EV vs Gas Car
True Cost of Ownership Calculator

It depends heavily on your location, electricity rates, insurance costs, and how long you plan to own the car. In low-electricity-cost areas (Quebec, Manitoba, Pacific Northwest), EVs can save money over 5+ years. In high-electricity or cold weather areas, the math often favors gas cars once you include insurance premiums, tire costs, and depreciation.

EVs are significantly heavier than gas cars due to battery weight (often 500-1,000+ lbs more), and they deliver instant torque to the wheels. Both factors accelerate tire wear. EV-specific tires also use specialized low-rolling-resistance compounds and reinforced sidewalls to handle the extra weight, which makes them roughly 42% more expensive per set.

In Canada, the federal EVAP offers up to $5,000 for BEVs (declining to $4,000 in 2027). Quebec's Roulez Vert offers $2,000 (ending Dec 31, 2026). BC's CleanBC offers up to $2,000. In the USA, most federal EV tax credits have been significantly reduced or eliminated for 2026. Some states still offer their own credits. The Section 30C charger installation credit (30% up to $1,000) expires June 30, 2026.

Yes. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency by 15-30% depending on how cold it gets. This means you use more electricity per mile in winter, which directly increases your energy cost. Our calculator applies a cold weather multiplier based on your province, ranging from 5% for coastal BC to 30% for the territories.

EV insurance premiums are higher for several reasons: repair costs are significantly higher (specialized parts, battery concerns, fewer certified EV repair shops), vehicle replacement values are higher, and some insurers lack enough claims data to price EV risk accurately. In Canada, EVs average 36.8% higher premiums. In the USA, it's roughly 20% more.