Calculate and compare annual fuel costs for different vehicles based on their fuel efficiency (MPG), gas prices, and how much you drive. Also compare against electric vehicle costs to see total potential savings.
Fuel is one of the biggest variable costs of car ownership. For the average U.S. driver covering 13,500 miles per year, fuel costs run anywhere from $500 (efficient compact) to $4,000+ (large pickup truck or SUV). Switching vehicles or fuel types — gas to hybrid to EV — can swing the annual cost by thousands.
This calculator compares the annual fuel cost for two gas vehicles based on their MPG, plus an electric vehicle alternative based on miles-per-kWh and your electricity rate. Use it to project savings from buying a more efficient car, switching to an EV, or simply changing your driving habits.
For most U.S. drivers, the breakeven point between gas and EV operating costs is well below current price points. EVs typically cost $0.03–0.05 per mile vs $0.10–0.15 for gas cars. Over 10 years and 130K miles, that's $8,000–$13,000 in fuel savings — sometimes enough to justify EV price premiums.
Trade a 18 MPG SUV for a 38 MPG compact, 12,000 mi/yr at $3.50/gas. SUV: $2,333/yr Compact: $1,105/yr Savings: $1,228/yr → $12,280 over 10 years. Over the typical 7–10 year ownership period of a new car, fuel savings alone can offset a substantial portion of the purchase price difference.
Current 28 MPG sedan, 12,000 mi/yr at $3.50/gas. EV at 3.5 mi/kWh, $0.13/kWh. Gas: $1,500/yr EV: $446/yr Savings: $1,054/yr → $10,540 over 10 years. Plus EVs typically need less maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regen). Total operating-cost savings often exceed $15K over 10 years.
Use this calculator when: - Shopping for a new vehicle and comparing fuel cost across options - Deciding whether to switch from gas to hybrid or EV - Budgeting transportation costs as part of a larger financial review - Justifying a more efficient vehicle to a skeptical partner (numbers are convincing)
Things this calculator doesn't include: - Maintenance costs (EVs have much lower maintenance) - Insurance differences (sometimes higher for EVs, lower for older economy cars) - Tax credits (Federal EV credit and state incentives can offset $7,500+ on new EV purchases) - Public charging cost (typically $0.20–0.50/kWh vs $0.13 at home) - Time-of-use electricity rates (some utilities offer EV-charging discounts at night)
For a fuller cost-of-ownership comparison, also use the auto-loan calculator (purchase price impact) and the car depreciation calculator.
Compare the total cost of leasing versus buying a car.
Calculate your monthly car payment and total loan cost including trade-in and sales tax.
See how extra payments help you pay off your car loan faster.
Estimate how much your car loses in value each year.
Calculate savings from refinancing your auto loan to a lower interest rate.
Calculate monthly payments for a motorcycle loan with trade-in and taxes.
Current Annual Fuel Cost
$1,680
Compare Vehicle Cost
$1,200
Annual Savings
$480
5-Year Savings
$2,400