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EV vs Gas Cost Comparison

Calculate the total 5-year cost of ownership: electric vs gasoline vehicle.

Electric vehicles have higher upfront costs but lower fuel and maintenance costs. This calculator models the full 5-year ownership comparison including depreciation, fuel/electricity, and typical maintenance differences.

Enter your numbers

EV Purchase Price ($)

Gas Car Purchase Price ($)

Annual Kilometers Driven

Electricity Rate (¢/kWh)

Gas Price (¢/L)

Results update as you change the inputs. Calculations run in your browser.

5-Year Total Cost Comparison

$624 EV Premium

ev Total Cost: $60989
gas Total Cost: $60365
annual Fuel Savings: $2275/yr in fuel

See the formula

Formula and method

5-Year Cost = Purchase + (Annual Fuel + Maintenance) × 5

EV efficiency assumption: 17 kWh/100km (Tesla Model 3 average). Gas: 9L/100km (Canadian average SUV/sedan mix). EV maintenance savings: no oil changes, less brake wear (regenerative braking), no transmission service.

Worked examples

High mileage commuter

EV Purchase Price ($):: 50000
Gas Car Purchase Price ($):: 35000
Annual Kilometers Driven:: 25000
Electricity Rate (¢/kWh):: 12
Gas Price (¢/L):: 168

5-Year Total Cost Comparison: $6350 EV Savings

Low mileage city driver

EV Purchase Price ($):: 52000
Gas Car Purchase Price ($):: 34000
Annual Kilometers Driven:: 12000
Electricity Rate (¢/kWh):: 15
Gas Price (¢/L):: 160

5-Year Total Cost Comparison: $5890 EV Premium

Assumptions and limits

17 kWh/100km EV consumption
9L/100km gas consumption
$800 vs $1,800 annual maintenance

This tool provides an educational estimate. Rules, rates and personal circumstances can change the answer. Review the assumptions before relying on a result. Report a correction.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ignoring home charging equipment cost (~$1,000-$1,500 for Level 2 installation).
Not accounting for EV incentives — federal and provincial rebates can reduce purchase price by $5,000-$15,000.
Assuming gas prices stay constant — EV savings increase significantly if gas prices rise.

Frequently asked questions

Are there EV incentives in Canada?

Yes. The federal iZEV program provides up to $5,000 for eligible EVs under $55,000 MSRP (adjusted for battery size). BC, Quebec, and some other provinces offer additional provincial rebates of $2,000-$7,000.