Compare the annual driving costs of a gasoline vehicle versus an electric vehicle. Calculate your savings based on local fuel prices, electricity rates, and mileage.
EV Fuel Savings Calculator
The EV Fuel Savings Formulas
Calculating the money saved by switching from a gasoline vehicle to an electric vehicle requires comparing the costs of two different energy sources. This calculator supports both the Imperial system (miles, gallons, and MPG) and the Metric system (kilometers, liters, and L/100km).
1. Imperial Calculation Method
When measuring distance in miles, fuel in gallons, and electric efficiency in miles per kilowatt-hour, the equations are structured as follows:
Annual Gas Cost = (Annual Miles ÷ MPG) × Gas Price per GallonAnnual EV Cost = (Annual Miles ÷ Miles per kWh) × Electricity Price per kWhAnnual Savings = Annual Gas Cost − Annual EV Cost
2. Metric Calculation Method
When measuring distance in kilometers, fuel in liters, and fuel consumption or electric efficiency per 100 kilometers, the equations are structured as follows:
Annual Gas Cost = (Annual Kilometers ÷ 100) × Gas Consumption (L/100km) × Gas Price per LiterAnnual EV Cost = (Annual Kilometers ÷ 100) × EV Consumption (kWh/100km) × Electricity Price per kWhAnnual Savings = Annual Gas Cost − Annual EV Cost
Annual Fuel Savings Reference Table
To illustrate how gasoline prices influence annual savings, the table below compares driving a standard gasoline car with an electric vehicle over a distance of 15,000 miles (24,140 km) per year.
Baseline Assumptions: The gasoline vehicle averages 30 MPG (7.8 L/100km). The electric vehicle averages 3.5 miles per kWh (17.7 kWh/100km), and electricity costs 0.16 per kWh (resulting in a fixed annual EV energy cost of 685.71 units).
| Gas Price (per Gallon) | Annual Gas Cost | Fixed Annual EV Cost | Est. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.00 units | 1,500.00 units | 685.71 units | 814.29 units |
| 3.50 units | 1,750.00 units | 685.71 units | 1,064.29 units |
| 4.00 units | 2,000.00 units | 685.71 units | 1,314.29 units |
| 4.50 units | 2,250.00 units | 685.71 units | 1,564.29 units |
| 5.00 units | 2,500.00 units | 685.71 units | 1,814.29 units |
Contextual Information & Savings Variables
While the mathematical models above provide clear estimates, several real-world factors can influence actual fuel savings:
1. What is MPGe?
To help consumers compare the efficiency of alternative fuel vehicles to conventional internal combustion vehicles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established MPGe (Miles per Gallon Equivalent).
This metric is based on the physical energy content of fuel. One gallon of gasoline contains the energy equivalent of 33.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity [3]. An EV rated at 100 MPGe can travel the same distance on 33.7 kWh of electricity that a gas car would travel on one gallon of gasoline, demonstrating the thermal efficiency of electric drivetrains.
2. Driving Conditions and Efficiency
Unlike gasoline vehicles, which are typically most efficient at steady highway cruising speeds, electric vehicles operate with high efficiency in stop-and-go city traffic:
- Regenerative Braking: In city traffic, EVs use their electric motors to slow the vehicle down, acting as generators that capture kinetic energy and feed it back into the battery pack. Gasoline cars waste this deceleration energy as brake heat.
- Aerodynamic Drag: At highway speeds (above 65 mph or 105 km/h), aerodynamic drag increases exponentially. Because EVs are highly efficient, pushing through wind resistance at high speed consumes relatively more energy, lowering highway miles-per-kWh efficiency.
3. Beyond the Fuel Pump: Secondary EV Savings
Fuel savings are only one part of the total cost of ownership (TCO) equation. Electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts, which reduces maintenance expenses:
- No Engine oil changes: EVs do not require engine oil, oil filters, spark plugs, or timing belts.
- Extended Brake Life: Because regenerative braking handles most of the daily deceleration work, friction brake pads and rotors experience less wear and last longer.
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