Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid vs Electric: which really costs less? — United States
Compare petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric over 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, including tax and depreciation. For United States drivers this uses real local figures where we have them — a state inspection costs about $0 per test and annual state vehicle fees is not charged for private cars. Prices default to USD and miles per US gallon.
Loading the interactive calculator… if it does not appear, JavaScript is disabled — use the inputs below the calculator or visit the tool with JavaScript enabled.
Why cost of ownership matters
The purchase price is only the beginning. Fuel or electricity, insurance, state vehicle fees, the state inspection, servicing, tyres, repairs and depreciation together usually cost more than the car itself over a few years. Use this tool to see the full picture before you buy.
How to use this calculator
Enter realistic figures for your situation — what you actually pay for insurance, what you expect to drive in a year — and the tool breaks the total down into monthly, weekly, yearly and per-distance costs. Adjust any figure and the results update instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How does the fuel type comparison work?
You enter two or more cars — different fuel types or not — and the tool compares their total estimated cost over 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, including fuel or energy, state vehicle fees, insurance, servicing and depreciation.
Why does a cheaper car sometimes cost more?
Because purchase price is only one line. Depreciation, fuel consumption and state vehicle fees differ enough between petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric that a dearer car with lower running costs can win over five years.
Is a hybrid cheaper than a petrol car?
It depends on how you drive and what you pay for fuel in the US. Short, slow journeys suit a hybrid; long motorway runs narrow the gap. The 5 and 10-year columns show your own numbers.
Are the results estimates?
Yes. They are built from the consumption figures and prices you enter, in USD, and do not include unpredictable costs such as a major repair.
Estimate only: results depend entirely on the inputs. Prices and rates change; check current official sources before committing.