For years, drivers have debated whether electric vehicles (EVs) are more cost-effective than gas cars. This debate has been kept alive by the rising electricity prices, falling fuel costs, the end of federal EV credits, and new technologies.
After analyzing data on electricity rates, gas prices, maintenance, and mileage, the results showed that an EV was far cheaper than a gas-powered car in most parts of the United States.
Experts Finally Crunch the Numbers
According to the latest nationwide averages, an EV costs around $73 per month to charge, while fueling a gas car averages around $159. That means an EV costs half for the same amount of driving. That difference can exceed $1,000 in savings annually.
Here are the key figures that show the real cost gap:
| Category | Electric Vehicle (EV) | Gas-Powered Vehicle |
| Energy Cost | 17.5 cents per kilowatt hour | $3.18 per gallon |
| Efficiency | 3 miles per kilowatt hour | 25 miles per gallon |
| Average Monthly Cost | $73 | $159 |
| Annual Fuel/Charging Cost | ~$876 | ~$1,908 |
Although driving habits and local energy prices also determine the costs, the gap between EVs and gas vehicles remains significant in nearly every state. Additionally, despite the rising costs of electricity, charging an EV remains cheaper than filling a gas tank.
When and Where You Charge Matters
Drivers who own EVs can even save more by charging during non-peak hours, especially overnight when electricity rates are usually lower. Those who have charging facilities at home can even save further.
Homeowners can install a Level 2 home charger to make their charging process more efficient. It is also possible to use solar energy systems, which now eliminates charging costs.
According to experts, households that use solar panels can reduce the cost of powering an EV to just a few dollars a month.
The Overlooked Savings in Maintenance
Beyond fuel costs, there are also huge differences in how much it costs to maintain an EV compared to a gas-powered car. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and therefore they don’t require oil changes, spark plug replacements, and regular servicing of transmission systems.
Typical gas-powered vehicles might cost approximately $700 a year for maintenance, while EVs average about $450, depending on the model. That means EVs have lower long-term ownership costs and require less servicing compared to gas vehicles.
In addition to being cheaper to fuel, low maintenance for EV cars shakes off the perception that they have higher upfront costs, which makes them more expensive overall. When maintenance and charging are considered, EV models are cheaper to own within the first three years than similar gas vehicles.
Environmental and Economic Wins
Besides being cheaper, EVs are also environmentally friendly because they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions even when accounting that they use electricity to charge.
Although the manufacturing process of EVs produces slightly more emissions than the production of traditional cars, studies show that EVs quickly make up for the difference within the first 13,000 to 15,000 miles of driving. Overall, EVs reduce emissions nationwide.
Conclusion
After years of debate, data now show that electric vehicles cost less to operate, maintain, and power than gas cars in almost every measurable way. An average U.S. driver can expect to save hundreds of dollars each year by just switching from a gas-powered car to an EV.
The availability of home solar panels even makes it possible for EV owners to save more. Additionally, it makes the whole process (charging and driving) more environmentally friendly.
For drivers who are still undecided, the latest analysis clearly shows that the future of affordable driving is electric. Therefore, it is only wise to switch to electric vehicles to enjoy cheaper driving, lower maintenance, and a cleaner environmental footprint.