EV Charge Over five years and 60,000 miles, a Model Y charged at home saves roughly $3,773–$6,663 in fuel compared with a 30-mpg gas car, depending on the state. That’s at today’s prices. Here’s the breakdown, and what could change it.
Five-year fuel cost, ten largest states
| State | EV (home charging) | Gas car (30 mpg) | Fuel savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $5,545 | $12,208 | $6,663 |
| Florida | $2,480 | $7,964 | $5,484 |
| North Carolina | $2,501 | $7,858 | $5,357 |
| Georgia | $2,684 | $7,858 | $5,174 |
| Illinois | $3,171 | $8,290 | $5,119 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,583 | $8,694 | $5,111 |
| Texas | $2,620 | $7,558 | $4,938 |
| Ohio | $3,209 | $7,740 | $4,531 |
| Michigan | $3,803 | $8,290 | $4,487 |
| New York | $4,933 | $8,706 | $3,773 |
What this comparison leaves out
- Price changes. Electricity rose 4.9% nationally in the past year, and more than 10% in several of these states. Gas moves faster in both directions.
- Fast charging. Every road-trip session at a DC fast charger costs roughly 2.5–3.5 times the U.S. average home price per kWh. See home vs. fast charging.
- Maintenance. EVs skip oil changes, but tires can wear faster on heavier cars. It isn’t counted here.
- Purchase price, insurance and resale. These usually matter more than fuel. This page is only about fuel.
Make it yours
Change the miles, your electricity rate and your current car’s mpg in the calculator, then multiply the yearly savings by how long you keep cars.
What if prices move?
| Scenario over 5 years | EV fuel | Gas fuel | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today’s prices | $3,021 | $8,662 | $5,641 |
| Electricity +20% | $3,625 | $8,662 | $5,037 |
| Gas −20% | $3,021 | $6,930 | $3,909 |
| Gas +20% | $3,021 | $10,394 | $7,374 |
| Electricity +20% and gas −20% | $3,625 | $6,930 | $3,305 |
Even the worst case here, with electricity up and gas down at the same time, leaves the EV ahead on fuel. Price swings change how much you save, not which way it goes.
Driving more or less
| Miles per year | EV, 5 years | Gas, 5 years | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | $2,014 | $5,775 | $3,761 |
| 12,000 | $3,021 | $8,662 | $5,641 |
| 15,000 | $3,776 | $10,828 | $7,052 |
| 20,000 | $5,034 | $14,437 | $9,402 |
Fuel savings grow in a straight line with miles. Low-mileage drivers save less, which is why the purchase price matters more to them than this table does.
Different EVs, same five years
| EV | kWh/100 mi (EPA) | Home charging, 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 27.5 | $3,021 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 32.6 | $3,583 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 47.9 | $5,264 |
Efficiency is the EV’s version of mpg. The F-150 Lightning uses about 74% more energy per mile than a Model Y, and the fuel bill follows.
Sources: EIA Table 5.6.A · EIA gasoline prices · fueleconomy.gov. Updated October 18, 2026. Estimates for comparison, not advice. How we calculate · Report an error.