Compare electric and gasoline vehicles on cost and emissions.
On average, EVs cost 60-70% less per kilometer to fuel than gasoline cars. A typical EV uses 15-20 kWh per 100 km, costing about $2-3, while a gas car consuming 8 L/100 km costs $12-13 at $1.60/L. Over a typical 8-year/120,000 km ownership period, fuel savings alone reach $7,000-$12,000. EVs also have 50-70% lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements via regenerative braking). Lifecycle emissions analysis shows EVs produce 50-70% less CO2 than equivalent gas cars even when accounting for battery manufacturing and grid electricity mix. Battery production adds 8-12 tonnes of CO2 upfront, but this is offset within 1.5-3 years of driving. As grids decarbonize, the EV advantage grows larger each year. By 2030, EVs in most countries will produce 80%+ less lifecycle CO2 than gas cars.