“Electricity” vs. “gasoline”: the cost-benefit analysis is more complicated than most drivers think
The discussion about the affordability of electric vehicles mainly revolved around comparing gasoline and electricity prices. But this calculation is much more complex. According to the latest analysis by Consumer Coverage, in 2026 the cost of charging an electric vehicle was 66 to 70 percent lower than the cost of refueling a comparable gasoline car. Meanwhile, the total annual expense for an electric vehicle owner was estimated at $12,863 on average, which is 50,000 zł. (Data refers to the North American market—editor’s note.)
The report’s authors emphasize that energy savings alone do not give a complete picture of a vehicle’s cost structure, as factors such as maintenance costs, insurance, financing for purchase, and later resale of the car must also be considered before making a purchase.
What do BEVs lack?
This does not mean, however, that the advantage of “electric cars” in daily use is a myth. On the contrary. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) reminds us, battery-powered vehicles can offer significantly lower operating costs than gasoline models. They do not require engine oil changes, nor do they have many components typical of internal combustion engines, such as spark plugs, oil filters, exhaust systems, and numerous other elements whose presence increases production and maintenance costs.
According to data cited by Consumer Coverage, the maintenance costs for electric vehicles are on average about 50 percent lower than those of gasoline cars. The analysis also indicates that electric vehicles save approximately $860 (3,300 zł) per year in operating costs compared to gasoline cars.
At the same time, American experts point out that lower expenses for charging and maintenance do not always translate into a lower overall cost of ownership. Consumer Coverage references a study showing that mid-size electric sedans can have annual ownership costs that are even 29.1 percent higher than those of their gasoline counterparts.
Other costs
According to the U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), higher insurance premiums for electric vehicles stem primarily from the vehicle’s value, specialized repair costs, and potential expenses related to battery replacement. Experts also note that there is no single universal rate for all electric cars. The final premium amount depends on the car model, driver’s history, location, coverage level, and deductible amount.
Check before you buy
That’s why Consumer Coverage recommends obtaining an individual insurance quote before purchasing a car. As the report’s authors emphasize, “drivers should consider mileage, charging method, vehicle type, insurance costs for electric vehicles, and local electricity prices,” because only by combining all these factors can one accurately compare the total cost of owning a car.
The impact of energy costs may increase further amid unstable fuel prices. Reuters notes that in September 2026, gasoline prices in the United States rose by 7.1%, contributing to higher consumer inflation. Sung Won Sohn, an economics professor at Loyola Marymount University cited by the agency, said, “People focus on food and energy. It is these expenses that they feel every day.” Rising fuel prices may make the savings from charging electric vehicles even more significant for some drivers.
In practice, this means that the answer to whether an electric car is cheaper than a gasoline vehicle today is: it depends. Lower energy and maintenance costs favor electric cars, but higher insurance premiums, depreciation, or financing costs can significantly affect the overall cost. Thus, it is increasingly not the type of propulsion system that determines affordability, but rather individual driving habits and local economic conditions.
Oskar Włostowski