For many U.S. commuters, an electric car costs less to run per mile—particularly when it can be charged at home—but it is not automatically cheaper overall. The result depends on the vehicles’ prices and efficiency, local electricity and gasoline prices, charging access, insurance, maintenance, annual mileage, and how long you keep the car. The figures below are U.S.-specific; use your own local prices and comparable vehicles to make the decision.
What usually costs less: electricity or gasoline?
Energy cost per mile comes down to the vehicle’s efficiency and what you pay for electricity or gasoline. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) illustrates the calculation with an EV using 27 kWh per 100 miles and electricity priced at 10.7 cents per kWh: about $0.03 per mile. That is an example, not a typical or guaranteed rate for every driver. See the AFDC’s Charging Electric Vehicles at Home guidance.
Efficiency varies substantially by vehicle. The Department of Energy reports that model-year 2024 EVs ranged from 1.49 to 4.17 miles per kWh in combined city/highway ratings. Gasoline vehicles, including hybrids, ranged from 9 to 57 MPG. These ranges are not a direct comparison of specific cars; compare the actual models and use ratings that match your candidates.
Calculate the energy cost for your commute
- Electric car: (kWh per 100 miles × your electricity price per kWh) ÷ 100 = electricity cost per mile.
- Petrol (gasoline) car: your gasoline price per gallon ÷ the car’s MPG = fuel cost per mile.
Multiply each per-mile cost by your commute distance and the number of days you actually drive to estimate commuting energy expense. For an EV, use the rate that applies to your charging: a household time-of-use tariff or public charging price may differ from a simple household average. Charging losses can also make electricity bought differ from the vehicle’s rated consumption. The AFDC example is specifically a home-charging calculation, not a public fast-charging estimate.
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Why charging access can change the answer
Home charging is common: the AFDC says, “Most drivers of electric vehicles (EVs)—which include all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)—charge their vehicles overnight at home using AC Level 1 or AC Level 2 charging equipment.” Whether that is practical or inexpensive for you depends on your home’s electrical service, applicable utility rate, charging pattern, and any installation work.
If you cannot charge at home, price the public charging options you would actually use, including their locations and rates. Do not assume the AFDC home electricity example applies to public charging. If you are considering a home charger, check your vehicle maker’s guidance, equipment specifications, electrical requirements, and local permitting rules. Not every EV buyer needs to purchase a separate charger or pay for electrical work.
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Maintenance often favors EVs, but ownership costs go beyond running costs
AFDC consumer guidance reports average maintenance costs of $0.061 per mile for all-electric vehicles, compared with $0.101 per mile for gasoline vehicles and $0.090 per mile for plug-in hybrids. Those agency-reported averages can help with a broad comparison, but they are not a forecast of an individual car’s maintenance or repair bills. See Electric Vehicles for Consumers.
Purchase price can offset savings on energy and maintenance. A January 2025 Department of Energy report estimates the incremental purchase cost of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) over a comparable internal-combustion vehicle at $7,900 for a compact car and $9,600 for a midsize car, in 2024 dollars. These are estimated differences by vehicle class, not current dealer offers or a price prediction for a particular model. The report is 2025 Incremental Purchase Cost Methodology and Results for Clean Vehicles.
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A fair ownership comparison also includes financing, insurance, home charging equipment and installation if needed, maintenance and repairs, taxes, and fees. Count only incentives you are currently eligible for and can verify. Compare the same annual mileage and ownership period for both cars; otherwise, the totals are not like for like.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare two cars for your own commute
- Choose comparable vehicles. Match size and use class, and compare the specific EV and gasoline car you would actually buy or lease.
- Enter your driving. Use your commute distance, actual commuting days, other annual mileage, and the number of years you expect to keep the vehicle.
- Use your prices and efficiency. Apply each vehicle’s efficiency and your local household electricity tariff, public charging rate if relevant, and gasoline price. Do not treat a national example as your own rate.
- Add ownership costs. Include purchase or lease price, financing, insurance, charger and installation if required, maintenance, repairs, taxes, and fees for both vehicles.
- Verify incentives and assumptions. Subtract an incentive only if you confirm it applies to your purchase and location. The AFDC Vehicle Cost Calculator is a high-level screening tool, not a personalized quote; its estimates depend on inputs such as electrical service, incentives, and charging arrangements.
The AFDC Vehicle Cost Calculator can help screen different vehicle choices. Its result is only as useful as the assumptions you enter, so check current vehicle prices, insurance quotes, utility plans, incentives, and local fees before deciding.
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