Cost Comparison
Let's talk about actual money. Not the sticker price — the total cost of ownership over time. EVs win more often than people expect.
The eGallon
Forget kilowatt-hours. Here's a simpler way to think about EV fuel costs:
One eGallon = 10 kWh of electricity.
An average EV goes about 33 miles per eGallon. So an eGallon is roughly the equivalent of a gallon of gas in terms of what it gets you.
The cost:
- Washington State (home charging): ~$0.10/kWh × 10 = ~$1.00 per eGallon
- National average (home charging): ~$0.13/kWh × 10 = ~$1.30 per eGallon
- DC fast charging (road trips): Often $0.30-0.50/kWh = $3-5 per eGallon
Compare that to $3.50-5.00 per gallon of gas. The math is stark.
At $1 per eGallon, driving 33 miles costs a dollar. Driving 100 miles costs about $3. Driving 15,000 miles a year costs around $450. The fuel cost of an EV is so low it barely registers on your monthly budget.
State and utility rates vary. If you're outside the Pacific Northwest, your eGallon may cost more or less. Check your local electricity rate and multiply by 10 — that's your eGallon price.
5-Year Total Cost Comparison
A comparable gas car vs. electric vehicle, driven 15,000 miles per year.
| Cost | Gas Car | EV |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $35,000 | $40,000 |
| Fuel / electricity (15k mi/yr) | $9,375 | $2,535 |
| Maintenance (oil, filters, etc.) | $3,500 | $1,000 |
| 5-year total | $47,875 | $43,535 |
Assumptions: gas car at 28 MPG / $3.50/gallon; EV at $0.13/kWh (national average). Your numbers will vary, but the direction is clear: EVs win on total cost of ownership for most drivers.
The upfront cost is higher, yes. But the fuel and maintenance savings close the gap quickly. Over five years, the EV is cheaper — and that's before any tax credits.
Last updated: May 2026
The Used EV Opportunity
This is the real story right now.
According to Cox Automotive Q1 2026 data:
- Average used EV price: $34,821
- Average used gas car price: $33,487
That's near price parity. Unprecedented. This is the best time ever to buy a used EV.
The economics are compelling. You get:
- Much lower fuel costs (home charging is cheap)
- Much lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake jobs)
- Modern safety and tech features (most EVs are from 2020 onward)
- Good battery warranty remaining (most are 8-year warranties)
Used EV buying tips:
- Check the charging port standard — CCS is the right one now; avoid CHAdeMO
- Check the battery health report if available (most EVs can generate one)
- Check when the model was last redesigned — you don't want the first year of a new generation
- Consider a certified pre-owned program for peace of mind
Incentives & Rebates
Federal tax credits:
- New EV $7,500 credit: Expired September 30, 2025. No replacement currently in effect as of this writing.
- Used EV $4,000 credit: Verify current status at IRS.gov
State incentives: Vary significantly. Some states offer $1,000-5,000 additional credits. Check your state's current programs.
Utility rebates: Often $200-500 for home charger installation. These are underutilized — check with your local power company. Mine gave me $100 toward my Level 2 installation, which basically paid for the outlet.
Incentive amounts and availability change frequently. Verify current status before making purchase decisions.