A new report comparing electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional gasoline cars reveals a stark difference in operating costs, both for fuel and routine maintenance.
Analysis from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy shows that driving 275 miles costs about $14 in electricity for an EV, versus roughly $33 for a gas car. Over a month (1,100 miles), the cost is about $56.57 for electricity compared to $132 for gasoline, leading to annual savings of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
EVs also offer lower maintenance costs by eliminating needs like oil changes and having fewer moving parts. While upfront costs can be higher, the total cost of ownership is often lower over time.
"I've been driving EVs for 10 years and don't miss gas cars at all," said Kathleen, a Florida driver featured in the report. The transition to EVs also supports cleaner energy by reducing air pollution from burning fossil fuels.
Although battery manufacturing has an environmental impact, an EV's efficiency and lower per-mile emissions quickly offset this. Further savings can be achieved through home charging, time-of-use rates, and pairing an EV with home solar panels.