Fuel vs charging
A 30 MPG gas sedan costs ~$1,380/year at $3.45/gal. A typical EV at 3.5 mi/kWh and $0.16/kWh home electricity costs ~$549/year. That's $831/year saved — or $4,155 over 5 years on energy alone.
Maintenance
EVs skip oil changes, transmission service, exhaust repairs and spark plugs. AAA estimates EVs cost ~$330/year less to maintain over a 5-year ownership period.
Total 5-year cost difference
Adding fuel + maintenance, an EV typically saves $5,000–$6,500 over 5 years. Subtract any price premium (often $3,000–$8,000) to find your true breakeven. Federal and state EV tax credits often close this gap entirely.