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EV vs Gas Total Cost Calculator

Model your true ownership costs for an electric vehicle versus a gas car by factoring in purchase price, fuel, maintenance, and resale value over your ownership period.

Quick answer: Compare modeled EV and gas-car auto ownership costs using purchase price, energy, maintenance, and expected resale value. Enter Annual Miles Driven, EV Purchase Price, Gas Car Purchase Price, and Electricity Cost Per kWh to personalize the estimate. It returns Modeled EV Net Ownership Cost, Modeled Gas Car Net Ownership Cost, and Modeled Cost Difference Favoring EV so you can compare the impact before choosing a next step. Use it to compare payment, APR, total cost, credit impact, and lender or card tradeoffs.

SWReviewed by SwitchWize Research Desk · Last reviewed July 14, 2026
Modeled EV Net Ownership Cost
$28,200
Modeled EV Net Ownership Cost
$28,200
Modeled Gas Car Net Ownership Cost
$29,000
Modeled Cost Difference Favoring EV
$800
Diagnostic

Over 5 years, the EV costs about $28,200 total versus $29,000 for the gas car.

The modeled difference favoring the EV is about $800; a negative result favors the gas car.

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What to do next

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Your action plan
  1. 1

    Compare the leading option against your current setup

    Compare modeled EV and gas-car auto ownership costs using purchase price, energy, maintenance, and expected resale value.

  2. 2

    Pressure-test one alternate scenario before deciding

    Assumptions change the answer, especially when rates, taxes, or timing matter.

  3. 3

    Save the result to Money Map or use the linked next action

    Turn the result into a prioritized action instead of treating it as a one-off number.

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This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

Calculator action path

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

What does an example EV vs Gas Total Cost Calculator calculation look like?
Using this calculator's own default assumptions, a annual miles driven of 12000, ev purchase price of $42,000 and gas car purchase price of $32,000 produces an estimated modeled ev net ownership cost of $28,200 and modeled gas car net ownership cost of $29,000. Enter your own numbers above to see how it changes for your situation.
Why does resale value matter so much in this comparison?
Resale value directly reduces your net ownership cost: the higher you can sell your vehicle, the less you've actually paid to own it. EVs and gas cars depreciate differently based on market demand, battery longevity expectations, and fuel cost trends, so factoring in realistic resale assumptions is critical to seeing your true long-term expense.
How does my annual mileage affect which vehicle is cheaper to own?
Higher annual mileage amplifies fuel cost differences because you're buying more energy per year. The EV's lower energy cost per mile becomes a bigger advantage as you drive more, while its higher upfront purchase price gets spread across more miles. Conversely, lower mileage means fuel savings accumulate more slowly, which can shift the economics toward the gas car.
Is the EV vs Gas Total Cost Calculator free to use?
Yes. SwitchWize calculators are free, and you do not need an account to run scenarios or view the result.
Does using the EV vs Gas Total Cost Calculator affect my credit score?
No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.
Are the results personalized financial advice?
No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.
What should I do after seeing the result?
Use the recommendation module on this page to compare auto loan rates, or run Money Map to compare this loans & credit decision with your other opportunities.
How does SwitchWize choose related offers?
Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (auto) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.
How fresh are the rates and offers shown?
Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.
Where can I see the ranking methodology?
The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.
Can Money Map use this result?
Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.

Why This Matters

The upfront price of an EV often looks higher than a gas car, but total ownership cost tells a different story. This calculator reveals how fuel efficiency, maintenance savings, and resale value interact over time to determine which vehicle is actually cheaper to own. Understanding the full cost picture helps you make a purchase decision based on your actual driving patterns and holding period, not just sticker price.

How to Use It

  1. 1Enter your annual miles driven to establish your yearly usage baseline.
  2. 2Input the purchase price for the EV you're considering.
  3. 3Input the purchase price for the comparable gas car.
  4. 4Enter your local electricity cost per kilowatt-hour.
  5. 5Specify the EV's efficiency rating in kilowatt-hours per miles driven.
  6. 6Enter the current gas price per gallon in your area.
  7. 7Specify the gas car's fuel economy in miles per gallon.
  8. 8Enter the EV's expected annual maintenance costs.
  9. 9Enter the gas car's expected annual maintenance costs.
  10. 10Input how many years you plan to own the vehicle.
  11. 11Enter what you expect to receive when you sell or trade in the EV.
  12. 12Enter what you expect to receive when you sell or trade in the gas car.
  13. 13Review the three outputs: your modeled net ownership cost for the EV, the gas car, and the total difference showing which option favors the EV.
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