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PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →There is no universal cheapest choice. In AAA’s September 2026 comparison of selected U.S. models, conventional hybrids cost less per year than comparable gas models in all four vehicle categories studied. EVs had the lowest energy costs, but higher depreciation, financing, taxes, and fees could erase those savings. The best value for you depends on the specific vehicles, local energy prices, charging access, driving pattern, and how long you keep the car.
To compare fairly, look beyond fuel or electricity: include the purchase price, financing, depreciation or resale value, insurance, registration and taxes, maintenance, repairs, and tires. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) need their own calculation because their running costs depend on how often you charge and how many miles you drive electrically.
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What the latest comparison says—and what it does not
AAA’s September 15, 2026 Your Driving Costs release gives the clearest recent U.S. comparison in the available evidence. For its broader study, AAA evaluated 34 top-selling models across seven vehicle categories. Its direct EV-versus-hybrid-versus-gas comparison covered selected models in only four categories: medium sedans, compact SUVs, medium SUVs, and pickup trucks. It modeled five years and 75,000 miles, and included fuel, maintenance, repairs, tires, license, registration, taxes, depreciation, and finance charges.
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Within those four categories, AAA found that selected hybrids cost less per year than the selected gas models. Selected EVs had the lowest energy costs, but they did not always have the lowest total annual costs. AAA’s result is useful evidence about its model set and assumptions—not proof that every hybrid is cheaper than every EV, or that its cost figures predict a particular buyer’s bill.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
The broader study’s national average annual ownership and operating cost for a new vehicle was $12,863. That figure is context, not a price estimate for an EV or hybrid: the EV-and-hybrid comparison uses a smaller subset of models. AAA also says its 2026 methodology changed, so its overall estimate should not be directly compared with its 2025 estimate.
What the headline figures mean
| AAA 2026 finding | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Study period: five years and 75,000 miles | A modeled ownership period, not a forecast for a driver with a different mileage or time horizon. |
| Study-time energy prices: $4.152 per gallon of regular gasoline and 18.0 cents per kWh for home charging | Inputs used for AAA’s comparison, not current quotes for your location or utility plan. |
| EV energy costs were about 66–70 percent lower than gas fuel costs across the categories studied | An energy-cost comparison for AAA’s selected models and study assumptions; it does not measure total ownership cost. |
| Medium-sedan EVs cost $3,080 more per year than gas-powered medium sedans in AAA’s comparison | The gas-powered medium-sedan group cost $10,582 annually; the EV group’s cost was 29.1 percent higher in that comparison. |
| Weighted average vehicle depreciation: $4,422 per year | AAA’s figure across its model set. AAA identified depreciation as its largest ownership cost; its EV medium-sedan sample had about twice the depreciation of the gas medium-sedan sample. |
These figures should stay attached to AAA’s 2026 analysis. They are not local energy prices, a guarantee of future resale value, or a universal cost ranking. AAA’s release does not provide enough component-level detail to turn the comparison into a complete cost table for every powertrain and category.
What “hybrid” means in this comparison
A conventional hybrid uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but does not plug in to charge its battery. A battery-electric vehicle (EV) uses an electric motor and battery instead of a gasoline tank and combustion engine. A plug-in hybrid combines a gasoline engine and tank with a larger battery and electric motor that can be charged from an external power source.
Those distinctions matter because the word “hybrid” is sometimes used loosely. AAA’s summary treats hybrids as a distinct comparison category; it does not establish a universal PHEV ranking. If you are shopping for a PHEV, compare it separately with both a conventional hybrid and an EV that fit your needs.
Rank #2
- 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.
Why a PHEV needs a different calculation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes two PHEV efficiency measures: MPGe for electric operation and MPG for gasoline-only operation. Neither one alone tells you what you will spend. A PHEV’s electricity use depends on how often you charge and the share of your miles driven electrically. If you rarely plug it in, its electric range may contribute little to your energy savings, and more of your driving will use gasoline.
For a useful PHEV estimate, enter a realistic charging schedule and estimate the electric-versus-gasoline share of your driving. Do not assume every trip starts with a full battery or that every mile can be driven electrically unless your routine supports that assumption.
Why cheaper energy does not always mean cheaper ownership
An EV can be cheaper to power while costing more overall. The purchase price, depreciation, financing, taxes, insurance, and fees can outweigh savings on gasoline or electricity. AAA’s medium-sedan comparison illustrates the difference: the selected EV models had substantially lower energy costs, yet their annual total was higher than the selected gas models in that category. Across AAA’s four categories, the selected hybrids beat the gas models annually, while no universal EV-versus-hybrid winner was established.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDepreciation deserves particular attention. It is the portion of a vehicle’s value lost while you own it, and affects your cost whether you buy with cash or finance. If you expect to sell or trade in the car, estimate its likely resale value at your planned ownership date rather than assuming the purchase price is the main cost. AAA’s $4,422 weighted annual depreciation figure and its roughly twofold EV-versus-gas medium-sedan difference belong to its study’s model set; they should not be used as a forecast for a specific vehicle.
Rank #3
- 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.
Financing changes total cost, too. Two vehicles with similar sticker prices can lead to different totals if the transaction price, down payment, loan amount, interest rate, or repayment period differs. Use comparable assumptions when you compare options. If one quote includes a discount or one financing offer has special terms, include those actual terms rather than comparing headline prices.
How to calculate your own total cost
Compare two or three vehicles of similar size, trim, and equipment. A small EV against a much larger hybrid is not an apples-to-apples powertrain comparison: price, space, capability, and depreciation may differ for reasons unrelated to the powertrain. Build the comparison around your likely purchase, not a generic “EV” or “hybrid.”
- Set the same ownership period and mileage. Choose the number of years you expect to keep each vehicle and estimate your annual miles. Use the same period and total mileage for every option. AAA modeled five years and 75,000 miles; your own driving may be substantially different.
- Use actual transaction prices. Start with the prices you could realistically pay after verified discounts. Keep trim and equipment as close as practical, and use the same cash or financing assumptions for each vehicle.
- Estimate energy use from your driving. Enter annual distance, city/highway mix, and local gasoline and electricity prices. For an EV, distinguish home charging from public fast charging if you expect to use both. The cost per kWh you pay at home may not match the price or fees at public chargers.
- Add charging costs that apply to you. Include any likely home charging installation cost if your home needs electrical work or charging equipment. A Level 2 home charging system is an optional equipment decision, not a requirement for every EV owner.
- Include ownership costs beyond energy. Add insurance quotes, registration and taxes, maintenance, repairs, and tires. Use model-specific service schedules and estimates where available. AAA includes these categories in its methodology, but does not provide enough detail in its summary to support a universal EV-versus-hybrid maintenance advantage.
- Estimate value at the end of ownership. Subtract your expected resale or trade-in value from the purchase cost when calculating depreciation. Treat this estimate as uncertain; do not assume a resale value simply because another model or powertrain performed differently in AAA’s sample.
- Account for financing and incentives accurately. Include the actual interest and fees you expect to pay. Check current federal, state, utility, and manufacturer incentives for your location and eligibility at purchase time. Do not include an expired or unverified credit.
- Compare both total cost and cost per mile. Divide each vehicle’s estimated total cost over the ownership period by the miles you expect to drive during that period. Keep the assumptions visible so you can see which estimate changes the result.
A useful basic structure is: purchase and financing costs, plus energy, insurance, taxes and registration, maintenance, repairs, tires, and charging installation where applicable, minus expected resale value. Use the same categories and ownership period for each vehicle. This is not a promise that every category can be predicted precisely; the point is to avoid treating the cheapest fuel estimate as the cheapest car to own.
Use a calculator as a starting point, not a quote
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center calculator lets users select vehicles or enter custom information, including purchase price, fuel economy, annual distance, highway share, and state-based electricity pricing. DOE cautions that vehicle prices and specifications change frequently and that not all calculator data are verified. Check its vehicle details against current listings and manufacturer information, then add costs the calculator does not capture for your situation, such as insurance quotes, charging installation, and your expected resale value.
Rank #4
- 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
- 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 plugs into a 240V outlet with a 14-50 receptacle, requiring a 40A or 50A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter
Charging access and local energy prices can change the result
AAA used 18.0 cents per kWh for home EV charging in its 2026 study. That is an input from the study period, not a universal electricity rate. Your delivered home rate, time-of-use plan, and likely share of public charging can shift an EV’s energy cost. Gasoline prices also vary by place and time. Recalculate with the prices you actually expect to pay rather than treating national or study-time inputs as fixed.
The EPA says most EVs can charge from a standard 120-volt outlet; a dedicated 240-volt outlet or charging system can charge faster. Whether a 120 V connection works for your routine depends on your charging needs and access. If you are considering faster home charging, include installation needs and cost rather than assuming a suitable circuit is already available. Apartment residents or drivers without a reliable home charging option should model the public charging they expect to use.
Rated range is not a guaranteed result in every condition. The EPA notes that cold weather, air-conditioning use, and high-speed driving can reduce range. Consider your regular trips and access to charging when deciding whether an EV’s range fits your use. A vehicle that covers your typical day comfortably may still require planning for longer trips or conditions that reduce range.
Maintenance, repairs, and reliability are not the same measure
Consumer Reports’ owner-survey article found that EVs and PHEVs had 80 percent more problems on average than gas-only cars. That is a survey-based reliability or problem-rate finding; it is not a direct measurement of maintenance spending, repair bills, or lifetime ownership cost. It should not be converted into a claim that EVs always cost more to maintain—or that they always cost less.
Best Value
- 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.
For a specific purchase, compare model-specific service schedules and repair estimates alongside tires and other expected upkeep. AAA’s cost analysis includes maintenance, repairs, and tires, but its summary does not give enough component-level detail to quantify a general maintenance advantage for EVs or hybrids. A reliability result and a cost estimate answer different questions, so keep them separate in your decision.
Check incentives at the time you buy
Consumer Reports reports that the federal EV purchase credit of up to $7,500 ended in 2025, while some states still offer EV credits. Availability, eligibility, and value can depend on where you live and the terms in force when you purchase. Check current state, utility, and manufacturer offers rather than carrying a past federal credit into a new comparison or assuming a general eligibility description guarantees savings.
Which option is likely to fit your priorities?
The evidence supports a decision process, not one powertrain winner for every driver. Use AAA’s comparison as a check on the idea that low energy costs automatically produce low total costs, then use your own prices and circumstances to compare vehicles.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Consider a conventional hybrid if you want a non-plug-in option and your comparison shows its transaction price, depreciation, and other ownership expenses work for your mileage and ownership period. In AAA’s four selected-model categories, hybrids had lower annual costs than the gas models compared.
- Consider an EV if charging access and local electricity costs suit your routine, and the full estimate remains competitive after purchase price, depreciation, financing, fees, and any installation cost are included. AAA found the lowest energy costs among its selected EVs, not a universal lowest total cost.
- Consider a PHEV as a separate case if you can charge regularly and expect to drive a meaningful share of miles electrically. Calculate both electricity and gasoline use rather than treating it as either a conventional hybrid or a full EV.
There is no supported universal break-even mileage at which an EV always overtakes a hybrid. The result depends on the vehicles and assumptions being compared: transaction price, annual miles and route mix, energy prices, charging access, ownership duration, resale value, financing, insurance, taxes, maintenance, repairs, and tires. Change one of those inputs and the ordering can change.
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