Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator
How much does an electric vehicle cost to drive? Compare EV energy use, charging price, and cost per mile.
Interactive inputs
Live result
30.00
MPG
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Answer first
How much does an electric vehicle cost to drive?
The Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator estimates the driving cost of an EV based on distance, energy consumption rate (kWh per mile), and electricity price. Unlike gas vehicles measured in MPG, EVs use kilowatt-hours. See the true cost-per-mile of electric driving and compare it to gasoline vehicles.
Current calculator output
30.00
MPG
How it works
Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator: inputs, formula, and result
This calculator multiplies the EV's efficiency (kWh per 100 miles) by the total driving distance, then multiplies that energy total by your local residential electricity rate ($/kWh) to find the charge cost.
Formula
EV Driving Cost = Distance × Energy Use (kWh/mi) × Electricity Price ($/kWh)
Worked example
Driving 360 miles at 0.28 kWh/mi with electricity at $0.15/kWh costs 360 × 0.28 × 0.15 = $15.12.
Pro tip: Home charging is typically 50-70% cheaper than public DC fast charging. Charge at home during off-peak hours to drop your per-mile cost below $0.03.
Personalized guidance
What changes the result for Electric Vehicle Cost?
The final cost fluctuates with peak vs. off-peak electricity pricing, extreme cold reducing battery efficiency, and reliance on expensive public fast chargers over home charging. Traffic, tire pressure, vehicle load, terrain, driving style, weather, fuel price, and the quality of the input data can change the final result.
Estimated result condition
100%
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When should you use this calculator?
Essential for EV owners wanting to accurately compare their monthly home charging costs against what they would have spent on traditional gasoline for the same commute.
Selected usePlan with Electric Vehicle Cost Calculator
FAQ
FAQs about Electric Vehicle Cost
3 questions
Question 1 of 3 is open
How much does it cost to drive an EV per mile?
At the US average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh and typical EV efficiency of 0.30 kWh/mi, driving costs about $0.048 per mile. A comparable gas car at 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon costs $0.117 per mile.
What is kWh per mile and how does it compare to MPG?
kWh/mi measures energy consumed per distance. The EPA also uses MPGe where 33.7 kWh = 1 gallon of gas energy. A 100 MPGe EV is roughly 3.3x more efficient than a 30 MPG gas car.
Does fast charging cost more than home charging?
Yes. Home charging costs $0.10-$0.20/kWh, while DC fast charging networks charge $0.30-$0.50/kWh. Some networks also add session fees.
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