How to use this calculator
What this comparison includes
A car does not cost only what you pay to charge or fuel it. This calculator totals the vehicle’s loss in value (purchase price minus estimated resale value), energy, maintenance and tire costs, insurance, cumulative fees, and financing interest if you enter it. For an EV, it also adds one-time home charging equipment and installation.
How to use the result
Choose a realistic comparison period, often three to seven years. Enter comparable purchase prices and resale estimates for both vehicles, then use your actual annual mileage and local energy prices. If you already own a vehicle, its current market value is generally more useful here than the price you paid years ago. For any loan, input the total expected interest over the period, not the full sum of loan payments, since purchase value is already accounted for.
Where estimates can be misleading
Depreciation and future fuel costs are uncertain. EV electricity use should reflect energy from the wall, including normal charging losses if possible. Public charging can be much more expensive than charging at home. Insurance, incentives, repairs, registration, taxes, and battery or tire replacement can make an important difference; enter costs in the relevant fields when possible.
Method and reference
Our formula is an editable comparison, not a vehicle quote or a claim to reproduce AAA estimates. AAA’s Your Driving Costs framework likewise evaluates depreciation, fuel, finance, insurance, fees, and maintenance. We deliberately let you change each assumption.
Useful resources, not just numbers.
These independent references can help you find better inputs or understand the decision. External links open the publisher’s website; none is a paid placement.
We link to independent resources for context, not endorsement. We are not affiliated with these organizations.
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