🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 179 (from laksa046)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa179.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev","crawl_time":1776569869,"first_indexed_time":1679008181,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,nrdc!www,\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev s443","src_root_hash":"6861268066384318379","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Electric vs. Gas Cars: Is It Cheaper to Drive an EV?","meta_descriptions":["Are electric cars cheaper than gas cars? Compare cost per mile, maintenance costs and costs to operate electric vehicles vs. gas cars by state. Learn more!"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"There are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an \nelectric vehicle\n (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers slashing prices for EVs in the past year on top of state and utility incentives for eligible buyers, you may even be able to score a bargain up front. Let’s sort out the details. \n \nSticker prices for electric vs. gas cars\nCost of electricity vs. gasoline \nMaintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars\nLifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars\nSticker prices for electric vs. gas cars\nAccording to \ndata\n from Cox Automotive (parent company of Kelley Blue Book), the average price paid for a new EV continues to fall—in September 2023, it came down by $14,300 over the prior year. This amounted to a cost of just $2,800 more than the average paid for a new gas-powered vehicle. And with the EV market growing rapidly, the price margin is expected to shrink even more in the coming years as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, the most expensive part of an EV. \n \nYou can mitigate some of that cost by making use of \nstate incentives,\nwhich can shave thousands off an EV’s price tag. And federal tax credits—recently scrapped by Congress\n, despite their popularity\n—remain available through September 2025. (Those credits include up to $7,500 for a new EV and $4,00 for a used one, with some limitations.) Additionally, many states continue to offer their own tax incentives, so take the time to \nsearch\n for what’s available for the model you’re interested in buying. \n \nOnce you have an idea of what incentives you qualify for, you should be able to better compare car prices. \n \nCost of electricity vs. gasoline \nHere’s where EV owners win out. Going electric means you get to skip pricey trips to the pump, which is one of the biggest draws for making the switch. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the \naverage cost to fuel an electric car\n was $485 a year, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. A \n2020 Consumer Reports study\n similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars. \nAnd in 2023, the nonpartisan policy firm Energy Innovation released a \nreport\n showing that these savings benefit drivers across the United States: Every EV model in every state is cheaper to fill than a gas-powered vehicle. These savings are largely based on the fact that current EVs are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, according to real-world \ndata\n collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).\n \nAnd importantly, electricity prices are more stable and predictable than\ngasoline prices\n. For the latter, we see routine price swings, which are heavily influenced by global oil markets, geopolitical conflict, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, electricity is typically regulated at the state or local level, with pricing subject to long-term planning and utility rate oversight. Many utilities also offer time-of-use rates, allowing EV drivers to charge during low-cost, off-peak hours—giving you even more control over refueling costs. \n \nYour actual savings will depend on a few key factors, including how efficient your EV is, how you charge it, and where you live. Here’s why.\n \nEVs can vary in efficiency\n—that is, how far they can go on the same amount of electricity. For an EV, efficiency is measured by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it consumes per 100 miles—similar to a gas-powered car’s miles-per-gallon stat. (A lower kWh\/100 miles rate is better.) For example, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a standout in terms of efficiency, with 25 kWh\/100 miles, but the more affordable 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is comparable, with a 29 kWh\/100 miles rating. Make sure to consider this factor when comparison shopping and check out the U.S. Department of Energy's\nfuel-savings calculator\nfor a more tailored estimate on how much you can save based on the specific vehicle you're considering. \n \nCharging your car at home will raise your electric bill, but by how much depends on where you live, your local utility rates, and when you charge. Most utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and many EVs allow you to schedule charging overnight when rates are low, potentially saving you up to 30 percent per charge. \n \nLevel 1 chargers (standard 120V outlets) can add around 32 miles of range overnight, which is plenty for daily commutes.\nFor faster charging, a Level 2 (240V) charger can provide more than 250 miles of range overnight. Installation typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on your home’s electrical setup and local labor costs. Several states and utilities also offer incentives for income-qualified buyers, including rebates for charger installations.\n \nElectricity costs, like gas prices, can vary significantly by region.\nA 2020 study\nfound the lifetime fuel costs of battery-powered EVs versus gas cars vary state by state. In Washington, an EV owner can save as much as $14,480 over the life of the vehicle (approximately 15 years)—the highest margin in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, in Hawai'i, higher electricity costs could mean spending $2,494 more over the same period. \n \nTo estimate your own charging costs, multiply an EV’s kilowatt-hour (kWh\/100) mileage rate by your electricity rate (measured in cents per kWh and typically found on your monthly utility bill). This gives your cost per 100 miles driven. Multiply that by how much you drive per month to estimate the increase in your electricity bill. After figuring in the number of miles you typically drive in a month, you’ll be able to see how much your electric bill may go up. \n \nKeep in mind that \npublic charging stations\n—especially at high-speed DC fast chargers—tend to be more expensive than charging at home. If you rely exclusively on public infrastructure, your fuel savings may shrink to some extent. \n \nOnce you’ve accounted for your preferred EV model, where you charge, and how much you drive, compare your estimated charging costs to your current gas spending. For many drivers, the case for going electric will win out.\n \nMaintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars\nWithout spark plugs to replace or oil to change, electric vehicles have a clear leg up on maintenance costs. EVs also have the unique feature of “regenerative” braking—recovering the energy normally lost to braking—which saves on brake pad replacements. Electric cars do still require some basic maintenance, of course, like service checks and tire rotations. But in general, on a per-mile basis, EV maintenance and repair costs run about\n40 percent lower\nthan comparable gas vehicles.\nLifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars\nNow, to calculate that all-important number: whether an electric car will be cheaper over the life of the vehicle. \n \nYou can figure out your savings estimate by adding together the up-front costs of your specific model (minus tax rebates) and then ongoing costs. You’ll need to account for your model’s efficiency, how much you plan to drive, regional electricity costs, charging habits, and maintenance costs per year. Then compare those to the gas-powered alternative. \n \nNote that the average amount of time that a driver keeps a new vehicle is seven years; this is the metric that the authors of a\n2025 study from Atlas Public Policy\n,\nconducted on behalf of NRDC, used when investigating how expenses would stack up for owners of gas cars versus EVs. Weighing the total cost of ownership for five of the most popular internal combustion models across different vehicle classes—a compact sedan up to a pickup truck—and comparing each to a similarly sized electric version of the same type, the study found that owning an EV is cheaper in four of five categories. (The pickup was the single exception.) \n \nThe loss of federal tax credits, however, will impact these savings, as the study’s authors note—though their calculations find that two of the five electric models (Chevrolet Equinox EV and Tesla Model Y) continue to offer higher savings than their gasoline counterparts.\n \nAnother popular model to consider when shopping for a green and budget-friendly car is a plug-in hybrid. These vehicles operate partly on gasoline and partly on electricity from the grid. A plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 50 miles could enable you to drive mainly on electricity. \n \nBottom line: You can bank on saving across the life of your EV. That’s not too shabby, considering you’ll also be \nsparing the climate\n thousands of pounds of carbon pollution over the car’s lifetime, along with other pollutants that create smog, lower local air quality, and cause harm to public health. And of course, carbon pollution carries a price tag of its own. When we take measures to rein in emissions, there are concrete savings that go well beyond our own pocketbooks too.\n \nThis story was originally published on March 21, 2024, and has been updated with new information and links.\nThis NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should\ndrop us a note\nto let us know when you’ve used one of our stories.\nTell the EPA—which is\nconsidering rolling back lifesaving emissions\nstandards—that we need strong vehicle standards that protect our health and climate!\nTell the EPA we need strong pollution standards for cars and trucks\nTransportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States—and a major source of other health-harming pollutants. Yet the EPA is considering rolling back or eliminating lifesaving vehicle emissions standards. Tell the EPA we need these standards.\nRelated Stories\nSkip carousel items\nWhat Are the Solutions to Climate Change?\nFebruary 26, 2026\nGuide\nUnited States, International\nJeff Turrentine\nSome solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#main)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/huge_4x3_100\/public\/2026-04\/piping-plovers-118049-3070x2304_0.jpg.jpg?h=907354de&itok=DnPLgHmo)\n\nCredit:\n\nRay Hennessy\n\n2X MATCH FOR EARTH DAY\n\nThis Earth Day, everything is on the line.\n\nThe Trump administration is stripping protections for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the lands we love.\n\n**Your Earth Day gift will be 2X matched until 4\/22 to help NRDC fight back in and out of court.**\n\n[DOUBLE MY GIFT](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/donation\/4888-earth-month-ngsc-041026?initms=WBSNAAPRDONC30426&ms=WBSNAAPRDONC30426)\n\n[Search](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev)\n\n## Search\n\n- Learn About the Climate Crisis\n  - [Climate Crisis 101](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/climate-crisis)\n  - [What Is Climate Change?](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-climate-change)\n  - [Causes](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-are-causes-climate-change)\n  - [Effects](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-are-effects-climate-change)\n  - [Solutions](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-are-solutions-climate-change)\n  - [Take Action](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/letter\/4573-ocs-5-year-plan-112125?initms=WBSNAOCSPETC31125&ms=WBSNAOCSPETC31125)\n- About NRDC\n  - [Our Mission](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/about)\n  - [History & Victories](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/about#history)\n  - [Leadership & Board of Trustees](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/leadership)\n  - [Our Experts](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/experts)\n  - [How We Work](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/about#how-we-work)\n  - [Where We Work](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/about#where-we-work)\n  - [Financials](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/about#financials)\n  - [Sustainability at NRDC](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sustainability-nrdc)\n- Our Work\n  - [Climate Change](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/climate-change)\n    - [Agriculture & Food](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/agriculture-food)\n    - [Buildings](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/buildings)\n    - [Climate Adaptation](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/climate-adaptation)\n    - [Fossil Fuels](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/fossil-fuels)\n    - [Industrial Production](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/industrial-production)\n    - [Renewable Energy](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/renewable-energy)\n    - [Sustainable Cities](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/sustainable-cities)\n    - [Sustainable Finance](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/sustainable-finance)\n    - [Transportation](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/transportation)\n  - [Equity & Justice](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/equity-justice)\n  - [Human Health](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/human-health)\n    - [Agriculture & Food](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/agriculture-food)\n    - [Clean Air](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/clean-air)\n    - [Drinking Water](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/drinking-water)\n    - [Toxics](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/toxics)\n  - [Nature & Wildlife](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/nature-wildlife)\n    - [Forests & Lands](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/forests-lands)\n    - [Fresh Water](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/fresh-water)\n    - [Ocean](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/oceans)\n    - [Wildlife](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/wildlife)\n- Stay Informed\n  - [News & Commentary](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/news-and-commentary)\n  - [Data, Reports & Resources](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/data-reports-resources)\n  - [Court Battles](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/court-battles)\n  - [Subscribe](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/petition\/4273-email-and-text-alerts?initms=WBSNAETASIGC30825SI&ms=WBSNAETASIGC30825SI)\n- Take Action\n  - [Petitions & Letters](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/take-action\/add-your-voice)\n  - [Toolkits & How-Tos](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/take-action\/toolkits)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/take-action\/events)\n  - [Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/ways-give)\n  - [Action Alerts](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/petition\/4273-email-and-text-alerts?initms=WBSNAETASIGC30825TA&ms=WBSNAETASIGC30825TA)\n- Ways to Give\n  - [Donate](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/donation\/2554-support-nrdc?initms=HOMENV&ms=HOMENV)\n  - [Give Monthly](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/donation\/2554-support-nrdc?initms=HOMENV&ms=HOMENV)\n  - [Renew Membership](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/donation\/1308-renewal-match-010123?initms=HOMENV&ms=HOMENV)\n  - [Donor-advised Funds](https:\/\/nrdc.planmygift.org\/donor-advised-funds)\n  - [Gifts of Stock](https:\/\/nrdc.tfaforms.net\/wfJ7219)\n  - [More Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/ways-give?initms=HOMENV&ms=HOMENV)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/donation\/2554-support-nrdc?initms=HOMERB&ms=HOMERB)\n\n1. [See all News & Commentary](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/news-and-commentary?f%5B0%5D=news_commentary_language%3Aen#listing-page-content)\n\n[Explainer](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/news-and-commentary?f%5B0%5D=news_commentary_language%3Aen&f%5B1%5D=news_commentary_type%3A327#listing-page-content)\n\n# Electric vs. Gas Cars: Is It Cheaper to Drive an EV?\nChances are, yes. Here’s how to be sure.\n\nJuly 21, 2025\n\n[![A headshot of Courtney Lindwall](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/profile_100\/public\/2023-05\/courtney-lindwall-009.jpg.jpg?h=b13ea8c4&itok=6jv3EZTc) Courtney Lindwall Contributor](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/bio\/courtney-lindwall)\n\nShare this page\n\n![An animation of an electric vehicle on grass with mountains that pop up in the background as the animation continues](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-11\/Electric%20vehicle_EV.gif)\n\nThere are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an [electric vehicle](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/now-good-time-buy-electric-car \"Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Electric Car?\") (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers slashing prices for EVs in the past year on top of state and utility incentives for eligible buyers, you may even be able to score a bargain up front. Let’s sort out the details.\n\n- [Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#prices)\n- [Cost of electricity vs. gasoline](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#gas)\n- [Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#maintenance)\n- [Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#lifetime-costs)\n\n## Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars\nAccording to [data](https:\/\/www.coxautoinc.com\/market-insights\/kbb-atp-september-2023\/) from Cox Automotive (parent company of Kelley Blue Book), the average price paid for a new EV continues to fall—in September 2023, it came down by \\$14,300 over the prior year. This amounted to a cost of just \\$2,800 more than the average paid for a new gas-powered vehicle. And with the EV market growing rapidly, the price margin is expected to shrink even more in the coming years as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, the most expensive part of an EV.\n\nYou can mitigate some of that cost by making use of [state incentives,](https:\/\/www.kbb.com\/car-advice\/electric-vehicle-rebates-by-state\/) which can shave thousands off an EV’s price tag. And federal tax credits—recently scrapped by Congress[, despite their popularity](https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/resources\/e-vision-intelligence-report-november-2024#:~:text=Industry-wide%2C%2097%25%20of,up%20from%2023%25%20in%202022.)—remain available through September 2025. (Those credits include up to \\$7,500 for a new EV and \\$4,00 for a used one, with some limitations.) Additionally, many states continue to offer their own tax incentives, so take the time to [search](https:\/\/afdc.energy.gov\/laws) for what’s available for the model you’re interested in buying.\n\nOnce you have an idea of what incentives you qualify for, you should be able to better compare car prices.\n\n## Cost of electricity vs. gasoline\nHere’s where EV owners win out. Going electric means you get to skip pricey trips to the pump, which is one of the biggest draws for making the switch. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the [average cost to fuel an electric car](https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/jeffmcmahon\/2018\/01\/14\/electric-vehicles-cost-less-than-half-as-much-to-drive\/?sh=156b5a603f97) was \\$485 a year, compared to \\$1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. A [2020 Consumer Reports study](https:\/\/advocacy.consumerreports.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/EV-Ownership-Cost-Final-Report-1.pdf) similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars.\n\nAnd in 2023, the nonpartisan policy firm Energy Innovation released a [report](https:\/\/energyinnovation.org\/publication\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fill-up-an-electric-vehicle-vs-a-gas-powered-car\/) showing that these savings benefit drivers across the United States: Every EV model in every state is cheaper to fill than a gas-powered vehicle. These savings are largely based on the fact that current EVs are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, according to real-world [data](https:\/\/www.nrel.gov\/docs\/fy23osti\/84631.pdf) collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).\n\nAnd importantly, electricity prices are more stable and predictable than [gasoline prices](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/real-reasons-high-oil-and-gas-prices). For the latter, we see routine price swings, which are heavily influenced by global oil markets, geopolitical conflict, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, electricity is typically regulated at the state or local level, with pricing subject to long-term planning and utility rate oversight. Many utilities also offer time-of-use rates, allowing EV drivers to charge during low-cost, off-peak hours—giving you even more control over refueling costs.\n\n![A line graph showing Electricity and Gasoline Prices from Jan 2001 to March 2025](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_100\/public\/2025-07\/ElectricityGasPrices-Jan2001-Mar2025.jpg.jpg?itok=BzLUOa_G)\n\nYour actual savings will depend on a few key factors, including how efficient your EV is, how you charge it, and where you live. Here’s why.\n\nEfficiency varies by model\n\n[EVs can vary in efficiency](https:\/\/www.cars.com\/articles\/top-10-most-efficient-electric-cars-447501\/)—that is, how far they can go on the same amount of electricity. For an EV, efficiency is measured by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it consumes per 100 miles—similar to a gas-powered car’s miles-per-gallon stat. (A lower kWh\/100 miles rate is better.) For example, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a standout in terms of efficiency, with 25 kWh\/100 miles, but the more affordable 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is comparable, with a 29 kWh\/100 miles rating. Make sure to consider this factor when comparison shopping and check out the U.S. Department of Energy's [fuel-savings calculator](https:\/\/www.fueleconomy.gov\/feg\/savemoney.jsp) for a more tailored estimate on how much you can save based on the specific vehicle you're considering.\n\nHome charging is the most affordable option\n\nCharging your car at home will raise your electric bill, but by how much depends on where you live, your local utility rates, and when you charge. Most utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and many EVs allow you to schedule charging overnight when rates are low, potentially saving you up to 30 percent per charge.\n\n- Level 1 chargers (standard 120V outlets) can add around 32 miles of range overnight, which is plenty for daily commutes.\n- For faster charging, a Level 2 (240V) charger can provide more than 250 miles of range overnight. Installation typically costs between \\$1,000 and \\$2,500, depending on your home’s electrical setup and local labor costs. Several states and utilities also offer incentives for income-qualified buyers, including rebates for charger installations.\n\nRegional differences matter\n\nElectricity costs, like gas prices, can vary significantly by region. [A 2020 study](https:\/\/www.cell.com\/joule\/pdfExtended\/S2542-4351\$20\$30231-2) found the lifetime fuel costs of battery-powered EVs versus gas cars vary state by state. In Washington, an EV owner can save as much as \\$14,480 over the life of the vehicle (approximately 15 years)—the highest margin in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, in Hawai'i, higher electricity costs could mean spending \\$2,494 more over the same period.\n\nTo estimate your own charging costs, multiply an EV’s kilowatt-hour (kWh\/100) mileage rate by your electricity rate (measured in cents per kWh and typically found on your monthly utility bill). This gives your cost per 100 miles driven. Multiply that by how much you drive per month to estimate the increase in your electricity bill. After figuring in the number of miles you typically drive in a month, you’ll be able to see how much your electric bill may go up.\n\nKeep in mind that [public charging stations](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vehicle-charging-explained)—especially at high-speed DC fast chargers—tend to be more expensive than charging at home. If you rely exclusively on public infrastructure, your fuel savings may shrink to some extent.\n\nOnce you’ve accounted for your preferred EV model, where you charge, and how much you drive, compare your estimated charging costs to your current gas spending. For many drivers, the case for going electric will win out.\n\n## Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars\nWithout spark plugs to replace or oil to change, electric vehicles have a clear leg up on maintenance costs. EVs also have the unique feature of “regenerative” braking—recovering the energy normally lost to braking—which saves on brake pad replacements. Electric cars do still require some basic maintenance, of course, like service checks and tire rotations. But in general, on a per-mile basis, EV maintenance and repair costs run about [40 percent lower](https:\/\/atlaspolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Comparing-the-Cost-of-Owning-the-Most-Popular-Vehicles-in-the-United-States-2025-Update.pdf) than comparable gas vehicles.\n\n## Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars\nNow, to calculate that all-important number: whether an electric car will be cheaper over the life of the vehicle.\n\nYou can figure out your savings estimate by adding together the up-front costs of your specific model (minus tax rebates) and then ongoing costs. You’ll need to account for your model’s efficiency, how much you plan to drive, regional electricity costs, charging habits, and maintenance costs per year. Then compare those to the gas-powered alternative.\n\nNote that the average amount of time that a driver keeps a new vehicle is seven years; this is the metric that the authors of a [2025 study from Atlas Public Policy](https:\/\/atlaspolicy.com\/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update\/)[,](https:\/\/atlaspolicy.com\/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update\/) conducted on behalf of NRDC, used when investigating how expenses would stack up for owners of gas cars versus EVs. Weighing the total cost of ownership for five of the most popular internal combustion models across different vehicle classes—a compact sedan up to a pickup truck—and comparing each to a similarly sized electric version of the same type, the study found that owning an EV is cheaper in four of five categories. (The pickup was the single exception.)\n\nThe loss of federal tax credits, however, will impact these savings, as the study’s authors note—though their calculations find that two of the five electric models (Chevrolet Equinox EV and Tesla Model Y) continue to offer higher savings than their gasoline counterparts.\n\nAnother popular model to consider when shopping for a green and budget-friendly car is a plug-in hybrid. These vehicles operate partly on gasoline and partly on electricity from the grid. A plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 50 miles could enable you to drive mainly on electricity.\n\nBottom line: You can bank on saving across the life of your EV. That’s not too shabby, considering you’ll also be [sparing the climate](https:\/\/www.ucsusa.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-09\/driving-cleaner-report.pdf) thousands of pounds of carbon pollution over the car’s lifetime, along with other pollutants that create smog, lower local air quality, and cause harm to public health. And of course, carbon pollution carries a price tag of its own. When we take measures to rein in emissions, there are concrete savings that go well beyond our own pocketbooks too.\n\n***\n*This story was originally published on March 21, 2024, and has been updated with new information and links.*\n\n***\n*This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should*[*drop us a note*](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/contact-us)*to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories.*\n\n## Transportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States.\nTell the EPA—which is considering rolling back lifesaving emissions standards—that we need strong vehicle standards that protect our health and climate\\!\n\n[TAKE ACTION](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/letter\/4081-epa-clean-vehicles-060325?initms=WBSNAECVPETC30625&ms=WBSNAECVPETC30625)\n\n![A woman plugging her electric car into an EVGo fast charging station in a Target parking lot, Westbury, Long Island, New York, on June 20, 2024.](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_16x9_100\/public\/2025-06\/electric-car-ev-charging-station-5R2A9116.jpg.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=dqzYwxJg)\n\n## Tell the EPA we need strong pollution standards for cars and trucks\nTransportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States—and a major source of other health-harming pollutants. Yet the EPA is considering rolling back or eliminating lifesaving vehicle emissions standards. Tell the EPA we need these standards.\n\n[TAKE ACTION](https:\/\/action.nrdc.org\/letter\/4081-epa-clean-vehicles-060325?initms=WBSNAECVPETC30625&ms=WBSNAECVPETC30625)\n\nRelated Issues\n\n[Transportation](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/issues\/transportation)\n\n## Related Stories\n[Skip carousel items](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#carousel)\n\n![A river runs through a valley between mountains, with brown banks visible on either side of the water](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_16x9_100\/public\/media-uploads\/nrdc-climate-change-causes-0418-2400.jpg.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=vXOPQWqr)\n\n[What Are the Causes of Climate Change?](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-are-causes-climate-change)\n\nMarch 3, 2026\n\nGuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine\n\nWe can’t fight climate change without understanding what drives it.\n\n![A woman holds a lantern that is connected by a wire to a small solar panel held by a man to her left.](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_16x9_100\/public\/media-uploads\/nrdc-climate-solutions-b2bb7b-2400.jpg.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=pRL1GD8F)\n\n[What Are the Solutions to Climate Change?](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-are-solutions-climate-change)\n\nFebruary 26, 2026\n\nGuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine\n\nSome solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable.\n\n![A dark shadow falls over half of the exterior of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters building on a sunny day](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_16x9_100\/public\/2024-12\/environmental-protection-agency-headquarters-washington-dc-20325694482118.jpg.jpg?h=44b879e5&itok=H50sG0Gx)\n\n[How EPA Rollbacks Will Cost Us—in Dollars and Lives](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/how-epa-rollbacks-will-cost-us-dollars-and-lives)\n\nFebruary 18, 2026\n\nExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall\n\nGutting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is just as damaging to our economy as it is to our climate and health.\n\nThanks for signing up. You’ll receive your first NRDC action alert and update email soon\\!\n\n## Thank you for subscribing\\!\nWe will be reaching out to you at:  \n \\[Email\\]\n\n## Thank you for the information\\!\nProviding us ways to reach out allows us to work together to solve the issues facing us. You can expect updates at:\n\n\\[Email\\]  \n \\[Phone number\\]\n\nClose\n\n- [About NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/about)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/data-reports-resources)\n- [Media Center](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/media)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/careers)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/contact-us)\n- [En Español](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/es\/nrdc-espanol)\n\n- [Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/nrdc.org)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/nrdc.org)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nrdc_org\/)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/natural-resources-defense-council\/)\n- [RSS](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/rss.xml)\n- [TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@nrdc.org)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/nrdc)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/NRDCflix)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sitemap)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/privacy-policy)\n- [State Disclosures](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/state-disclosures)\n\n© 2026 NRDC. All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"![An animation of an electric vehicle on grass with mountains that pop up in the background as the animation continues](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-11\/Electric%20vehicle_EV.gif)\n\nThere are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an [electric vehicle](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/now-good-time-buy-electric-car \"Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Electric Car?\") (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers slashing prices for EVs in the past year on top of state and utility incentives for eligible buyers, you may even be able to score a bargain up front. Let’s sort out the details.\n\n- [Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#prices)\n- [Cost of electricity vs. gasoline](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#gas)\n- [Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#maintenance)\n- [Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#lifetime-costs)\n\nSticker prices for electric vs. gas cars\n\nAccording to [data](https:\/\/www.coxautoinc.com\/market-insights\/kbb-atp-september-2023\/) from Cox Automotive (parent company of Kelley Blue Book), the average price paid for a new EV continues to fall—in September 2023, it came down by \\$14,300 over the prior year. This amounted to a cost of just \\$2,800 more than the average paid for a new gas-powered vehicle. And with the EV market growing rapidly, the price margin is expected to shrink even more in the coming years as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, the most expensive part of an EV.\n\nYou can mitigate some of that cost by making use of [state incentives,](https:\/\/www.kbb.com\/car-advice\/electric-vehicle-rebates-by-state\/) which can shave thousands off an EV’s price tag. And federal tax credits—recently scrapped by Congress[, despite their popularity](https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/resources\/e-vision-intelligence-report-november-2024#:~:text=Industry-wide%2C%2097%25%20of,up%20from%2023%25%20in%202022.)—remain available through September 2025. (Those credits include up to \\$7,500 for a new EV and \\$4,00 for a used one, with some limitations.) Additionally, many states continue to offer their own tax incentives, so take the time to [search](https:\/\/afdc.energy.gov\/laws) for what’s available for the model you’re interested in buying.\n\nOnce you have an idea of what incentives you qualify for, you should be able to better compare car prices.\n\nCost of electricity vs. gasoline\n\nHere’s where EV owners win out. Going electric means you get to skip pricey trips to the pump, which is one of the biggest draws for making the switch. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the [average cost to fuel an electric car](https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/jeffmcmahon\/2018\/01\/14\/electric-vehicles-cost-less-than-half-as-much-to-drive\/?sh=156b5a603f97) was \\$485 a year, compared to \\$1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. A [2020 Consumer Reports study](https:\/\/advocacy.consumerreports.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/EV-Ownership-Cost-Final-Report-1.pdf) similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars.\n\nAnd in 2023, the nonpartisan policy firm Energy Innovation released a [report](https:\/\/energyinnovation.org\/publication\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fill-up-an-electric-vehicle-vs-a-gas-powered-car\/) showing that these savings benefit drivers across the United States: Every EV model in every state is cheaper to fill than a gas-powered vehicle. These savings are largely based on the fact that current EVs are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, according to real-world [data](https:\/\/www.nrel.gov\/docs\/fy23osti\/84631.pdf) collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).\n\nAnd importantly, electricity prices are more stable and predictable than [gasoline prices](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/real-reasons-high-oil-and-gas-prices). For the latter, we see routine price swings, which are heavily influenced by global oil markets, geopolitical conflict, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, electricity is typically regulated at the state or local level, with pricing subject to long-term planning and utility rate oversight. Many utilities also offer time-of-use rates, allowing EV drivers to charge during low-cost, off-peak hours—giving you even more control over refueling costs.\n\n![A line graph showing Electricity and Gasoline Prices from Jan 2001 to March 2025](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_100\/public\/2025-07\/ElectricityGasPrices-Jan2001-Mar2025.jpg.jpg?itok=BzLUOa_G)\n\nYour actual savings will depend on a few key factors, including how efficient your EV is, how you charge it, and where you live. Here’s why.\n\n[EVs can vary in efficiency](https:\/\/www.cars.com\/articles\/top-10-most-efficient-electric-cars-447501\/)—that is, how far they can go on the same amount of electricity. For an EV, efficiency is measured by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it consumes per 100 miles—similar to a gas-powered car’s miles-per-gallon stat. (A lower kWh\/100 miles rate is better.) For example, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a standout in terms of efficiency, with 25 kWh\/100 miles, but the more affordable 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is comparable, with a 29 kWh\/100 miles rating. Make sure to consider this factor when comparison shopping and check out the U.S. Department of Energy's [fuel-savings calculator](https:\/\/www.fueleconomy.gov\/feg\/savemoney.jsp) for a more tailored estimate on how much you can save based on the specific vehicle you're considering.\n\nCharging your car at home will raise your electric bill, but by how much depends on where you live, your local utility rates, and when you charge. Most utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and many EVs allow you to schedule charging overnight when rates are low, potentially saving you up to 30 percent per charge.\n\n- Level 1 chargers (standard 120V outlets) can add around 32 miles of range overnight, which is plenty for daily commutes.\n- For faster charging, a Level 2 (240V) charger can provide more than 250 miles of range overnight. Installation typically costs between \\$1,000 and \\$2,500, depending on your home’s electrical setup and local labor costs. Several states and utilities also offer incentives for income-qualified buyers, including rebates for charger installations.\n\nElectricity costs, like gas prices, can vary significantly by region. [A 2020 study](https:\/\/www.cell.com\/joule\/pdfExtended\/S2542-4351\$20\$30231-2) found the lifetime fuel costs of battery-powered EVs versus gas cars vary state by state. In Washington, an EV owner can save as much as \\$14,480 over the life of the vehicle (approximately 15 years)—the highest margin in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, in Hawai'i, higher electricity costs could mean spending \\$2,494 more over the same period.\n\nTo estimate your own charging costs, multiply an EV’s kilowatt-hour (kWh\/100) mileage rate by your electricity rate (measured in cents per kWh and typically found on your monthly utility bill). This gives your cost per 100 miles driven. Multiply that by how much you drive per month to estimate the increase in your electricity bill. After figuring in the number of miles you typically drive in a month, you’ll be able to see how much your electric bill may go up.\n\nKeep in mind that [public charging stations](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vehicle-charging-explained)—especially at high-speed DC fast chargers—tend to be more expensive than charging at home. If you rely exclusively on public infrastructure, your fuel savings may shrink to some extent.\n\nOnce you’ve accounted for your preferred EV model, where you charge, and how much you drive, compare your estimated charging costs to your current gas spending. For many drivers, the case for going electric will win out.\n\nMaintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars\n\nWithout spark plugs to replace or oil to change, electric vehicles have a clear leg up on maintenance costs. EVs also have the unique feature of “regenerative” braking—recovering the energy normally lost to braking—which saves on brake pad replacements. Electric cars do still require some basic maintenance, of course, like service checks and tire rotations. But in general, on a per-mile basis, EV maintenance and repair costs run about [40 percent lower](https:\/\/atlaspolicy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Comparing-the-Cost-of-Owning-the-Most-Popular-Vehicles-in-the-United-States-2025-Update.pdf) than comparable gas vehicles.\n\nLifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars\n\nNow, to calculate that all-important number: whether an electric car will be cheaper over the life of the vehicle.\n\nYou can figure out your savings estimate by adding together the up-front costs of your specific model (minus tax rebates) and then ongoing costs. You’ll need to account for your model’s efficiency, how much you plan to drive, regional electricity costs, charging habits, and maintenance costs per year. Then compare those to the gas-powered alternative.\n\nNote that the average amount of time that a driver keeps a new vehicle is seven years; this is the metric that the authors of a [2025 study from Atlas Public Policy](https:\/\/atlaspolicy.com\/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update\/)[,](https:\/\/atlaspolicy.com\/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update\/) conducted on behalf of NRDC, used when investigating how expenses would stack up for owners of gas cars versus EVs. Weighing the total cost of ownership for five of the most popular internal combustion models across different vehicle classes—a compact sedan up to a pickup truck—and comparing each to a similarly sized electric version of the same type, the study found that owning an EV is cheaper in four of five categories. (The pickup was the single exception.)\n\nThe loss of federal tax credits, however, will impact these savings, as the study’s authors note—though their calculations find that two of the five electric models (Chevrolet Equinox EV and Tesla Model Y) continue to offer higher savings than their gasoline counterparts.\n\nAnother popular model to consider when shopping for a green and budget-friendly car is a plug-in hybrid. These vehicles operate partly on gasoline and partly on electricity from the grid. A plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 50 miles could enable you to drive mainly on electricity.\n\nBottom line: You can bank on saving across the life of your EV. That’s not too shabby, considering you’ll also be [sparing the climate](https:\/\/www.ucsusa.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-09\/driving-cleaner-report.pdf) thousands of pounds of carbon pollution over the car’s lifetime, along with other pollutants that create smog, lower local air quality, and cause harm to public health. And of course, carbon pollution carries a price tag of its own. When we take measures to rein in emissions, there are concrete savings that go well beyond our own pocketbooks too.\n\n***\n*This story was originally published on March 21, 2024, and has been updated with new information and links.*\n\n***\n*This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should*[*drop us a note*](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/contact-us)*to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories.*\n\nTell the EPA—which is considering rolling back lifesaving emissions standards—that we need strong vehicle standards that protect our health and climate\\!\n\n![A woman plugging her electric car into an EVGo fast charging station in a Target parking lot, Westbury, Long Island, New York, on June 20, 2024.](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_16x9_100\/public\/2025-06\/electric-car-ev-charging-station-5R2A9116.jpg.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=dqzYwxJg)\n\n## Tell the EPA we need strong pollution standards for cars and trucks\nTransportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States—and a major source of other health-harming pollutants. Yet the EPA is considering rolling back or eliminating lifesaving vehicle emissions standards. Tell the EPA we need these standards.\n\n## Related Stories\n[Skip carousel items](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#carousel)\n\n![A woman holds a lantern that is connected by a wire to a small solar panel held by a man to her left.](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/medium_16x9_100\/public\/media-uploads\/nrdc-climate-solutions-b2bb7b-2400.jpg.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=pRL1GD8F)\n\n[What Are the Solutions to Climate Change?](https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/what-are-solutions-climate-change)\n\nFebruary 26, 2026GuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine\n\nSome solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	There are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an  electric vehicle  (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers slashing prices for EVs in the past year on top of state and utility incentives for eligible buyers, you may even be able to score a bargain up front. Let’s sort out the details.  Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars Cost of electricity vs. gasoline  Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars According to  data  from Cox Automotive (parent company of Kelley Blue Book), the average price paid for a new EV continues to fall—in September 2023, it came down by $14,300 over the prior year. This amounted to a cost of just $2,800 more than the average paid for a new gas-powered vehicle. And with the EV market growing rapidly, the price margin is expected to shrink even more in the coming years as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, the most expensive part of an EV.  You can mitigate some of that cost by making use of  state incentives, which can shave thousands off an EV’s price tag. And federal tax credits—recently scrapped by Congress , despite their popularity —remain available through September 2025. (Those credits include up to $7,500 for a new EV and $4,00 for a used one, with some limitations.) Additionally, many states continue to offer their own tax incentives, so take the time to  search  for what’s available for the model you’re interested in buying.  Once you have an idea of what incentives you qualify for, you should be able to better compare car prices.  Cost of electricity vs. gasoline  Here’s where EV owners win out. Going electric means you get to skip pricey trips to the pump, which is one of the biggest draws for making the switch. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the  average cost to fuel an electric car  was $485 a year, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. A  2020 Consumer Reports study  similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars. And in 2023, the nonpartisan policy firm Energy Innovation released a  report  showing that these savings benefit drivers across the United States: Every EV model in every state is cheaper to fill than a gas-powered vehicle. These savings are largely based on the fact that current EVs are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, according to real-world  data  collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And importantly, electricity prices are more stable and predictable than gasoline prices . For the latter, we see routine price swings, which are heavily influenced by global oil markets, geopolitical conflict, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, electricity is typically regulated at the state or local level, with pricing subject to long-term planning and utility rate oversight. Many utilities also offer time-of-use rates, allowing EV drivers to charge during low-cost, off-peak hours—giving you even more control over refueling costs. Your actual savings will depend on a few key factors, including how efficient your EV is, how you charge it, and where you live. Here’s why. EVs can vary in efficiency —that is, how far they can go on the same amount of electricity. For an EV, efficiency is measured by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it consumes per 100 miles—similar to a gas-powered car’s miles-per-gallon stat. (A lower kWh/100 miles rate is better.) For example, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a standout in terms of efficiency, with 25 kWh/100 miles, but the more affordable 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is comparable, with a 29 kWh/100 miles rating. Make sure to consider this factor when comparison shopping and check out the U.S. Department of Energy's fuel-savings calculator for a more tailored estimate on how much you can save based on the specific vehicle you're considering.  Charging your car at home will raise your electric bill, but by how much depends on where you live, your local utility rates, and when you charge. Most utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and many EVs allow you to schedule charging overnight when rates are low, potentially saving you up to 30 percent per charge. Level 1 chargers (standard 120V outlets) can add around 32 miles of range overnight, which is plenty for daily commutes. For faster charging, a Level 2 (240V) charger can provide more than 250 miles of range overnight. Installation typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on your home’s electrical setup and local labor costs. Several states and utilities also offer incentives for income-qualified buyers, including rebates for charger installations. Electricity costs, like gas prices, can vary significantly by region. A 2020 study found the lifetime fuel costs of battery-powered EVs versus gas cars vary state by state. In Washington, an EV owner can save as much as $14,480 over the life of the vehicle (approximately 15 years)—the highest margin in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, in Hawai'i, higher electricity costs could mean spending $2,494 more over the same period.  To estimate your own charging costs, multiply an EV’s kilowatt-hour (kWh/100) mileage rate by your electricity rate (measured in cents per kWh and typically found on your monthly utility bill). This gives your cost per 100 miles driven. Multiply that by how much you drive per month to estimate the increase in your electricity bill. After figuring in the number of miles you typically drive in a month, you’ll be able to see how much your electric bill may go up. Keep in mind that  public charging stations —especially at high-speed DC fast chargers—tend to be more expensive than charging at home. If you rely exclusively on public infrastructure, your fuel savings may shrink to some extent. Once you’ve accounted for your preferred EV model, where you charge, and how much you drive, compare your estimated charging costs to your current gas spending. For many drivers, the case for going electric will win out. Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars Without spark plugs to replace or oil to change, electric vehicles have a clear leg up on maintenance costs. EVs also have the unique feature of “regenerative” braking—recovering the energy normally lost to braking—which saves on brake pad replacements. Electric cars do still require some basic maintenance, of course, like service checks and tire rotations. But in general, on a per-mile basis, EV maintenance and repair costs run about 40 percent lower than comparable gas vehicles. Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars Now, to calculate that all-important number: whether an electric car will be cheaper over the life of the vehicle.  You can figure out your savings estimate by adding together the up-front costs of your specific model (minus tax rebates) and then ongoing costs. You’ll need to account for your model’s efficiency, how much you plan to drive, regional electricity costs, charging habits, and maintenance costs per year. Then compare those to the gas-powered alternative.  Note that the average amount of time that a driver keeps a new vehicle is seven years; this is the metric that the authors of a 2025 study from Atlas Public Policy , conducted on behalf of NRDC, used when investigating how expenses would stack up for owners of gas cars versus EVs. Weighing the total cost of ownership for five of the most popular internal combustion models across different vehicle classes—a compact sedan up to a pickup truck—and comparing each to a similarly sized electric version of the same type, the study found that owning an EV is cheaper in four of five categories. (The pickup was the single exception.) The loss of federal tax credits, however, will impact these savings, as the study’s authors note—though their calculations find that two of the five electric models (Chevrolet Equinox EV and Tesla Model Y) continue to offer higher savings than their gasoline counterparts. Another popular model to consider when shopping for a green and budget-friendly car is a plug-in hybrid. These vehicles operate partly on gasoline and partly on electricity from the grid. A plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 50 miles could enable you to drive mainly on electricity.  Bottom line: You can bank on saving across the life of your EV. That’s not too shabby, considering you’ll also be  sparing the climate  thousands of pounds of carbon pollution over the car’s lifetime, along with other pollutants that create smog, lower local air quality, and cause harm to public health. And of course, carbon pollution carries a price tag of its own. When we take measures to rein in emissions, there are concrete savings that go well beyond our own pocketbooks too. This story was originally published on March 21, 2024, and has been updated with new information and links. This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should drop us a note to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories. Tell the EPA—which is considering rolling back lifesaving emissions standards—that we need strong vehicle standards that protect our health and climate! Tell the EPA we need strong pollution standards for cars and trucks Transportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States—and a major source of other health-harming pollutants. Yet the EPA is considering rolling back or eliminating lifesaving vehicle emissions standards. Tell the EPA we need these standards. Related Stories Skip carousel items What Are the Solutions to Climate Change? February 26, 2026 Guide United States, International Jeff Turrentine Some solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable.
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#main) ![](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/huge_4x3_100/public/2026-04/piping-plovers-118049-3070x2304_0.jpg.jpg?h=907354de&itok=DnPLgHmo) Credit: Ray Hennessy 2X MATCH FOR EARTH DAY This Earth Day, everything is on the line. The Trump administration is stripping protections for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the lands we love. Your Earth Day gift will be 2X matched until 4/22 to help NRDC fight back in and out of court. 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July 21, 2025 [![A headshot of Courtney Lindwall](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/profile_100/public/2023-05/courtney-lindwall-009.jpg.jpg?h=b13ea8c4&itok=6jv3EZTc) Courtney Lindwall Contributor](https://www.nrdc.org/bio/courtney-lindwall) Share this page ![An animation of an electric vehicle on grass with mountains that pop up in the background as the animation continues](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/Electric%20vehicle_EV.gif) There are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an [electric vehicle](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/now-good-time-buy-electric-car "Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Electric Car?") (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers slashing prices for EVs in the past year on top of state and utility incentives for eligible buyers, you may even be able to score a bargain up front. Let’s sort out the details. - [Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#prices) - [Cost of electricity vs. gasoline](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#gas) - [Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#maintenance) - [Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#lifetime-costs) ## Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars According to [data](https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/kbb-atp-september-2023/) from Cox Automotive (parent company of Kelley Blue Book), the average price paid for a new EV continues to fall—in September 2023, it came down by \$14,300 over the prior year. This amounted to a cost of just \$2,800 more than the average paid for a new gas-powered vehicle. And with the EV market growing rapidly, the price margin is expected to shrink even more in the coming years as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, the most expensive part of an EV. You can mitigate some of that cost by making use of [state incentives,](https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/electric-vehicle-rebates-by-state/) which can shave thousands off an EV’s price tag. And federal tax credits—recently scrapped by Congress[, despite their popularity](https://www.jdpower.com/business/resources/e-vision-intelligence-report-november-2024#:~:text=Industry-wide%2C%2097%25%20of,up%20from%2023%25%20in%202022.)—remain available through September 2025. (Those credits include up to \$7,500 for a new EV and \$4,00 for a used one, with some limitations.) Additionally, many states continue to offer their own tax incentives, so take the time to [search](https://afdc.energy.gov/laws) for what’s available for the model you’re interested in buying. Once you have an idea of what incentives you qualify for, you should be able to better compare car prices. ## Cost of electricity vs. gasoline Here’s where EV owners win out. Going electric means you get to skip pricey trips to the pump, which is one of the biggest draws for making the switch. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the [average cost to fuel an electric car](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/01/14/electric-vehicles-cost-less-than-half-as-much-to-drive/?sh=156b5a603f97) was \$485 a year, compared to \$1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. A [2020 Consumer Reports study](https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/EV-Ownership-Cost-Final-Report-1.pdf) similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars. And in 2023, the nonpartisan policy firm Energy Innovation released a [report](https://energyinnovation.org/publication/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fill-up-an-electric-vehicle-vs-a-gas-powered-car/) showing that these savings benefit drivers across the United States: Every EV model in every state is cheaper to fill than a gas-powered vehicle. These savings are largely based on the fact that current EVs are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, according to real-world [data](https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84631.pdf) collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And importantly, electricity prices are more stable and predictable than [gasoline prices](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/real-reasons-high-oil-and-gas-prices). For the latter, we see routine price swings, which are heavily influenced by global oil markets, geopolitical conflict, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, electricity is typically regulated at the state or local level, with pricing subject to long-term planning and utility rate oversight. Many utilities also offer time-of-use rates, allowing EV drivers to charge during low-cost, off-peak hours—giving you even more control over refueling costs. ![A line graph showing Electricity and Gasoline Prices from Jan 2001 to March 2025](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_100/public/2025-07/ElectricityGasPrices-Jan2001-Mar2025.jpg.jpg?itok=BzLUOa_G) Your actual savings will depend on a few key factors, including how efficient your EV is, how you charge it, and where you live. Here’s why. Efficiency varies by model [EVs can vary in efficiency](https://www.cars.com/articles/top-10-most-efficient-electric-cars-447501/)—that is, how far they can go on the same amount of electricity. For an EV, efficiency is measured by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it consumes per 100 miles—similar to a gas-powered car’s miles-per-gallon stat. (A lower kWh/100 miles rate is better.) For example, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a standout in terms of efficiency, with 25 kWh/100 miles, but the more affordable 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is comparable, with a 29 kWh/100 miles rating. Make sure to consider this factor when comparison shopping and check out the U.S. Department of Energy's [fuel-savings calculator](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/savemoney.jsp) for a more tailored estimate on how much you can save based on the specific vehicle you're considering. Home charging is the most affordable option Charging your car at home will raise your electric bill, but by how much depends on where you live, your local utility rates, and when you charge. Most utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and many EVs allow you to schedule charging overnight when rates are low, potentially saving you up to 30 percent per charge. - Level 1 chargers (standard 120V outlets) can add around 32 miles of range overnight, which is plenty for daily commutes. - For faster charging, a Level 2 (240V) charger can provide more than 250 miles of range overnight. Installation typically costs between \$1,000 and \$2,500, depending on your home’s electrical setup and local labor costs. Several states and utilities also offer incentives for income-qualified buyers, including rebates for charger installations. Regional differences matter Electricity costs, like gas prices, can vary significantly by region. [A 2020 study](https://www.cell.com/joule/pdfExtended/S2542-4351$20$30231-2) found the lifetime fuel costs of battery-powered EVs versus gas cars vary state by state. In Washington, an EV owner can save as much as \$14,480 over the life of the vehicle (approximately 15 years)—the highest margin in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, in Hawai'i, higher electricity costs could mean spending \$2,494 more over the same period. To estimate your own charging costs, multiply an EV’s kilowatt-hour (kWh/100) mileage rate by your electricity rate (measured in cents per kWh and typically found on your monthly utility bill). This gives your cost per 100 miles driven. Multiply that by how much you drive per month to estimate the increase in your electricity bill. After figuring in the number of miles you typically drive in a month, you’ll be able to see how much your electric bill may go up. Keep in mind that [public charging stations](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vehicle-charging-explained)—especially at high-speed DC fast chargers—tend to be more expensive than charging at home. If you rely exclusively on public infrastructure, your fuel savings may shrink to some extent. Once you’ve accounted for your preferred EV model, where you charge, and how much you drive, compare your estimated charging costs to your current gas spending. For many drivers, the case for going electric will win out. ## Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars Without spark plugs to replace or oil to change, electric vehicles have a clear leg up on maintenance costs. EVs also have the unique feature of “regenerative” braking—recovering the energy normally lost to braking—which saves on brake pad replacements. Electric cars do still require some basic maintenance, of course, like service checks and tire rotations. But in general, on a per-mile basis, EV maintenance and repair costs run about [40 percent lower](https://atlaspolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Comparing-the-Cost-of-Owning-the-Most-Popular-Vehicles-in-the-United-States-2025-Update.pdf) than comparable gas vehicles. ## Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars Now, to calculate that all-important number: whether an electric car will be cheaper over the life of the vehicle. You can figure out your savings estimate by adding together the up-front costs of your specific model (minus tax rebates) and then ongoing costs. You’ll need to account for your model’s efficiency, how much you plan to drive, regional electricity costs, charging habits, and maintenance costs per year. Then compare those to the gas-powered alternative. Note that the average amount of time that a driver keeps a new vehicle is seven years; this is the metric that the authors of a [2025 study from Atlas Public Policy](https://atlaspolicy.com/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update/)[,](https://atlaspolicy.com/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update/) conducted on behalf of NRDC, used when investigating how expenses would stack up for owners of gas cars versus EVs. Weighing the total cost of ownership for five of the most popular internal combustion models across different vehicle classes—a compact sedan up to a pickup truck—and comparing each to a similarly sized electric version of the same type, the study found that owning an EV is cheaper in four of five categories. (The pickup was the single exception.) The loss of federal tax credits, however, will impact these savings, as the study’s authors note—though their calculations find that two of the five electric models (Chevrolet Equinox EV and Tesla Model Y) continue to offer higher savings than their gasoline counterparts. Another popular model to consider when shopping for a green and budget-friendly car is a plug-in hybrid. These vehicles operate partly on gasoline and partly on electricity from the grid. A plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 50 miles could enable you to drive mainly on electricity. Bottom line: You can bank on saving across the life of your EV. That’s not too shabby, considering you’ll also be [sparing the climate](https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/driving-cleaner-report.pdf) thousands of pounds of carbon pollution over the car’s lifetime, along with other pollutants that create smog, lower local air quality, and cause harm to public health. And of course, carbon pollution carries a price tag of its own. When we take measures to rein in emissions, there are concrete savings that go well beyond our own pocketbooks too. *** This story was originally published on March 21, 2024, and has been updated with new information and links. *** This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should[drop us a note](https://www.nrdc.org/contact-us)to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories. ## Transportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States. Tell the EPA—which is considering rolling back lifesaving emissions standards—that we need strong vehicle standards that protect our health and climate\! [TAKE ACTION](https://action.nrdc.org/letter/4081-epa-clean-vehicles-060325?initms=WBSNAECVPETC30625&ms=WBSNAECVPETC30625) ![A woman plugging her electric car into an EVGo fast charging station in a Target parking lot, Westbury, Long Island, New York, on June 20, 2024.](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_16x9_100/public/2025-06/electric-car-ev-charging-station-5R2A9116.jpg.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=dqzYwxJg) ## Tell the EPA we need strong pollution standards for cars and trucks Transportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States—and a major source of other health-harming pollutants. Yet the EPA is considering rolling back or eliminating lifesaving vehicle emissions standards. Tell the EPA we need these standards. [TAKE ACTION](https://action.nrdc.org/letter/4081-epa-clean-vehicles-060325?initms=WBSNAECVPETC30625&ms=WBSNAECVPETC30625) Related Issues [Transportation](https://www.nrdc.org/issues/transportation) ## Related Stories [Skip carousel items](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#carousel) ![A river runs through a valley between mountains, with brown banks visible on either side of the water](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_16x9_100/public/media-uploads/nrdc-climate-change-causes-0418-2400.jpg.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=vXOPQWqr) [What Are the Causes of Climate Change?](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-causes-climate-change) March 3, 2026 GuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine We can’t fight climate change without understanding what drives it. ![A woman holds a lantern that is connected by a wire to a small solar panel held by a man to her left.](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_16x9_100/public/media-uploads/nrdc-climate-solutions-b2bb7b-2400.jpg.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=pRL1GD8F) [What Are the Solutions to Climate Change?](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-solutions-climate-change) February 26, 2026 GuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine Some solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable. ![A dark shadow falls over half of the exterior of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters building on a sunny day](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_16x9_100/public/2024-12/environmental-protection-agency-headquarters-washington-dc-20325694482118.jpg.jpg?h=44b879e5&itok=H50sG0Gx) [How EPA Rollbacks Will Cost Us—in Dollars and Lives](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-epa-rollbacks-will-cost-us-dollars-and-lives) February 18, 2026 ExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall Gutting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is just as damaging to our economy as it is to our climate and health. Thanks for signing up. You’ll receive your first NRDC action alert and update email soon\! ## Thank you for subscribing\! We will be reaching out to you at: \[Email\] ## Thank you for the information\! Providing us ways to reach out allows us to work together to solve the issues facing us. 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Readable Markdown	![An animation of an electric vehicle on grass with mountains that pop up in the background as the animation continues](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/Electric%20vehicle_EV.gif) There are plenty of climate and air quality reasons to buy an [electric vehicle](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/now-good-time-buy-electric-car "Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Electric Car?") (EV), but is it cheaper to drive? While this is a complicated question that has befuddled car shoppers for years, in most cases, an EV will indeed be cheaper in the long run. And with automakers slashing prices for EVs in the past year on top of state and utility incentives for eligible buyers, you may even be able to score a bargain up front. Let’s sort out the details. - [Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#prices) - [Cost of electricity vs. gasoline](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#gas) - [Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#maintenance) - [Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#lifetime-costs) Sticker prices for electric vs. gas cars According to [data](https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/kbb-atp-september-2023/) from Cox Automotive (parent company of Kelley Blue Book), the average price paid for a new EV continues to fall—in September 2023, it came down by \$14,300 over the prior year. This amounted to a cost of just \$2,800 more than the average paid for a new gas-powered vehicle. And with the EV market growing rapidly, the price margin is expected to shrink even more in the coming years as manufacturers produce more affordable models and improve battery technology, the most expensive part of an EV. You can mitigate some of that cost by making use of [state incentives,](https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/electric-vehicle-rebates-by-state/) which can shave thousands off an EV’s price tag. And federal tax credits—recently scrapped by Congress[, despite their popularity](https://www.jdpower.com/business/resources/e-vision-intelligence-report-november-2024#:~:text=Industry-wide%2C%2097%25%20of,up%20from%2023%25%20in%202022.)—remain available through September 2025. (Those credits include up to \$7,500 for a new EV and \$4,00 for a used one, with some limitations.) Additionally, many states continue to offer their own tax incentives, so take the time to [search](https://afdc.energy.gov/laws) for what’s available for the model you’re interested in buying. Once you have an idea of what incentives you qualify for, you should be able to better compare car prices. Cost of electricity vs. gasoline Here’s where EV owners win out. Going electric means you get to skip pricey trips to the pump, which is one of the biggest draws for making the switch. A 2018 study by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found that the [average cost to fuel an electric car](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/01/14/electric-vehicles-cost-less-than-half-as-much-to-drive/?sh=156b5a603f97) was \$485 a year, compared to \$1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. A [2020 Consumer Reports study](https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/EV-Ownership-Cost-Final-Report-1.pdf) similarly showed that EV drivers tend to spend about 60 percent less each year on fuel costs compared to drivers of gas-powered cars. And in 2023, the nonpartisan policy firm Energy Innovation released a [report](https://energyinnovation.org/publication/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fill-up-an-electric-vehicle-vs-a-gas-powered-car/) showing that these savings benefit drivers across the United States: Every EV model in every state is cheaper to fill than a gas-powered vehicle. These savings are largely based on the fact that current EVs are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient at traveling a mile compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, according to real-world [data](https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84631.pdf) collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). And importantly, electricity prices are more stable and predictable than [gasoline prices](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/real-reasons-high-oil-and-gas-prices). For the latter, we see routine price swings, which are heavily influenced by global oil markets, geopolitical conflict, extreme weather events, and supply chain disruptions. In contrast, electricity is typically regulated at the state or local level, with pricing subject to long-term planning and utility rate oversight. Many utilities also offer time-of-use rates, allowing EV drivers to charge during low-cost, off-peak hours—giving you even more control over refueling costs. ![A line graph showing Electricity and Gasoline Prices from Jan 2001 to March 2025](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_100/public/2025-07/ElectricityGasPrices-Jan2001-Mar2025.jpg.jpg?itok=BzLUOa_G) Your actual savings will depend on a few key factors, including how efficient your EV is, how you charge it, and where you live. Here’s why. [EVs can vary in efficiency](https://www.cars.com/articles/top-10-most-efficient-electric-cars-447501/)—that is, how far they can go on the same amount of electricity. For an EV, efficiency is measured by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it consumes per 100 miles—similar to a gas-powered car’s miles-per-gallon stat. (A lower kWh/100 miles rate is better.) For example, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a standout in terms of efficiency, with 25 kWh/100 miles, but the more affordable 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is comparable, with a 29 kWh/100 miles rating. Make sure to consider this factor when comparison shopping and check out the U.S. Department of Energy's [fuel-savings calculator](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/savemoney.jsp) for a more tailored estimate on how much you can save based on the specific vehicle you're considering. Charging your car at home will raise your electric bill, but by how much depends on where you live, your local utility rates, and when you charge. Most utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, and many EVs allow you to schedule charging overnight when rates are low, potentially saving you up to 30 percent per charge. - Level 1 chargers (standard 120V outlets) can add around 32 miles of range overnight, which is plenty for daily commutes. - For faster charging, a Level 2 (240V) charger can provide more than 250 miles of range overnight. Installation typically costs between \$1,000 and \$2,500, depending on your home’s electrical setup and local labor costs. Several states and utilities also offer incentives for income-qualified buyers, including rebates for charger installations. Electricity costs, like gas prices, can vary significantly by region. [A 2020 study](https://www.cell.com/joule/pdfExtended/S2542-4351$20$30231-2) found the lifetime fuel costs of battery-powered EVs versus gas cars vary state by state. In Washington, an EV owner can save as much as \$14,480 over the life of the vehicle (approximately 15 years)—the highest margin in the country. On the other end of the spectrum, in Hawai'i, higher electricity costs could mean spending \$2,494 more over the same period. To estimate your own charging costs, multiply an EV’s kilowatt-hour (kWh/100) mileage rate by your electricity rate (measured in cents per kWh and typically found on your monthly utility bill). This gives your cost per 100 miles driven. Multiply that by how much you drive per month to estimate the increase in your electricity bill. After figuring in the number of miles you typically drive in a month, you’ll be able to see how much your electric bill may go up. Keep in mind that [public charging stations](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vehicle-charging-explained)—especially at high-speed DC fast chargers—tend to be more expensive than charging at home. If you rely exclusively on public infrastructure, your fuel savings may shrink to some extent. Once you’ve accounted for your preferred EV model, where you charge, and how much you drive, compare your estimated charging costs to your current gas spending. For many drivers, the case for going electric will win out. Maintenance costs for electric vs. gas cars Without spark plugs to replace or oil to change, electric vehicles have a clear leg up on maintenance costs. EVs also have the unique feature of “regenerative” braking—recovering the energy normally lost to braking—which saves on brake pad replacements. Electric cars do still require some basic maintenance, of course, like service checks and tire rotations. But in general, on a per-mile basis, EV maintenance and repair costs run about [40 percent lower](https://atlaspolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Comparing-the-Cost-of-Owning-the-Most-Popular-Vehicles-in-the-United-States-2025-Update.pdf) than comparable gas vehicles. Lifetime costs for electric vs. gas cars Now, to calculate that all-important number: whether an electric car will be cheaper over the life of the vehicle. You can figure out your savings estimate by adding together the up-front costs of your specific model (minus tax rebates) and then ongoing costs. You’ll need to account for your model’s efficiency, how much you plan to drive, regional electricity costs, charging habits, and maintenance costs per year. Then compare those to the gas-powered alternative. Note that the average amount of time that a driver keeps a new vehicle is seven years; this is the metric that the authors of a [2025 study from Atlas Public Policy](https://atlaspolicy.com/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update/)[,](https://atlaspolicy.com/comparing-the-total-cost-of-ownership-of-the-most-popular-vehicles-in-the-united-states-2025-update/) conducted on behalf of NRDC, used when investigating how expenses would stack up for owners of gas cars versus EVs. Weighing the total cost of ownership for five of the most popular internal combustion models across different vehicle classes—a compact sedan up to a pickup truck—and comparing each to a similarly sized electric version of the same type, the study found that owning an EV is cheaper in four of five categories. (The pickup was the single exception.) The loss of federal tax credits, however, will impact these savings, as the study’s authors note—though their calculations find that two of the five electric models (Chevrolet Equinox EV and Tesla Model Y) continue to offer higher savings than their gasoline counterparts. Another popular model to consider when shopping for a green and budget-friendly car is a plug-in hybrid. These vehicles operate partly on gasoline and partly on electricity from the grid. A plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 50 miles could enable you to drive mainly on electricity. Bottom line: You can bank on saving across the life of your EV. That’s not too shabby, considering you’ll also be [sparing the climate](https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/driving-cleaner-report.pdf) thousands of pounds of carbon pollution over the car’s lifetime, along with other pollutants that create smog, lower local air quality, and cause harm to public health. And of course, carbon pollution carries a price tag of its own. When we take measures to rein in emissions, there are concrete savings that go well beyond our own pocketbooks too. *** This story was originally published on March 21, 2024, and has been updated with new information and links. *** This NRDC.org story is available for online republication by news media outlets or nonprofits under these conditions: The writer(s) must be credited with a byline; you must note prominently that the story was originally published by NRDC.org and link to the original; the story cannot be edited (beyond simple things such as grammar); you can’t resell the story in any form or grant republishing rights to other outlets; you can’t republish our material wholesale or automatically—you need to select stories individually; you can’t republish the photos or graphics on our site without specific permission; you should[drop us a note](https://www.nrdc.org/contact-us)to let us know when you’ve used one of our stories. Tell the EPA—which is considering rolling back lifesaving emissions standards—that we need strong vehicle standards that protect our health and climate\! ![A woman plugging her electric car into an EVGo fast charging station in a Target parking lot, Westbury, Long Island, New York, on June 20, 2024.](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_16x9_100/public/2025-06/electric-car-ev-charging-station-5R2A9116.jpg.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=dqzYwxJg) ## Tell the EPA we need strong pollution standards for cars and trucks Transportation is the single-largest source of climate pollution in the United States—and a major source of other health-harming pollutants. Yet the EPA is considering rolling back or eliminating lifesaving vehicle emissions standards. Tell the EPA we need these standards. ## Related Stories [Skip carousel items](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/electric-vs-gas-cars-it-cheaper-drive-ev#carousel) ![A woman holds a lantern that is connected by a wire to a small solar panel held by a man to her left.](https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium_16x9_100/public/media-uploads/nrdc-climate-solutions-b2bb7b-2400.jpg.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=pRL1GD8F) [What Are the Solutions to Climate Change?](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-solutions-climate-change) February 26, 2026GuideUnited States, InternationalJeff Turrentine Some solutions are big and will require billions in investment. Some are small and free. All are achievable.
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