1. What is the Gas vs Electric Car Savings Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cost savings of using an electric vehicle compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle over a given distance.

Purpose: It helps consumers compare operating costs between electric and gas vehicles to make informed purchasing decisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Savings} \) — Cost savings of electric vehicle ($)
• \( \text{Fuel\_cost} \) — Gasoline cost per mile ($/mile)
• \( \text{E\_elec} \) — Electric vehicle energy consumption (kWh/mile)
• \( \text{Rate} \) — Electricity cost ($/kWh)
• \( \text{Distance} \) — Distance traveled (miles)

Explanation: The formula calculates the per-mile cost difference between gas and electric vehicles, then multiplies by total distance.

3. Importance of Vehicle Cost Comparison

Details: Understanding operating cost differences helps evaluate the true cost of ownership between vehicle types, beyond just purchase price.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the gas vehicle's fuel cost per mile, EV's electricity consumption (default 0.3 kWh/mile), electricity rate (default $0.12/kWh), and distance. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my gas vehicle's cost per mile?
A: Divide cost per gallon by your vehicle's MPG rating (e.g., $3.50/gallon ÷ 25 MPG = $0.14/mile).

Q2: What's a typical EV energy consumption?
A: Most EVs use 0.25-0.35 kWh/mile, but check your specific model's rating.

Q3: Should I use my home electricity rate or public charging rate?
A: For most accurate results, use the rate where you do most of your charging.

Q4: Does this include maintenance savings?
A: No, this only calculates fuel/energy savings. EVs typically have lower maintenance costs too.

Q5: How does this help with long-term cost analysis?
A: Multiply annual mileage by savings to estimate yearly savings potential.