Compare Total Ownership Costs
2-4 hoursCompare purchase price, fuel/charging costs, maintenance, insurance, and incentives between your current vehicle and target EV models.
Field context
This workflow is part of 4 niche fields
Electric vehicle transition planning guide for comparing EV models, charging infrastructure, tax credits, total cost of ownership, and home charger installation.
Compare purchase price, fuel/charging costs, maintenance, insurance, and incentives between your current vehicle and target EV models.
Evaluate home charging feasibility, installation costs for Level 2 charger, and workplace/public charging availability on your routes.
Compare your current gas spending against estimated electricity costs based on daily mileage and local utility rates.
Compare range, charging speed, reliability ratings, and total cost for EVs matching your daily driving needs and budget.
Schedule charger installation, apply for utility rebates, arrange trade-in or sale of current vehicle, and plan insurance update.
Compare 5-year total cost of ownership: EV vs gas vehicle. · Factor charging infrastructure costs into total savings. · Project annual fuel vs electricity cost difference.
Calculate current annual fuel spending as baseline. · Plan transition budget including charger and insurance changes.
Estimate home charging electricity costs per month.
Establish current vehicle fuel efficiency baseline.
Compare EV financing costs after tax credit application.
Verify EV fits budget including charger installation.
Typical annual cost differences for US drivers at 12,000 miles/year.
| Cost Category | Gas Vehicle (25 MPG) | EV (3.5 mi/kWh) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Energy | $1,680 ($3.50/gal) | $520 ($0.15/kWh) | $1,160 |
| Maintenance | $1,200 | $600 | $600 |
| Insurance | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Registration | $150 | $100 (some states) | $50 |
Home charging at off-peak rates costs 60-75% less than public fast charging — the single biggest factor in EV savings.
EV batteries lose 2-3% capacity per year on average. Factor reduced range when buying used EVs over 5 years old.
Driving experience varies significantly between EV models — one-pedal driving, regen strength, and ride quality differ more than in gas cars.
Combine federal tax credit, state rebates, utility charger rebates, and HOV lane access for maximum savings.