**10-Year EV Savings Analysis (2025)**: **Average 10-year savings: $12,000-18,000** for mid-size EVs vs comparable gas cars (factoring purchase price, fuel, maintenance, insurance, taxes).

Actual savings depend on annual mileage, local electricity/gas prices, and EV tax credits. **TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP COMPARISON** (10 years, 150,000 miles): **GAS CAR - Honda Civic Example**: **Purchase price**: $28,000 (2025 Civic EX). **Fuel costs**: 150,000 miles ÷ 33 mpg = 4,545 gallons × $3.50/gal = **$15,909**. **Maintenance**: Oil changes: 30 changes × $50 = $1,500.

Brake pads: 3 sets × $300 = $900.

Transmission service: 2 × $200 = $400.

Other (filters, belts, coolant, spark plugs): $2,200. **Total maintenance: $5,000**. **Insurance**: $1,400/year × 10 years = **$14,000**. **Registration/fees**: $150/year × 10 years = **$1,500**. **Depreciation**: $28,000 → $5,000 residual value = **$23,000 loss**. **TOTAL 10-YEAR COST**: $28,000 + $15,909 + $5,000 + $14,000 + $1,500 = **$64,409** (excluding $23k depreciation as sunk cost). **ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Tesla Model 3 Example**: **Purchase price**: $42,000 (2025 Model 3 Standard Range RWD). **Less federal tax credit**: -$7,500 (if eligible) = **$34,500 net**. **Fuel (electricity) costs**: 150,000 miles ÷ 4 miles/kWh = 37,500 kWh × $0.15/kWh = **$5,625**. (National avg electricity $0.13-0.17/kWh, using $0.15 mid-range). **Maintenance**: No oil changes (saves $1,500).

Brake pads last 2-3× longer (regenerative braking): 1 set × $300 = $300.

Tire rotations: 20 × $25 = $500.

Cabin air filters: 5 × $30 = $150.

Coolant (battery thermal): 1 change × $200 = $200. **Total maintenance: $1,150** (77% less than gas car). **Insurance**: $1,600/year × 10 years = **$16,000** (+14% higher due to EV repair costs). **Registration/fees**: $150/year × 10 years = **$1,500** (same as gas). **Depreciation**: $42,000 → $12,000 residual value = **$30,000 loss** (EVs depreciate faster initially but stabilize). **TOTAL 10-YEAR COST**: $34,500 + $5,625 + $1,150 + $16,000 + $1,500 = **$58,775**. **10-YEAR SAVINGS**: **$64,409 (gas) - $58,775 (EV) = $5,634 savings** (without counting depreciation). **If counting depreciation**: Gas car loses $23k, EV loses $30k → EV costs $7,000 more in depreciation. **Net savings: $5,634 - $7,000 = -$1,366** (EV slightly more expensive). **BUT**: If you sell after 10 years, EV residual $12k vs gas $5k → EV recoups $7k more. **True net savings: $5,634 + $7,000 = $12,634** over 10 years. **HIGHER MILEAGE SCENARIO** (200,000 miles in 10 years = 20k miles/year): **Gas car fuel**: 200,000 ÷ 33 mpg = 6,061 gallons × $3.50 = **$21,212**. **EV electricity**: 200,000 ÷ 4 mi/kWh = 50,000 kWh × $0.15 = **$7,500**. **Fuel savings alone**: $21,212 - $7,500 = **$13,712** (over 10 years = $1,371/year). **Plus maintenance savings**: $6,500 gas car (more oil changes, brake jobs) - $1,500 EV = **$5,000**. **TOTAL SAVINGS**: $13,712 + $5,000 = **$18,712** over 10 years (high-mileage driver). **Break-even**: Around year 5-6 (when fuel savings offset higher purchase price). **LUXURY EV COMPARISON** (Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 330i): **BMW 330i (gas)**: Purchase: $45,000.

Fuel: 150k miles ÷ 28 mpg = 5,357 gal × $3.50 = $18,750.

Maintenance: $8,000 (premium parts, dealer labor $150/hr). **Total 10-year: $71,750**. **Tesla Model 3 Long Range**: Purchase: $50,000 - $7,500 credit = $42,500.

Fuel: 150k miles ÷ 4.2 mi/kWh = 35,714 kWh × $0.15 = $5,357.

Maintenance: $1,500 (minimal). **Total 10-year: $49,357**. **Savings**: $71,750 - $49,357 = **$22,393** over 10 years (luxury segment favors EVs more). **BUDGET EV COMPARISON** (Chevy Bolt vs Honda Civic): **Honda Civic**: Purchase: $28,000.

Fuel + Maintenance 10-year: $20,909. **Total: $48,909**. **Chevy Bolt EUV**: Purchase: $32,000 - $7,500 credit = $24,500.

Fuel: 150k ÷ 4 mi/kWh = 37,500 kWh × $0.15 = $5,625.

Maintenance: $1,000. **Total 10-year: $31,125**. **Savings**: $48,909 - $31,125 = **$17,784** (budget EVs save most due to low purchase price + tax credit). **REGIONAL VARIATIONS** (electricity vs gas price impact): **California** (high gas, moderate electricity): Gas: $5.00/gal (150k miles ÷ 33 mpg = $22,727 fuel).

Electricity: $0.22/kWh (37,500 kWh = $8,250 fuel). **Fuel savings**: $22,727 - $8,250 = **$14,477** (plus $4,000 maintenance = $18,477 total). **Texas** (low gas, low electricity): Gas: $3.00/gal (150k miles ÷ 33 mpg = $13,636 fuel).

Electricity: $0.12/kWh (37,500 kWh = $4,500 fuel). **Fuel savings**: $13,636 - $4,500 = **$9,136** (plus $4,000 maintenance = $13,136 total). **Hawaii** (highest electricity): Gas: $4.50/gal (150k miles = $20,454 fuel).

Electricity: $0.33/kWh (37,500 kWh = $12,375 fuel). **Fuel savings**: $20,454 - $12,375 = **$8,079** (EVs less attractive in high-electricity states). **KEY FACTORS AFFECTING SAVINGS**: **(1) Annual mileage**: **10k miles/year** (low): $600/year fuel savings (gas $1,061 vs EV $375) → 10-year savings $6,000 fuel + $4k maintenance = **$10,000**. **15k miles/year** (average): $950/year fuel savings → 10-year savings $9,500 fuel + $4k = **$13,500**. **20k miles/year** (high): $1,371/year fuel savings → 10-year savings $13,712 fuel + $5k = **$18,712**. **Conclusion**: EVs save more for high-mileage drivers (commuters, rideshare). **(2) Tax credit eligibility**: **With $7,500 new EV credit**: Break-even ~4-5 years.

Total 10-year savings $12k-18k. **Without tax credit** (income too high, vehicle doesn't qualify): Break-even ~7-8 years.

Total 10-year savings $5k-10k. **Used EV with $4,000 credit**: Faster break-even (~2-3 years) due to lower purchase price.

Total 10-year savings $15k-20k. **(3) Home charging vs public charging**: **Home charging** ($0.13-0.17/kWh): 37,500 kWh × $0.15 = **$5,625** (10 years). **Public fast charging** ($0.35-0.50/kWh): 37,500 kWh × $0.40 = **$15,000** (10 years). **Apartment dwellers without home charger**: EV savings reduced by $9,375 (nearly eliminates fuel savings).

EVs only make sense if employer offers free/cheap charging or you can install home charger. **(4) Electricity rate optimization**: **Time-of-use (TOU) pricing**: Charge at night (off-peak $0.08/kWh) vs daytime ($0.25/kWh).

Night charging: 37,500 kWh × $0.08 = $3,000 (10 years) - **saves $2,625 vs standard rate**. **Solar panels**: Generate own electricity ($0.02-0.05/kWh after payback). 37,500 kWh × $0.03 = $1,125 (10 years) - **saves $4,500 vs grid**. **MAINTENANCE COST BREAKDOWN** (10 years, 150k miles): **Gas car**: Oil changes: 30 × $50 = $1,500.

Air filters: 10 × $30 = $300.

Spark plugs: 3 sets × $200 = $600.

Transmission fluid: 2 × $200 = $400.

Coolant flush: 2 × $150 = $300.

Brake pads/rotors: 3 × $400 = $1,200.

Timing belt (if applicable): 1 × $800 = $800.

Exhaust system: 1 × $500 = $500.

Miscellaneous: $400. **Total: $6,000**. **EV**: Tire rotations: 20 × $25 = $500.

Brake pads (regenerative braking extends life): 1 × $300 = $300.

Cabin air filter: 5 × $30 = $150.

Coolant (battery thermal): 1 × $200 = $200.

Tires (same as gas car, not counted): N/A.

Miscellaneous: $200. **Total: $1,350**. **Maintenance savings**: $6,000 - $1,350 = **$4,650** over 10 years. **INSURANCE COST REALITY**: **Why EVs cost more to insure** (+10-20%): Higher repair costs (battery damage in collision = $15k-20k replacement).

Limited repair shops (Tesla parts/techs not widely available).

Higher theft rates (Teslas targeted for parts). **Example**: Gas car: $1,400/year.

EV: $1,600/year (+$200/year = $2,000 over 10 years eats into savings). **BOTTOM LINE - 10-Year Savings Summary**: **Best case** (high mileage, cheap electricity, tax credit, home charging): **$18,000-22,000 savings** (200k miles, $0.12/kWh electricity, $4/gal gas).

Bolt/Model 3 vs Civic/Camry comparison. **Average case** (moderate mileage, average prices, tax credit): **$12,000-15,000 savings** (150k miles, $0.15/kWh electricity, $3.50/gal gas).

Break-even year 5-6. **Worst case** (low mileage, expensive electricity, no tax credit, public charging): **$2,000-5,000 savings or break-even** (100k miles, $0.30/kWh electricity, $3/gal gas, no home charger).

Break-even year 8-10. **When EVs DON'T save money**: Apartment living (no home charger, forced to use $0.40/kWh public charging).

Low mileage (<8k miles/year = minimal fuel savings).

High electricity state + low gas prices (Hawaii electricity $0.33/kWh, Texas gas $2.80/gal).

No tax credit + luxury EV (paying $50k+ for EV vs $30k gas car negates savings). **EVs make most financial sense for**: High-mileage drivers (15k+ miles/year).

Homeowners with garage (home charging $0.10-0.15/kWh).

States with high gas prices (CA, WA, HI).

Access to tax credits ($7,500 new or $4,000 used).

Long ownership (keep 8-10 years to realize full savings).

**Hidden EV Ownership Costs (2025 Reality Check)**: While EVs save on fuel and maintenance, **hidden costs can reduce expected savings by 30-50%**.

Key expenses: home charging installation ($500-2,500), battery degradation ($3k-8k eventual replacement), higher insurance (+10-20%), registration fees (some states charge EV surcharges), cold weather range loss (20-40% in winter), and limited resale market. **HOME CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS**: **Level 1 charging** (120V standard outlet): **Cost**: $0 (use existing outlet). **Speed**: 3-5 miles of range per hour (40-60 hours for full charge). **Reality**: **Only works for low-mileage drivers** (<30 miles/day).

Overnight charge (8 hours) = 24-40 miles range added.

If you commute 50 miles/day, you'll deplete battery faster than you can recharge (forced to use public charging). **Level 2 charging** (240V home charger - **required for most EV owners**): **Charger unit**: $400-1,200 (Tesla Wall Connector $450, ChargePoint Home Flex $700, JuiceBox 48A $650). **Electrician installation**: Existing 240V outlet nearby (dryer plug): $200-500 labor (4-6 hours electrician time at $75-100/hr).

New circuit from breaker panel: $800-2,000 (run 50-amp dedicated line, install outlet/hardwire, permit).

Panel upgrade (if needed): +$1,500-3,000 (older homes with 100-amp service may need 200-amp upgrade).

Trenching (detached garage): +$500-1,500 (bury conduit underground). **Total Level 2 cost**: $500-2,500 (average $1,200). **Speed**: 25-40 miles of range per hour (full charge in 6-10 hours). **Hidden cost**: **$1,200 upfront** not included in EV price comparisons.

Amortized over 10 years = $120/year extra. **Permit/inspection fees**: $50-200 (some cities require electrical permit for 240V installation). **BATTERY DEGRADATION** (long-term replacement cost risk): **Normal degradation**: EV batteries lose **2-3% capacity per year** (total 20-30% loss over 10 years). **Example**: Tesla Model 3 starts with 272 miles range.

After 10 years: 272 × 0.75 = **204 miles range** (25% loss).

Daily impact: If you bought for 250-mile range, you now have 187 miles (may no longer meet needs). **Warranty coverage**: Most EVs: **8 years / 100,000 miles battery warranty** (whichever comes first).

Covers defects and degradation below 70% capacity. **After warranty expires** (year 9-10): If battery fails or drops below 60% capacity → replacement cost **$5,000-20,000**.

Tesla Model 3: $7,000-14,000 (depending on module vs full pack).

Nissan Leaf: $5,500-8,500.

Chevy Bolt: $16,000 (GM dealer replacement, very expensive).

Ford F-150 Lightning: $20,000+ (largest pack). **Depreciation impact**: 10-year-old EV with degraded battery worth much less.

Buyer expects to replace battery soon ($8k expense) → resale value drops $5k-10k. **Hidden cost**: **Potential $8,000 expense in year 9-12** if keeping EV beyond warranty.

Amortized risk: $8,000 ÷ 15 years ownership = $533/year hidden cost. **INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASES**: **Why EVs cost more to insure**: Expensive battery (damage in collision = $10k-20k repair).

Limited repair shops (not all body shops certified for EV high-voltage systems).

Higher vehicle cost (Tesla Model 3 $42k vs Honda Civic $28k = +50% value to insure).

Faster acceleration (instant torque = higher accident risk in inexperienced hands). **Premium increase**: **+10-20% over comparable gas car**. **Example**: Honda Civic: $1,400/year insurance.

Tesla Model 3: $1,600-1,680/year (+$200-280). **10-year hidden cost**: $200 × 10 = **$2,000 extra** vs gas car. **Worst offenders**: Tesla Model S/X: +30-40% insurance cost (luxury repair costs).

Ford F-150 Lightning: +25% (truck classification + battery value). **Best insurance rates**: Chevy Bolt (affordable, common parts): +5-10%.

Nissan Leaf (long track record): +8-12%. **COLD WEATHER RANGE LOSS**: **Winter efficiency drop**: EV batteries lose **20-40% range** in freezing temperatures (0-20°F). **Causes**: Battery chemistry slows (lithium-ion optimal at 68-86°F).

Cabin heating draws power (gas cars use "free" waste heat from engine, EVs use battery).

Regenerative braking reduced (cold battery can't accept charge as fast). **Example**: Tesla Model 3 (272 miles EPA range).

Summer (75°F): 272 miles actual.

Winter (15°F): 272 × 0.65 = **177 miles** (35% loss).

With heater on max: 272 × 0.55 = **150 miles** (45% loss). **Impact**: If you bought EV for 200-mile daily range, winter reality is 120-140 miles (may not meet needs).

Forced to charge mid-day (inconvenience + public charging costs). **Mitigation costs**: Pre-condition cabin while plugged in (uses grid power, not battery): Adds $0.50/day electricity = $45/winter season.

Garage parking (keep battery warmer): Rent garage space $100-300/month in cities.

Heat pump option (some EVs): +$1,000-1,500 upfront (cuts heating draw 50%). **Hidden cost**: **$200-400/year** in extra charging (compensate for range loss) or garage rental (if street parking before). **REGISTRATION FEE SURCHARGES**: **EV-specific fees** (26 states as of 2025): Gas cars pay road maintenance via gas tax ($0.18-0.58/gallon).

EVs use roads but don't buy gas → states charge **annual EV registration fee**. **Fee amounts by state**: **High fees**: Georgia: $213/year.

Alabama: $203/year.

Ohio: $200/year.

Arkansas: $200/year. **Moderate fees**: California: $100/year.

Texas: $200/year (one-time).

Washington: $150/year. **Low/no fees**: New York: $0 (no EV fee).

Massachusetts: $0.

Oregon: $0 (but requires mileage reporting for road usage charge). **Hidden cost**: **$100-200/year** in 26 states (not advertised in EV cost comparisons). **10-year impact**: $200 × 10 = **$2,000** extra vs gas car. **PUBLIC CHARGING COSTS** (for apartment/condo dwellers): **If no home charging** (30-40% of EV owners): Forced to use public chargers (shopping mall, workplace, fast-charging stations). **Level 2 public charging**: $1-3/hour or $0.20-0.30/kWh.

Fill 60 kWh battery: 60 × $0.25 = **$15** (vs $9 at home). **DC fast charging** (road trips): $0.35-0.60/kWh (Tesla Supercharger $0.35-0.45, Electrify America $0.43-0.48).

Fill 60 kWh battery: 60 × $0.40 = **$24** (vs $9 at home). **Annual cost** (no home charger): 15,000 miles ÷ 4 mi/kWh = 3,750 kWh/year. **Home charging equivalent**: 3,750 × $0.15 = $563/year. **Public Level 2**: 3,750 × $0.25 = $938/year (+$375 vs home). **Public fast charging**: 3,750 × $0.40 = $1,500/year (+$937 vs home). **Hidden cost**: **$400-950/year** if no home charger (eliminates 60-100% of fuel savings vs gas car). **10-year impact**: $950 × 10 = **$9,500 extra** (negates EV savings entirely for apartment dwellers). **DEPRECIATION REALITY** (faster than gas cars initially): **EV depreciation curve**: **Years 1-3**: -40-50% value loss (vs 30-35% for gas cars). **Why?**: Technology improves fast (2025 EV buyer wants latest battery tech, not 2022 model).

Federal tax credit for new EVs ($7,500) makes used EVs less attractive (why buy 3-year-old for $30k when new is $35k after credit?). **Years 4-8**: Slower depreciation (20-30% loss, similar to gas cars). **Years 9-12**: Steep drop (battery warranty expires → $8k replacement risk scares buyers). **Example - 2025 Tesla Model 3** ($42,000 purchase): Year 3 (2028): $25,000 value (40% loss).

Year 5 (2030): $20,000 value (52% loss).

Year 10 (2035): $8,000 value (81% loss) - battery degradation concern. **Comparable 2025 Honda Civic** ($28,000): Year 3: $19,000 value (32% loss).

Year 5: $15,000 value (46% loss).

Year 10: $6,000 value (79% loss). **Hidden cost**: **$3,000-5,000 extra depreciation** in first 5 years vs gas car (if selling early).

Only recoups if keeping 10+ years (both depreciate to similar low values). **TIRE WEAR** (EVs are heavier): **Weight impact**: EVs weigh 20-30% more than gas cars (battery pack is 800-1,200 lbs).

Tesla Model 3: 4,065 lbs.

Honda Civic: 3,000 lbs (+35% heavier). **Tire wear**: Heavier vehicle + instant torque (hard acceleration) = tires wear **20-30% faster**. **Example**: Gas car tires last 50,000 miles.

EV tires last 35,000-40,000 miles. **Replacement cost**: Set of 4 tires: $600-1,000 (Model 3 uses performance tires $800/set).

Gas car: 150,000 miles ÷ 50,000 = 3 sets × $700 = $2,100.

EV: 150,000 miles ÷ 37,500 = 4 sets × $800 = $3,200. **Hidden cost**: **+$1,100** tire expense over 10 years (150k miles).

Amortized: $110/year extra. **OPPORTUNITY COST OF HIGHER PURCHASE PRICE**: **Price premium**: EVs cost **$8,000-15,000 more** than comparable gas cars (even after tax credit).

Tesla Model 3: $42,000 - $7,500 credit = $34,500.

Honda Civic: $28,000. **Difference**: $6,500 more for EV. **If invested instead**: $6,500 invested at 7% annual return (stock market avg) = $13,180 after 10 years. **Hidden cost**: **$6,680 opportunity cost** (what that $6,500 could have grown to).

Alternative view: $6,500 pays for 6,500 ÷ $3.50 = 1,857 gallons gas = 61,000 miles in Civic (4 years of fuel included in purchase price). **BATTERY THERMAL MANAGEMENT** (hot climates): **Heat damage**: Batteries degrade faster in hot climates (Arizona, Texas summers 110°F+).

Optimal battery temp: 60-80°F.

At 100°F+: degradation accelerates to 3-4%/year (vs 2% in moderate climates). **10-year impact**: Moderate climate: 20% degradation (272 → 218 miles range).

Hot climate: 35% degradation (272 → 177 miles range). **Hidden cost**: **$2,000-4,000 earlier battery replacement** (Arizona owner may replace at year 8 vs year 12 for Seattle owner).

Mitigation: Park in garage ($150/month if renting garage = $18,000 over 10 years - very expensive).

Use active battery cooling (Tesla has this, Nissan Leaf doesn't → Leaf degrades faster). **ROAD TRIP CHARGING TIME** (opportunity cost): **Fast charging delays**: DC fast charger: 25-40 minutes to 80% charge (vs 5 minutes gas fillup). **Time cost**: 4 road trips/year × 2 charges/trip × 35 minutes = 4.7 hours/year waiting. **10-year total**: 47 hours waiting at chargers. **Opportunity cost**: 47 hours × $30/hour (value of your time) = **$1,410** over 10 years. **Mitigation**: Plan routes with chargers at meal stops (eat while charging → zero time cost).

Use Tesla Supercharger network (fastest, most reliable). **TOTAL HIDDEN COSTS SUMMARY** (10 years, 150k miles): **One-time upfront**: Home charger install: $1,200. **Annual recurring**: Insurance premium: +$200/year = $2,000.

Registration fee surcharge (26 states): $150/year = $1,500.

Cold weather extra charging: $200/year = $2,000.

Public charging premium (if no home): $400/year = $4,000. **Long-term risks**: Battery replacement (year 9-12): $8,000 potential.

Extra depreciation (first 5 years): $4,000.

Tire wear: $1,100. **TOTAL HIDDEN COSTS**: $1,200 + $2,000 + $1,500 + $2,000 + $4,000 + $8,000 + $4,000 + $1,100 = **$23,800**. **Impact on savings**: Original 10-year EV savings: $12,000-18,000 (fuel + maintenance).

Hidden costs: -$23,800. **Net result**: **-$5,800 to +$11,800** (many scenarios lose money or break even). **BEST CASE** (minimize hidden costs): **Homeowner with garage** (no charging infrastructure cost if using 120V, or $400 for basic Level 2). **Moderate climate** (no cold weather range loss, no battery degradation acceleration). **Cheap electricity state** (Texas $0.12/kWh, not Hawaii $0.33/kWh). **Low insurance driver** (Chevy Bolt +$100/year, not Tesla +$300/year). **Keep 10+ years** (avoid early depreciation hit, amortize all costs). **Total hidden costs**: $400 (charger) + $1,000 (insurance) + $1,000 (registration) + $1,100 (tires) = **$3,500**. **Net 10-year savings**: $18,000 (fuel/maintenance) - $3,500 = **$14,500 profit**. **WORST CASE** (maximize hidden costs): **Apartment dweller** (public charging +$9,500). **Hot or cold climate** (battery degradation +$4,000, range loss +$2,000). **Tesla in expensive insurance state** (CA/MI/FL +$4,000). **Sell after 5 years** (depreciation loss -$5,000). **Total hidden costs**: $9,500 + $4,000 + $2,000 + $4,000 + $5,000 = **$24,500**. **Net 5-year result**: $6,000 (fuel/maintenance savings) - $24,500 = **-$18,500 loss**. **BOTTOM LINE**: **EVs CAN save $12k-18k over 10 years** (fuel + maintenance). **BUT hidden costs reduce this by $3,500-24,500** depending on situation. **Best candidates for EV savings**: Homeowners (home charging).

High mileage (>15k miles/year).

Moderate climates.

Keep vehicle 8-10+ years. **Worst candidates** (may lose money): Apartment dwellers (forced public charging).

Low mileage (<10k miles/year).

Extreme climates (hot/cold).

Sell within 5 years. **Key insight**: Hidden costs are NOT evenly distributed - your individual situation determines if EV saves money or costs more.