EV Running Cost Calculator US
Calculate the energy used and running cost of an electric vehicle per trip and per km.
How it works
A discount reduces the original price by a percentage. The saving is the price times the discount; the sale price is what remains.
Sale price = Price × (1 − discount%)Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate an EV’s cost per mile?
Divide your electricity rate by the car’s efficiency in miles per kWh. At 16¢/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, that is about 4.6¢ per mile.
What is a typical EV efficiency?
Many EVs achieve roughly 3 to 4 miles per kWh, though this drops in cold weather and at high speeds.
Is an EV cheaper to run than a gas car?
Usually yes on fuel. In a typical example an EV costs under 5¢ per mile versus around 12¢ for a 30 mpg gas car, though rates vary.
Why is public fast charging more expensive?
Fast chargers charge a premium per kWh over home electricity, sometimes several times more, which raises road-trip costs.
Does cold weather affect EV running cost?
Yes. Cold reduces efficiency and range, so cost per mile rises in winter compared with mild conditions.
What is the cheapest way to charge?
Charging at home on an off-peak or time-of-use rate is typically the lowest-cost option.
What it costs to run an electric car
An EV’s running cost comes from how much electricity it uses and what that electricity costs. Efficiency is usually given as miles per kWh (or kWh per 100 miles), and cost per mile is that efficiency combined with your electricity rate.
The calculation
Cost per mile = electricity rate ÷ efficiency in miles per kWh. A car doing 3.5 miles per kWh on electricity at 16 cents per kWh costs 0.16 ÷ 3.5 ≈ 4.6 cents per mile. Over 1,000 miles that is about $46.
Comparing with gasoline
A gas car at 30 mpg with gasoline at $3.50 a gallon costs 3.50 ÷ 30 ≈ 11.7 cents per mile — more than double the EV in this example. Home charging is usually far cheaper than public fast charging, which can cost several times your home rate.
Real costs depend on your electricity tariff, charging location, climate and driving style. Off-peak home charging is typically the cheapest option, while frequent fast-charging on road trips narrows the gap with gasoline.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United States and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.