This electric vs. gas car cost calculator compares the total cost of ownership of both options — purchase price, energy and maintenance — over the years and annual mileage you enter, so you can see which one actually saves you money.
Purchase price isn’t the whole story
An electric car often costs more to buy, but electricity is usually far cheaper per km than gas, and maintenance tends to run lower too (fewer moving parts, no oil changes). The total cost of ownership adds up the purchase price plus energy and maintenance over time, so a higher sticker price can still end up cheaper overall once you factor in years of driving.
Example
Comparing a €35,000 electric car (16 kWh/100 km, €0.15/kWh, €300/year maintenance) against a €25,000 gas car (6 L/100 km, €1.60/L, €600/year maintenance) over 15,000 km/year for 8 years: the electric car totals about €40,280 versus €41,320 for the gas car — the electric option wins by roughly €1,040, despite the €10,000 higher purchase price.
For guidance only — actual running costs depend on your driving style, local energy prices and the specific models compared.