specifications with manufacturers or dealers as AFDC advises.
For a decision-grade estimate, replace defaults with the details you can verify: a current purchase quote, the incentives you qualify for, your utility rate and charging plan, local fuel prices, and model-specific maintenance information. If an important cost is uncertain—such as future resale value or repairs—show it as an assumption rather than disguising it as a precise saving.
Quick Recap
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