WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) Education Fund published a new digital tool today to help consumers calculate the cost of powering their vehicle with electricity versus gasoline for National Drive Electric Month. The calculator includes the ability to compare the cost of powering 22 electric vehicles against 32 internal combustion engine vehicles. Calculations can be determined at the national and state level and account for the number of miles driven annually. Electricity rates and gasoline prices are updated monthly.

‍“Electric vehicles are coming off one of the strongest sales quarters in history, but a lot of interested drivers still have questions about the difference between electricity and gasoline as a transportation fuel,” said Corey Cantor, ZETA’s Research Director. “This calculator provides a fun way for consumers to learn about the cost to charge and how it compares to prices at the pump. With the growing number of electric vehicles on the market today, consumers have even more options when it comes to choosing a personal vehicle and providing them with this sort of information can help them find a car that fits their needs.”

Generally, electric vehicle drivers will save money when charging compared to using gasoline. This is partially due to the increased efficiency of an electric vehicle’s engine, which loses less energy to heat and friction compared to an internal combustion engine. Regenerative braking also returns some power back to the battery as drivers brake. Previous analyses by ZETA have also shown that electricity is far less price volatile, protecting drivers from some of the effects of global markets on gas prices.

The tool’s calculations are based on the “cost per mile driven” of the vehicle, using the most recent residential kWh price and cost of a regular gallon of gasoline. While drivers can charge their vehicles via several methods, 80% of charging occurs at home via Level 2 or Level 1 chargers. Pricing data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA). In addition to providing users with the ability to customize their calculations, the tool also provides national average calculations across vehicle classifications by comparing some of the most popular vehicles in each segment.

‍