EV vs Gas: Is an EV Still Worth It with High Electricity Prices?
In areas with expensive electricity, EV savings shrink — calculate whether an EV still beats gas at $0.25/kWh.
How to use this tool
- Enter your annual miles driven.
- Enter the gas car's MPG and your local gas price.
- Enter the EV's efficiency in kWh per 100 miles.
- Enter your home electricity price per kWh.
- Read the annual fuel savings and each car's fuel cost.
High electricity rates reduce EV advantages — see whether switching to electric still saves money in your area.
Frequently asked questions
- Is an EV cheaper to fuel than a gas car?
- Usually yes when charging at home — electricity per mile typically costs a third to a half of gasoline. The advantage shrinks with cheap gas, expensive electricity, or heavy reliance on public fast charging.
- What is a typical EV efficiency?
- Most EVs use about 25-35 kWh per 100 miles. Smaller, aerodynamic cars are near the low end; large trucks and SUVs are higher. Cold weather and highway speeds raise consumption.
- Does this include the EV's higher purchase price?
- No — this compares fuel cost only. To decide whether an EV pays off overall, add the purchase-price difference, tax credits, charger costs, and lower maintenance into a total-cost comparison.