📊 Tesla vs Gas: True Cost Calculator
📅 Ownership Timeframe
Deciding whether to buy an electric vehicle often comes down to the math. Over my first 52,000 miles in a Long Range Model 3, I tracked every single expense to see if EVs actually live up to the hype. This calculator lets you compare the true costs of charging, maintenance, and insurance to see exactly how much you might save by ditching gas.
⚡ Fuel & Charging
Charging is where you'll see the most obvious savings. Remember that supercharging on road trips costs significantly more than charging at home, which was about half the cost for my setup. As Carmen puts it, in 2023 I spent $1,679 gas would have cost me $4,240 so that year I saved $2,565.
Adjust the total charging and fuel estimates below based on your own expected mileage, local electricity rates, and gas prices.
🔧 Maintenance Costs
EV maintenance is incredibly minimal because they lack complex moving parts. As Carmen notes, between the air filters rotating my tires and the windshield washer fluid maintenance has cost me a total of $158.
A gas car over that same 50,000-mile stretch averages around $2,000 in routine oil changes, brake pads, and standard upkeep.
🛡️ Insurance Premiums
Insurance is the one area people warn you about with Teslas, but I actually saved money here too. As Carmen points out, my upcoming premium for this month here in October is $93.79 and that's based off a safety score of 99.
An average gas car costs about $150/month, though Tesla's slow customer service is a trade-off you have to accept for the lower rate.
🔗 Resources & Discounts
Resources and Links
🔗 See Also
Based on content by Carmen on Vegas Carmen (YouTube).
Original: TESLA vs GAS: TRUE Costs After 50k Miles
📊 Results
Gas Total Cost
Tesla Total Cost
Total Savings
The Verdict
Go Electric ⚡
Last updated by heyfinfam (v26.6.1) · View history (3 versions since Jun 18, 2026)
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Disclaimer: This content and any calculations provided are for informational purposes only. The views, calculations, and methodologies expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this platform. Not financial advice. Users are solely responsible for any decisions made based on this information.
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