Gas vs Electric Calculator
Pick any two vehicles to compare their yearly running cost — fuel vs charging — plus CO₂ and a 5-year projection.
Vehicle A
Vehicle B
Pick two vehicles above to compare their running cost.
How to use this calculator
Choose two vehicles (typically one gas and one electric), then enter how far you drive in a year, your local gas price and your electricity rate. The calculator shows each vehicle's yearly energy cost, the yearly savings and the 5-year difference.
Both vehicles use official EPA / Natural Resources Canada economy ratings, so the comparison reflects real rated efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to drive an electric car or a gas car?
- In most cases charging an EV at home costs far less per kilometre than buying gasoline, often a quarter to a third of the fuel cost. Exact savings depend on your electricity rate, local gas price and how much you drive — enter both vehicles above to compare.
- How much can I save per year switching to an EV?
- Annual savings are your gas vehicle’s yearly fuel cost minus the EV’s yearly charging cost. Many drivers save several hundred to over a thousand dollars a year. This tool shows the yearly and 5-year difference for the two vehicles you pick.
- Does this include the higher purchase price of an EV?
- No — this compares running cost (fuel vs charging) and tailpipe CO₂ only. To weigh the purchase-price difference and depreciation, use the Cost of Ownership and Car Loan calculators alongside this one.
More calculators
- Fuel Cost CalculatorHow much will a trip cost in gas — or charging for an EV?
- Car Loan CalculatorMonthly payment, total interest and total cost.
- Gas Mileage CalculatorYour real-world economy vs the official rating.
- EV Charging CostCost per charge, per month, and per kilometre.
- Tire Size CalculatorCompare two tire sizes and check speedometer error.
- Lease vs BuyWhich is cheaper over the years you’ll keep it?
- Towing CapacityAvailable towing capacity and tongue weight.
- Depreciation CalculatorEstimated value and yearly loss over time.
- Cost of OwnershipFuel, maintenance and depreciation combined.
- Commute CostWhat your daily drive costs per week, month and year.
- Road Trip PlannerFuel cost across a multi-stop trip.