Why Fuel Costs Vary by Vehicle Type
Annual fuel cost is determined by your driving distance, fuel efficiency, and local fuel prices. EVs charged at home cost 2–5 cents per mile, while gasoline cars average 10–15 cents per mile. Hydrogen vehicles are currently the most expensive per mile in the US due to high fuel prices and limited availability.
Key Factors to Consider
Gasoline: Most widely available. Diesel: Higher MPG offsets higher fuel cost for highway driving. Electric: Lowest per-mile cost but range and charging speed matter. Hydrogen: Fast refueling but very few stations outside California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enter the rate you actually use most often. Home charging at 10–16¢/kWh is cheapest. DC fast charging at public stations typically runs 25–45¢/kWh, tripling the per-mile cost.
New gasoline cars average 25–35 MPG. Diesel SUVs get 25–30 MPG highway. EVs range from 3 to 4.5 miles/kWh. Check the EPA FuelEconomy.gov database for your specific vehicle.