EV vs Gas Car Cost Comparison: The Real MPG Equivalent and Why EVs Cost Half as Much to Drive
The Real Cost of Driving: EV vs Gas Car
Everyone knows electric vehicles are cheaper to drive than gas cars, but how much cheaper? And what's the real "MPG equivalent" of an EV? Let's break down the actual numbers using real California prices and the #1 selling EV: the Tesla Model Y.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how much you save driving an EV, calculate the true MPG equivalent, and reveal why solar makes EVs even more cost-effective.
The Numbers: Real California Prices
Let's start with the actual costs you'll pay in California:
Current California Energy Costs (2024)
- Gasoline: $4.25/gallon (average for regular unleaded)
- Electricity (home charging): $0.22/kWh (average residential rate)
- Electricity (public charging): $0.30-$0.50/kWh (varies by location)
The #1 Selling EV: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is America's best-selling EV, and here's its efficiency:
- Energy consumption: 240 Wh/mile (0.24 kWh/mile)
- EPA range: 330 miles (Long Range model)
- Efficiency: ~4.2 miles per kWh
Cost Per Mile: The Real Comparison
Let's calculate the actual cost per mile for both options:
Electric Vehicle (Tesla Model Y)
Home Charging Cost:
- Energy consumption: 0.24 kWh/mile
- Electricity rate: $0.22/kWh
- Cost per mile: $0.053
- Cost per 100 miles: $5.28
- Cost per 1,000 miles: $52.80
Annual Cost (12,000 miles/year):
- Total annual fuel cost: $633.60
- Monthly average: $52.80
Gasoline Vehicle (Average Car)
Gas Car Cost:
- Average fuel economy: 25 mpg (typical sedan/SUV)
- Gas price: $4.25/gallon
- Cost per mile: $0.17
- Cost per 100 miles: $17.00
- Cost per 1,000 miles: $170.00
Annual Cost (12,000 miles/year):
- Total annual fuel cost: $2,040.00
- Monthly average: $170.00
The Savings: EV vs Gas
- Cost per mile: EV saves $0.117 per mile (69% cheaper)
- Annual savings (12,000 miles): $1,406.40 per year
- 5-year savings: $7,032
- 10-year savings: $14,064
MPG Equivalent: What Does Your EV Really Get?
The EPA uses "MPGe" (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) to compare EVs to gas cars. Here's how it works:
How MPGe is Calculated
The EPA defines: 1 gallon of gasoline = 33.7 kWh of electricity
This is based on the energy content of gasoline, not the cost.
MPGe Calculation for Tesla Model Y
Step 1: Calculate miles per kWh
- Energy consumption: 0.24 kWh/mile
- Miles per kWh: 1 ÷ 0.24 = 4.17 miles/kWh
Step 2: Calculate MPGe
- MPGe = (Miles per kWh) × (33.7 kWh per gallon)
- MPGe = 4.17 × 33.7
- MPGe = 140.5
Result: The Tesla Model Y has an MPGe of 140.5, meaning it's as energy-efficient as a gas car that gets 140.5 mpg.
MPGe vs Real-World Cost Comparison
Here's where it gets interesting. MPGe measures energy efficiency, but the real savings come from cost efficiency:
| Vehicle | MPG/MPGe | Cost per Mile | Annual Cost (12k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 140.5 MPGe | $0.053 | $633.60 |
| Average Gas Car | 25 MPG | $0.17 | $2,040.00 |
| Hybrid Car | 50 MPG | $0.085 | $1,020.00 |
Key Insight: Even though the Model Y has an MPGe of 140.5, the real advantage is that electricity costs much less per unit of energy than gasoline. That's why you save $1,406 per year, not just because the car is more efficient, but because electricity is cheaper than gas.
MPGe and Cost Comparison: Top-Searched EVs
Here's how the most popular EVs compare in terms of MPGe and cost per mile:
Electric Pickup Trucks
| Vehicle | MPGe | kWh/Mile | Cost/Mile | Annual Cost (12k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Cybertruck | 79 MPGe | 0.43 kWh/mi | $0.095 | $1,140 |
| Rivian R1T | 70 MPGe | 0.48 kWh/mi | $0.106 | $1,272 |
| Rivian R1S | 70 MPGe | 0.48 kWh/mi | $0.106 | $1,272 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 68 MPGe | 0.50 kWh/mi | $0.110 | $1,320 |
| Gas Pickup (18 MPG) | 18 MPG | — | $0.236 | $2,832 |
Electric SUVs
| Vehicle | MPGe | kWh/Mile | Cost/Mile | Annual Cost (12k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 122 MPGe | 0.24 kWh/mi | $0.053 | $633 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 114 MPGe | 0.30 kWh/mi | $0.066 | $792 |
| Kia EV6 | 117 MPGe | 0.29 kWh/mi | $0.064 | $768 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 103 MPGe | 0.33 kWh/mi | $0.073 | $876 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 143 MPGe | 0.24 kWh/mi | $0.053 | $633 |
| Gas SUV (22 MPG) | 22 MPG | — | $0.193 | $2,316 |
Electric Sedans
| Vehicle | MPGe | kWh/Mile | Cost/Mile | Annual Cost (12k mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 142 MPGe | 0.24 kWh/mi | $0.053 | $633 |
| Lucid Air | 140 MPGe | 0.24 kWh/mi | $0.053 | $633 |
| Nissan Leaf | 109 MPGe | 0.31 kWh/mi | $0.068 | $816 |
| BMW i4 | 109 MPGe | 0.31 kWh/mi | $0.068 | $816 |
| Gas Sedan (25 MPG) | 25 MPG | — | $0.17 | $2,040 |
Key Insights:
- Most efficient: Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric (142-143 MPGe) = $0.053/mile
- Best value pickups: Tesla Cybertruck (79 MPGe) is most efficient, but all electric pickups save 50%+ vs gas
- All EVs save money: Even the least efficient EVs (Rivian, F-150 Lightning) cost 50-55% less than gas equivalents
- Annual savings range: $768-$1,704 per year compared to gas vehicles
Cost Comparison by Vehicle Type
Let's compare different vehicle types to see the full picture:
1. Compact Sedan (25 MPG)
- Gas cost: $0.17/mile
- EV equivalent: Tesla Model 3 (0.24 kWh/mile)
- EV cost: $0.053/mile
- Savings: $0.117/mile (69% cheaper)
2. Mid-Size SUV (22 MPG)
- Gas cost: $0.193/mile
- EV equivalent: Tesla Model Y (0.24 kWh/mile)
- EV cost: $0.053/mile
- Savings: $0.14/mile (73% cheaper)
3. Full-Size Truck (18 MPG)
- Gas cost: $0.236/mile
- EV equivalent: Ford F-150 Lightning (0.48 kWh/mile)
- EV cost: $0.106/mile
- Savings: $0.13/mile (55% cheaper)
4. Luxury SUV (20 MPG)
- Gas cost: $0.213/mile
- EV equivalent: BMW iX (0.30 kWh/mile)
- EV cost: $0.066/mile
- Savings: $0.147/mile (69% cheaper)
Public Charging vs Home Charging
Most EV owners charge at home, but public charging costs more. Here's the difference:
Home Charging (Level 2)
- Rate: $0.22/kWh
- Cost per mile: $0.053
- Annual cost (12,000 miles): $633.60
- Best option for daily charging
Public Fast Charging (DC Fast Charger)
- Rate: $0.30-$0.50/kWh (varies by network)
- Cost per mile: $0.072-$0.12
- Annual cost (12,000 miles): $864-$1,440
- Still cheaper than gas, but 36-127% more expensive than home charging
Free Charging (Work, Shopping, etc.)
- Rate: $0.00/kWh
- Cost per mile: $0.00
- Free miles = infinite savings vs gas
Pro Tip: Most EV owners charge at home 80-90% of the time, using public charging only for long trips. This keeps your average cost per mile low.
Why Solar Makes EVs Even Cheaper
Here's where it gets really interesting: If you have solar, your EV charging cost drops to near zero.
Solar-Powered EV Charging
Scenario: Home with Solar + EV
- Solar system produces excess power during the day
- EV charges during day (or from stored solar)
- Cost per kWh: $0.00 (your solar produces it)
- Cost per mile: $0.00
- Annual cost (12,000 miles): $0.00
Comparison:
- Gas car: $2,040/year
- EV with grid charging: $633.60/year
- EV with solar: $0/year
- Total savings vs gas: $2,040/year
- 10-year savings: $20,400
How Much Solar Do You Need for an EV?
To fully power an EV with solar, you need to account for the additional electricity usage:
Example: Tesla Model Y (12,000 miles/year)
- Annual electricity needed: 12,000 miles × 0.24 kWh/mile = 2,880 kWh/year
- Additional solar needed: ~2-3 kW system (6-8 panels)
- Additional system cost: ~$6,000-$9,000 (before 30% tax credit)
- After tax credit: ~$4,200-$6,300
- Payback: 2-3 years (just from EV charging savings)
The Math: Adding solar panels to cover your EV charging pays for itself in 2-3 years, then provides free "fuel" for the remaining 22+ years of the system's life.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Let's look at real driving scenarios to see the actual savings:
Scenario 1: Daily Commuter (15,000 miles/year)
- Gas car (25 MPG): $2,550/year
- EV (home charging): $792/year
- EV (solar-powered): $0/year
- Annual savings: $1,758-$2,550
Scenario 2: Family with Two Cars (24,000 miles/year combined)
- Two gas cars: $4,080/year
- Two EVs (home charging): $1,267/year
- Two EVs (solar-powered): $0/year
- Annual savings: $2,813-$4,080
Scenario 3: High-Mileage Driver (20,000 miles/year)
- Gas car (25 MPG): $3,400/year
- EV (home charging): $1,056/year
- EV (solar-powered): $0/year
- Annual savings: $2,344-$3,400
Other Cost Factors to Consider
While fuel costs are the biggest difference, there are other factors:
Maintenance Costs
- Gas cars: Oil changes, transmission service, exhaust system, spark plugs, etc. = ~$1,200/year average
- EVs: Tire rotations, cabin air filter, brake fluid (rarely needed due to regen braking) = ~$400/year average
- Additional savings: $800/year
Total Cost of Ownership (5 Years)
Gas Car (25 MPG, 12,000 miles/year):
- Fuel: $10,200 (5 years)
- Maintenance: $6,000 (5 years)
- Total: $16,200
EV (Home Charging, 12,000 miles/year):
- Electricity: $3,168 (5 years)
- Maintenance: $2,000 (5 years)
- Total: $5,168
EV (Solar-Powered, 12,000 miles/year):
- Electricity: $0 (5 years)
- Maintenance: $2,000 (5 years)
- Total: $2,000
5-Year Savings: $11,032-$14,200
How Gas Prices Affect the Comparison
Gas prices fluctuate, but the savings remain significant:
| Gas Price | Gas Cost/Mile | EV Cost/Mile | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3.50/gallon | $0.14 | $0.053 | $1,044 |
| $4.00/gallon | $0.16 | $0.053 | $1,284 |
| $4.25/gallon | $0.17 | $0.053 | $1,406 |
| $5.00/gallon | $0.20 | $0.053 | $1,764 |
| $6.00/gallon | $0.24 | $0.053 | $2,244 |
Key Insight: Even at $3.50/gallon, EVs save over $1,000/year. As gas prices rise (which they will), the savings increase dramatically.
The Bottom Line
EVs cost 69% less to drive than gas cars in California. Here's the summary:
- Cost per mile: EV = $0.053, Gas = $0.17 (EV is 69% cheaper)
- MPG equivalent: Tesla Model Y = 140.5 MPGe
- Annual savings: $1,406 per year (12,000 miles)
- 5-year savings: $7,032 (just on fuel)
- With solar: Annual savings jump to $2,040 (free charging)
- Maintenance savings: Additional $800/year
The numbers are clear: Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to operate than gas cars, and when you add solar, the savings become even more dramatic. You're not just saving money on fuel—you're eliminating the cost entirely.
Ready to power your EV with solar? Get a free assessment that shows you exactly how many additional panels you need to charge your EV for free, and see how solar + EV creates the ultimate cost-saving combination.