How Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator Works?
This tool works by subtracting the yearly charging cost of an electric vehicle (EV) from the yearly fuel cost of a hybrid. The result is the yearly gap between the 2 most efficient powertrains.
Price the hybrid
Calculate yearly fuel cost. The default is 12,000 miles at 50 miles per gallon (MPG) and $3.60 per gallon: $864.
Price the EV
Calculate yearly charging cost. The default is 12,000 miles at 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and $0.15 per kWh: $514.
Enter both yearly costs
Type the hybrid fuel total first and the EV charging total second.
Read the difference
The tool shows the yearly dollar gap.
Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator Formula
The formula is Difference = |Hybrid Annual Cost − EV Annual Cost|.
Difference = |Hybrid Annual Cost − EV Annual Cost|Formula variables
- Hybrid Annual Cost
- (Miles ÷ Hybrid MPG) × Gas Price.
- EV Annual Cost
- (Miles ÷ Miles per kWh) × Electricity Price.
Worked example
- Hybrid (50 MPG @ $3.60/gal): $864.00/yr
- EV (12000 mi @ $0.15/kWh): $514.00/yr
- Hybrid: (12,000 ÷ 50) × $3.60 = $864.
- EV: (12,000 ÷ 3.5) × $0.15 = $514.
- Difference: $864 − $514 = $350.00 per year.
Result: $350.00 ($/year difference)
The gap between a hybrid and an EV is smaller than the gap between a gas car and an EV. Public charging at $0.40 to $0.50 per kWh erases the EV advantage over a 50 MPG hybrid.
Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator Conversion Table
The table shows the yearly gap for 3 hybrid costs against 3 EV costs.
Rows: Hybrid (50 MPG @ $3.60/gal) ($/yr). Columns: EV (12000 mi @ $0.15/kWh) ($/yr). Cells: $/year difference.
| $/yr | $400.00/yr | $514.00/yr | $700.00/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| $700.00/yr | $300.00 | $186.00 | $0.00 |
| $864.00/yr | $464.00 | $350.00 | $164.00 |
| $1,000.00/yr | $600.00 | $486.00 | $300.00 |
A $700-per-year hybrid and a $700-per-year EV show a $0.00 gap, so fuel cost no longer separates the 2 options.
What is Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator?
The Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator is a tool that compares the yearly energy cost of a hybrid with an electric vehicle. The tool helps buyers choose between the 2 lowest-cost powertrains.
Hybrids reach 45 to 57 MPG with no charging. EVs need charging access but cost less per mile when charged at home.
The yearly gap helps buyers decide whether an EV's charging needs and higher price are worth the extra saving.
What are the uses of Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator?
There are 4 main uses of the Hybrid vs EV Cost Calculator: choosing between 2 efficient cars, testing apartment charging costs, comparing rideshare vehicles, and planning a second household car.
Choosing between 2 efficient cars
Buyers compare a hybrid sedan with an EV sedan.
Testing apartment charging costs
Renters without home chargers price public charging against a hybrid.
Comparing rideshare vehicles
Rideshare drivers compare high-mileage running costs.
Planning a second household car
Families pick the right powertrain for short daily trips.
Need every metric in one place? Open the main MPG Cost Calculator or browse all 101 fuel calculators.