EV vs Fuel Cost Calculator

EV efficiency and fuel-cost guide

An EV is measured here in km/kWh, while the comparison car uses km/L. Their raw numbers are not directly comparable. This calculator finds the fuel economy that would travel the same distance for the same energy cost. Cost-equivalent km/L = EV efficiency × (fuel price ÷ electricity price). The reverse cost-parity threshold is comparison km/L × (electricity price ÷ fuel price). Use consistent USD/kWh and USD/L prices.

With 5.1km/kWh, electricity at $0.30/kWh and gasoline at $1.60/L, the cost equivalent is 27.2km/L. In the reverse direction, a 12km/L car has the same per-km fuel cost as an EV at 2.25km/kWh with those prices. The visible threshold rounds upward to 2.3km/kWh. This compares fuel spending only; purchase price, insurance, taxes, maintenance and charging losses are excluded.

Compare charging-price examples

This fixed reference table changes only the electricity price for the Korean-market IONIQ 5 2027 Long Range 2WD with 19-inch wheels (5.2km/kWh), gasoline at $1.60/L, 1,500km per month and a comparison car at 12km/L. Prices of $0.20, $0.30, $0.40 and $0.50/kWh are editable examples for calculation, not official tariffs. The table is a fixed example; use the interactive results for your inputs.

Combined ratings for Korean-market trims

The vehicle chips and this table share the same 18-entry source list. Figures refer to specific model years, drivetrains and wheels in the Korean market, recorded in the original data review dated 2026-10-21. They are not US EPA or European WLTP ratings. Options, including a factory dashcam, can change a rating or range even with the same wheels. Check the exact configuration in the linked source or enter your measured dashboard efficiency. New vehicles require a manufacturer or official importer source before addition.

How to use

1. Select a vehicle chip or enter dashboard/specification efficiency in km/kWh.
2. Check cost-equivalent km/L and the reverse cost-parity efficiency threshold.
3. Choose a charging-price example and gasoline or diesel, or enter your own unit prices.
4. Choose comparison fuel economy and monthly distance.
5. Review monthly charging, fuel costs and savings. Copy the results with their assumptions and vehicle-data basis.

How charging prices affect fuel costs

The same EV can have different running costs at different charging prices. In the fixed example above, 5.2km/kWh and 1,500km per month give charging costs of $57.69 at $0.20/kWh and $144.23 at $0.50/kWh. These are illustration prices, not official tariffs or a claim that charger power determines price. Actual billing can depend on provider, contract, time, membership and extra fees. Enter a comparable energy-only price when using this model; session or time-based charges require separate treatment.

Cost equivalence and energy equivalence

The separate energy reference multiplies efficiency by about 8.9kWh per liter of gasoline. Thus 5.1km/kWh corresponds to about 45.4km/L on that approximate energy basis. It is related to the idea behind MPGe, but is not an official MPGe test result. The cost result is instead 27.2km/L with the illustrative $0.30/kWh and $1.60/L prices. For that reason, the main result uses prices, and the energy reference stays collapsed until requested.

Limits and sources

Cost-equivalent economy and savings are estimates from the chosen prices and efficiencies. Actual charging and fuel costs vary by place, time, contract and driving conditions. The Korean charging-rate news report and Korea National Oil Corporation Opinet belong to the dated Korean version; they are not the source of the editable USD examples. The original vehicle-data and calculation review is dated 2026-10-21.

This estimates fuel spending, not total ownership cost or an actual bill. Check your exact vehicle configuration and the prices you pay before using the figures in a budget.