Electric Vehicle Charging Cost Calculator
A simple way to see your true Electric Vehicle “fuel” cost and compare it to a gas car. Enter your numbers or start with our defaults — everything is editable.
Tell us about your driving
Tip: Start with your state and monthly miles. If you don’t know your EV’s Wh/mile, try 280–320 for compact/midsize.
Your results
We show monthly & yearly totals, cost per mile/100 miles, and an estimated CO₂ difference.
$0.00
EV cost / month
$0.00
EV cost / year
$0.00
Monthly savings vs gas
$0.00
EV cost / 100 miles
Rough grid average vs gas tailpipe emissions. Real values vary by region and season.
Metric | Value |
---|
Share this scenario: copy the page URL — we save your inputs in the link.
How this calculator works (in plain English)
- We estimate your energy use from Wh per mile and add a small charger loss percentage.
- We split that energy into home vs public kWh using your percent split and multiply by each rate.
- For gas, we use your MPG and local gas price to compute an equivalent monthly cost.
- We report monthly & yearly totals, cost per mile/100 miles, and a rough CO₂ difference.
Why Calculate Electric Vehicle Charging Costs?
When drivers consider switching to an Electric Vehicle, one of the first questions they ask is: "How much does it actually cost to charge compared to filling up a gas tank?" This site provides a clear, data-driven way to answer that. By factoring in your state’s electricity rates, your driving habits, and whether you charge at home or on the road, you’ll see exactly how Electric Vehicle charging compares to traditional gasoline costs.
Electric Vehicle vs Gas: Cost Breakdown
On average, charging an Electric Vehicle at home costs significantly less than buying gasoline. While gas prices swing daily, electricity rates tend to remain more stable. This makes budgeting for an EV far easier and often cheaper. Even public fast charging, while pricier than home charging, is usually more affordable than gas on a per-mile basis.
Factors That Affect Electric Vehicle Charging Costs
- Home vs Public Charging: Home charging is cheapest, especially if you charge overnight with off-peak rates.
- Driving Style: Aggressive driving drains more energy. Smooth driving saves miles and money.
- Vehicle Efficiency: Different Electric Vehicle models consume power at different rates (Wh/mile).
- Climate: Cold and hot weather can impact battery efficiency, slightly increasing costs.
Environmental Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Beyond saving money, Electric Vehicles cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Our calculator also shows estimated CO₂ savings compared to gasoline cars. The more you drive electric, the greater your positive impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicle Charging
Is charging an Electric Vehicle cheaper than gas?
Yes. For most drivers, charging at home is about half the cost of gasoline per mile. Even public charging is often cheaper than fueling with gas.
How long does it take to charge an Electric Vehicle?
With a Level 2 home charger, most EVs recharge overnight. Fast chargers on the road can restore up to 80% in 30–40 minutes.
Can I charge an Electric Vehicle with solar panels?
Absolutely. Many EV owners pair home charging with solar power, further reducing costs and emissions.
What’s the average monthly cost to charge an Electric Vehicle?
Depending on your local electricity rates and mileage, most drivers spend between $30 and $60 per month on home charging—far less than gasoline.
Conclusion
Switching to an Electric Vehicle is not only about driving cleaner, it’s about saving money every month. Use our calculator above to find out exactly how much you’ll save compared to gas, and take the guesswork out of owning an EV.
Electric Vehicle Charging — FAQ
Is charging an Electric Vehicle cheaper than gas?
For most drivers charging at home, yes—especially on Time‑of‑Use rates. Your per‑mile cost is typically much lower than gasoline.
When is the best time to charge at home?
During your utility’s off‑peak window (often overnight). Set a schedule in your car or charger to automate it.
How long does it take to charge?
Level 2 home charging usually refills overnight. DC fast charging can add 10–80% in ~30 minutes on road trips.