Vehicle total-cost guide
Compare electric, hybrid, and gas vehicles on the same miles and ownership period
The sticker price does not show the full cost of a vehicle. Depreciation, financing interest, fuel or electricity, insurance, maintenance, charging equipment, and resale value can change which option costs least.
This calculator keeps annual mileage and financing assumptions consistent while letting each vehicle use its own price, efficiency, insurance, maintenance, incentive, and expected resale value.
How to use this tool
Choose comparable vehicles
Use trims and equipment levels that meet the same practical need.
Enter local energy prices
Use your gasoline price and all-in home electricity rate, then set a separate annual change for each.
Use realistic annual mileage
Higher mileage gives energy efficiency more weight in total cost.
Test resale and repair uncertainty
Run conservative and optimistic values instead of relying on one forecast.
Why depreciation is included
Principal payments turn cash into vehicle equity, so counting both the full loan payment and vehicle price would count principal twice. The model treats purchase price minus resale value as depreciation and adds only financing interest as a borrowing cost.
Costs to add or test carefully
- Home charger upgrades and installation
- Vehicle-specific insurance quotes
- Expected maintenance and out-of-warranty repairs
- Incentives you are confirmed to qualify for
- Public charging prices if home charging is not representative
Results depend heavily on future resale value, energy prices, repairs, incentives, and driving. Use vehicle-specific quotes and run multiple scenarios before buying.
Sources and further reading
- FuelEconomy.gov — Official vehicle efficiency and fuel-cost comparison data.
- EPA passenger-vehicle emissions — Operating-emissions factors and methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How do gasoline and electricity fluctuations work?
Each energy price has its own annual percentage change. A 3% gasoline assumption and 1% electricity assumption compound independently across the ownership period. Negative values model falling prices.
Does the hybrid model use electricity?
The hybrid option is modeled as a gasoline hybrid using MPG. A plug-in hybrid needs a blended electricity-and-gas model and should be tested with a custom fuel-cost estimate.
Are emissions part of the financial recommendation?
No. Operating emissions are displayed separately and do not change the lowest-cost result. Manufacturing and upstream emissions are outside the estimate.