Solar comparison
EV vs Gas Car: Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
Compare electric vehicles and gasoline cars by upfront cost, fuel cost, maintenance, range, charging time, incentives, and total 5-year ownership cost.
Quick answer
What this comparison means
An EV usually saves $600–1,200 per year in fuel and maintenance costs over an equivalent gas car, depending on local electricity rates, gas prices, and annual mileage. The higher upfront EV purchase price ($5,000–15,000 premium) typically breaks even within 4–7 years for a driver averaging 12,000+ miles per year. Federal EV tax credits, state rebates, and home charging convenience can accelerate the payback. Home charging makes EVs cheaper per mile than any gas car in every US state.
Comparison table
| Factor | Option A | Option B | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront purchase price | $35,000–55,000 (typical new EV) | $28,000–45,000 (comparable gas car) | EV premium is narrowing; some models now under $30K after incentives. |
| Fuel cost per 100 miles | $3.00–5.00 (home charging) | $9.00–14.00 (gas at $3.50/gal) | Home charging is 50–70% cheaper per mile. Public DC fast charging narrows the gap. |
| Annual fuel cost | $400–700 (12,000 mi/yr) | $1,200–1,800 (12,000 mi/yr) | Savings scale with mileage. High-mileage drivers save the most. |
| Maintenance cost | $0.03–0.05/mi (no oil changes) | $0.08–0.12/mi (oil, belts, fluids) | EVs save on oil changes, brake pads (regen braking), and timing belts. |
| 5-year ownership cost | $40,000–65,000 (purchase + fuel + maintenance) | $38,000–62,000 (purchase + fuel + maintenance) | EV parity or lower in high-mileage, high-gas-price scenarios. |
| Driving range (full) | 200–350 miles (varies by model) | 350–500 miles (full tank) | Gas cars still win on max range, but EV ranges are improving yearly. |
| Refuel / recharge time | 30 min (DC fast) to 8 hr (Level 1) | 5 minutes at any gas station | Home overnight charging eliminates most refueling time for daily driving. |
| Home refueling | Yes — plug in at home overnight | No — must visit gas station | Home charging is the single biggest convenience advantage of EVs. |
| Federal/state incentives | Up to $7,500 federal + state rebates | None (fuel-efficient models may qualify for limited credits) | EV incentives significantly reduce the upfront price gap. |
| CO₂ emissions (lifecycle) | 50–70% lower than gas (US grid mix) | Baseline — 4.6 metric tons CO₂/yr per vehicle | EVs charged on a clean grid approach zero tailpipe emissions. |
Data Sources
This comparison uses state electricity-rate ranges, local incentive context, net-metering rules, and solar production assumptions informed by NREL PVWatts-style modeling. Final quotes, utility tariffs, and interconnection rules can materially change the economics.
Assumptions
Payback and ROI are directional estimates, not financial advice. They assume typical residential roof conditions, stable household usage, currently available incentives, and separate treatment of battery backup value, financing costs, and installer-specific add-ons.