EV Cost of Ownership Statistics 2026: Fuel, Maintenance & Savings
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Do EVs actually save money? The data says yes — once you factor in fuel and maintenance. Here are the key EV cost-of-ownership statistics for 2026.
Key findings at a glance
- Annual fuel: $675 (EV) vs $2,220 (gas).
- EVs need 31–50% less maintenance.
- Lifetime savings of $6,000–$12,000 vs gas.
- Home charging is the key — public can cost 3–4× more.
Source: Recharged / industry analysis
EV purchase & fuel cost statistics
- $55,544 vs $49,740 average transaction price: EV vs gas car in 2025. (Industry data, 2025)
- $675 vs $2,220 annual fuel cost: EV vs gas at 15,000 miles per year. (Recharged, 2025)
- 2–3× cheaper electricity costs this much less per mile than gasoline. (Recharged, 2025)
EV maintenance & depreciation statistics
- 31–50% less maintenance required vs a gas vehicle — no oil changes or spark plugs. (Recharged, 2025)
- $2,700 saved on maintenance over five years. (Recharged, 2025)
- 58–60% five-year depreciation for EVs vs the low-to-high 40s% for gas cars (newer EVs hold value better). (Recharged, 2025)
EV lifetime savings statistics
- $6,000–$12,000 total ownership savings vs a comparable gas car. (Industry analysis, 2025)
- 3–4× more expensive — public charging can cut fuel savings if you rely on it over home charging. (Recharged, 2025)
The biggest savings lever is home charging. A Level 2 home charger turns those fuel savings real, and the Deals collection helps you save on accessories too. See EV charging cost statistics.
Summary table
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| EV vs gas ATP | $55,544 / $49,740 | Industry 2025 |
| Annual fuel EV/gas | $675 / $2,220 | Recharged |
| Maintenance reduction | 31–50% | Recharged |
| 5-yr maintenance savings | $2,700 | Recharged |
| EV 5-yr depreciation | 58–60% | Recharged |
| Lifetime savings | $6,000–$12,000 | Industry |
Frequently asked questions
Are EVs cheaper to own than gas cars?
Over their lifetime, yes — typically $6,000–$12,000 less, driven by fuel and maintenance savings (Recharged).
How much do EVs save on fuel?
About $675/yr to charge vs $2,220/yr for gas at 15,000 miles — 2–3× cheaper per mile (Recharged).
Do EVs depreciate faster?
Older EVs did (58–60% over 5 years), but newer models with better batteries hold value much better.
Related reading
Sources & methodology
Compiled by the ePlug Kit team from primary and tier-1 industry sources, June 2026: Recharged; industry transaction-price data. Figures are current as of publication and rounded for readability.