EV vs Gas Cost Calculator
Compare what you'd spend on gasoline with what you'd spend on electricity, at California prices. Change any number to match your car and your utility plan.
At California's average regular gas price of $6.19 a gallon (week of September 28, 2026) and PG&E's EV2-A off-peak rate of 22.6¢ per kWh, a 30 mpg car driven 12,000 miles a year costs about $2,476 in gas, while an EV getting 3.5 miles per kWh costs about $894, including the $121 ZEV road fee.
EV vs Gas Cost Calculator
EV vs Gas: Yearly Fuel Cost
How this is calculated
Gas: miles ÷ mpg × price per gallon. The default is the U.S. Energy Information Administration's weekly California average for regular gasoline ($6.189, week of September 28, 2026).
Electricity: miles ÷ miles per kWh × your blended rate (home and public charging weighted by share), plus the $121 ZEV Road Improvement Fee for 2020 and newer EVs. Default rates are PG&E's residential tariffs effective June 1, 2026:
| PG&E rate | Per kWh |
|---|---|
| EV2-A off-peak (midnight–3 p.m., all year) | 22.6¢ |
| EV2-A peak (4–9 p.m.), summer / winter | 53.8¢ / 41.1¢ |
| E-TOU-C off-peak, summer | 39.9¢ |
SCE, SDG&E and community choice customers pay different rates; enter yours from your bill, or compare every PG&E, SCE and SDG&E plan with the electric rate plan comparison. Charging losses, maintenance, insurance, purchase price and incentives are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to drive an EV or a gas car in California?
Usually the EV, if you charge at home off-peak. At $6.19 a gallon and PG&E's EV2-A off-peak rate, a 30 mpg car driven 12,000 miles costs about $2,476 a year in gas, versus about $894 for an EV getting 3.5 miles per kWh, including the $121 ZEV road fee. Charging mostly at peak-hour or fast-charger prices narrows the gap.
What is the California ZEV road improvement fee?
A $121 yearly fee added to the registration of model-year 2020 and newer zero-emission vehicles. It helps replace the gas tax EV drivers don't pay.
What electricity rate should I use?
Your utility bill shows your plan and per-kWh prices. If you charge overnight on an EV time-of-use plan, use its off-peak price; if you are on a standard plan, use your plan's average. Public fast charging usually costs much more than home charging.
How many miles per kWh does an EV get?
Most EVs get about 3 to 4 miles per kWh; large SUVs and trucks get less. Your car's display or the EPA rating (kWh per 100 miles) gives a better number for your vehicle.
This tool compares fuel costs only and is an estimate. Gas and electricity prices change often.