Comprehensive electric vehicle calculator with a 30+ EV model database. Helps you choose, calculate cost, and decide whether to switch.
Seven tabs: browse and compare models, monthly operating cost, 5-year TCO, ROI and breakeven vs. gas, range and charging planner, government incentives, and CO₂ emissions plus resale value.
Disclaimer: Prices, specs, and incentives change frequently. Confirm with dealers for current data. Electricity and fuel-price assumptions are adjustable.
Calculator information
📋 How to use this calculator
- Open the Browse & Compare Models tab and filter by price, range, or brand; compare up to 3 EV models at once (Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, etc.).
- Monthly Operating Cost tab: enter miles/month and your electricity rate (US residential average $0.16/kWh per EIA) - get the monthly energy cost for the selected model.
- 5-Year TCO tab: total of purchase price + 5 years of energy + registration/excise tax + insurance + service - compare TCO across models and against a comparable gas vehicle.
- ROI & Breakeven tab: enter the gas car you would replace and see how many years the EV's price premium is recouped through operating savings.
- Range & Charging Planner tab: enter typical trips (NYC-Boston 215 mi, LA-San Diego, etc.); the calculator estimates required charging stops and 10-80% fast-charging duration.
- Federal & State Incentives tab: calculate the $7,500 federal Clean Vehicle Credit (IRC §30D) where applicable, plus state rebates (CA CVRP, CO tax credit, NY drive clean rebate) and HOV lane access.
- CO2 Emissions & Resale tab: estimate annual CO2 avoided versus a gas vehicle and project 3-5 year resale value based on US market depreciation data.
🧮 EV TCO with US Federal and State Incentives
TCO_5year = (MSRP - Federal_Credit - State_Rebate + Sales_Tax + Fees) + (Energy + Registration + Insurance + Service) x 5 - Resale_5year
- Federal Clean Vehicle Credit: up to $7,500 for qualifying new EVs meeting battery/critical mineral sourcing rules per IRC §30D and IRS guidance
- Energy_year = miles_year x (kWh/100mi) / 100 x electricity_rate
- Average US residential electricity rate: ~$0.16/kWh (EIA, 2025)
- EV registration: many states charge an EV-specific annual fee ($50-$225) to offset lost gas tax revenue
- EV insurance: ~10-20% higher than ICE due to higher repair costs and battery replacement risk
- Service: typically 30-50% cheaper than ICE - no oil changes, fewer wear items; budget $300-800/yr at dealer
- 5-year resale: typically 35-50% of MSRP for mass-market EVs, 50-60% for premium models
The $7,500 federal Clean Vehicle Credit (IRC §30D) is point-of-sale starting 2024 and depends on MSRP caps ($55k cars, $80k SUVs/trucks), buyer income limits, and battery sourcing rules. State incentives vary widely; California CVRP, Colorado's $5,000 credit, and New Jersey sales tax exemption are among the strongest.
💡 Worked example: Tesla Model Y Long Range vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, driving 15,000 mi/year
Given:- Tesla Model Y LR: $48,990 MSRP, eligible for $7,500 federal credit (net $41,490), 28 kWh/100mi, 310 mi range
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE: $33,500 MSRP, 40 mpg combined on regular gas
- Electricity rate: $0.16/kWh; Gas: $3.50/gallon
- Driving: 15,000 mi/year (1,250 mi/month)
Steps:- Model Y energy = (15,000 x 28 / 100) x $0.16 = 4,200 kWh x $0.16 = $672/year
- RAV4 fuel = (15,000 / 40) x $3.50 = 375 gallons x $3.50 = $1,313/year
- Fuel savings = $1,313 - $672 = $641/year
- Maintenance savings (no oil changes, brake life): ~$400/year
- Total annual operating savings = ~$1,041/year
- Net price premium after $7,500 federal credit = $41,490 - $33,500 = $7,990
- Breakeven = $7,990 / $1,041 = 7.7 years for operating-cost recoup
- 5-year resale: Model Y ~$24,000; RAV4 Hybrid ~$20,000 (difference adds ~$4,000 in EV's favor)
Result: Tesla Model Y has a moderate price premium after the federal credit; favorable if you value tech, instant torque, and lower emissions. The Chevy Bolt EUV or Hyundai Kona Electric (under $35k after credit) provide a more direct cost match to the RAV4 Hybrid.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Which EVs sold the most in the US in 2025?
Per Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book data, the top US EVs in 2025: (1) Tesla Model Y, (2) Tesla Model 3, (3) Ford Mustang Mach-E, (4) Hyundai Ioniq 5, (5) Chevy Equinox EV. Total US EV market share reached about 9% of new vehicle sales in 2025, with Tesla still holding roughly 45% of the EV segment despite growing competition.
How long does home EV charging take?
It depends on the charger and battery. A standard 120V Level 1 outlet (1.4 kW) adds only 3-5 mi/hr - good only for overnight top-ups. A 240V Level 2 wallbox (7-11 kW) charges 0-100% in 6-10 hours (most common for homes; installation $1,200-2,500 with a licensed electrician). DC fast charging at public stations (50-350 kW): 10-80% in 20-45 minutes depending on vehicle and station.
How does the federal Clean Vehicle Credit work?
IRC §30D provides up to $7,500 ($3,750 for battery components made in North America + $3,750 for critical minerals from approved sources). Eligibility rules include: MSRP caps ($55,000 cars, $80,000 SUVs/trucks/vans), buyer income limits ($150k single/$300k joint), and final assembly in North America. Since 2024, the credit can be transferred to the dealer at point of sale, lowering the price you pay immediately. See IRS Form 8936 and FuelEconomy.gov for the current eligible list.
How much does EV service cost per year?
About 30-50% less than an ICE vehicle - no oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, or timing belts. Scheduled service every 10,000-15,000 mi typically just covers brake fluid checks, coolant inspection, and tire rotation: $100-300 at a dealer. Annual total for 12,000-15,000 mi of normal use is roughly $300-800, versus $600-1,200 for a comparable gas vehicle. Major costs are tires (EVs are heavier and wear them faster) and the eventual battery replacement after 8-15 years.
Are EVs practical for road trips?
Yes, with planning. Modern EVs have a realistic 220-330 mi range, which easily handles trips like NYC-Boston (215 mi), LA-San Diego (120 mi), or DC-Philadelphia (140 mi) without charging. For longer trips like NYC-Washington DC (230 mi) or cross-country travel, one or two 20-45 minute DC fast-charging stops are typical. Tesla's Supercharger network is now open to most non-Tesla EVs with a NACS adapter; A Better Route Planner and PlugShare help map stops.
📚 Sources & references
Last updated: May 11, 2026