Total cost of ownership
EV vs Petrol Cost Comparison
See the full picture — purchase price, fuel, insurance and maintenance — over 10 years. Find out exactly when an EV pays off.
Region & Prices
Prices are approximate. Adjust the fields above to match your actual rates.
Your driving
Annual running costs
Tesla Model 3 LR · Toyota Camry LE
Electric
Petrol (ICE)
EV saves US$1,018 a year to run
When does the EV pay off?
until the EV's lower running costs repay its higher purchase price
Includes a US$7,500 incentive on the EV. Federal EV tax credit — income & vehicle-price limits apply
Cumulative costs cross at about 9.9 years — after that the EV is cheaper overall.
5-Year Ownership Cost Breakdown
| Item | Electric | Petrol (ICE) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | US$45,990 | US$28,400 | — |
| EV grant / incentive * | −US$7,500 | — | — |
| Fuel & energy | US$2,730 | US$8,320 | US$5,590 |
| Insurance | US$10,500 | US$7,500 | −US$3,000 |
| Maintenance | US$2,000 | US$4,500 | US$2,500 |
| 5-year total | US$53,720 | US$48,720 | −US$5,000 |
* Federal EV tax credit — income & vehicle-price limits apply · For general comparison only — not financial advice. Regional prices, vehicle costs and incentives are illustrative; adjust the inputs to match your own.
Things to Consider
Charging convenience
Home charging overnight costs less than Supercharging and is convenient for most drivers. Longer journeys require planning around charging stops, with the Tesla Supercharger network providing extensive coverage.
Environmental impact
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. Lifetime CO₂ depends on your electricity grid mix — in countries with high renewable energy, EVs are significantly cleaner over their lifetime.
Road tax & incentives
Many regions offer EV purchase incentives, reduced road tax, and lower congestion charges. Check your local government website for current schemes.
Battery longevity
Tesla batteries are engineered to last 300,000+ miles. Real-world data shows less than 10% capacity loss after 100,000 miles with good charging habits. All Teslas are covered by an 8-year battery warranty.