EV Charging Cost vs Gas Calculator: The Real Math (2026)
EV Charging Cost vs Gas Calculator: The Real Math (2026)
Your neighbor says his Tesla costs “pennies” to drive. Your uncle says electricity bills will bankrupt you. Who is right?
The truth depends on two numbers: your local gas price and your local kWh price. At ShockTrail, we don’t do politics. We do math. Use the tool below to see if switching to electric actually saves you money.
The ShockTrail Savings Engine
Input your current car’s MPG and your local rates to calculate the annual difference.
⚡ EV vs Gas Savings Calculator
*Based on home charging rates.
Real World Cost per 100 Miles
Assuming $3.50/gal gas vs $0.15/kWh electricity.
| Vehicle Type | Cost per 100 Miles | Annual Cost (15k miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Truck (15 MPG) | $23.33 | $3,500 |
| Gas Sedan (30 MPG) | $11.66 | $1,750 |
| Tesla Model Y (EV) | $4.28 | $642 |
| Lucid Air (Efficient EV) | $3.33 | $500 |
3 Cost Factors People Forget
1. The “Supercharger” Trap
If you only charge at fast chargers (Tesla Superchargers), you pay 3x more ($0.45/kWh). To save money, you MUST charge at home. The calculator above assumes home charging.
2. Winter Efficiency Loss
Batteries hate cold. In freezing temps, EV range drops by 20-30%. This increases your cost per mile slightly in winter months.
3. Tire Wear
EVs are heavy and have instant torque. You will burn through tires 20% faster than a gas car. Budget for new tires every 25k miles.
FAQ: EV Economics
A Level 2 charger installation typically costs between $700 and $1,500, depending on how far your electrical panel is from the garage. This is a one-time cost that pays for itself in gas savings.
Usually, yes. Many utilities offer "Time-of-Use" plans where electricity is 50% cheaper between midnight and 6 AM. Schedule your car to charge then for maximum savings.
Modern liquid-cooled batteries (like in Tesla/Hyundai) are designed to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles. They degrade slowly, losing about 1% range per year.
Understanding the “MPGe” Myth
Car manufacturers like to use “MPGe” (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent). This number is confusing. We prefer Miles per kWh.
Think of 1 kWh of electricity as “fuel”.
- Inefficient EV (Hummer EV): 1.5 miles per kWh. (Expensive to run)
- Average EV (Tesla Model Y): 3.5 miles per kWh. (Standard)
- Efficient EV (Lucid Air): 4.5+ miles per kWh. (Very cheap to run)
Urban Mobility & Infrastructure
If you live in a dense city like New York, charging infrastructure is key. Before buying an EV, check the charging map and local tech guides at AZNewYork.com.
Article by the ShockTrail Tech Division.
Tags: ev cost calculator, electric car vs gas savings, kwh vs mpg calculator, tesla charging cost, home charging electricity rates, ev efficiency chart, miles per kwh, shocktrail tech tools.
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