Calculator inputs
The input grid adapts: three columns on large screens, two on smaller, one on mobile.
Formula used
This calculator splits costs into variable and fixed components.
Electric distance = Annual distance × Electric share
Fuel cost = Fuel used × Gas price
kWh used = Electric distance × kWh per distance
Electric cost = kWh used × Electricity rate
Fixed total = Insurance + Registration + Taxes + Depreciation + Parking + Tolls + Wash + Roadside + Subscriptions + Battery reserve + Other fixed
Charger annualized = Charger cost ÷ Charger years
Loan interest (estimate) = Average loan balance × APR
Opportunity cost (optional) = Cash tied up × Opportunity rate
Total annual cost = Variable total + Fixed total + Charger annualized + Loan interest + Opportunity cost
How to use this calculator
- Choose your currency and unit system.
- Enter annual distance and your electric driving share.
- Add real-world fuel efficiency and current energy prices.
- Fill maintenance and tire reserve rates for your driving style.
- Open advanced costs to include insurance, depreciation, and more.
- Click Calculate annual cost to view the breakdown.
- Use the download buttons to export CSV or PDF.
Example data table
Sample inputs and outputs to verify your setup.
| Item | Example value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual distance | 12,000 miles | Typical commute + errands |
| Electric share | 40% | Plug-in use on weekdays |
| Fuel efficiency | 45 mpg | Real-world mixed driving |
| Gas price | $3.60 / gallon | Local average |
| Electric efficiency | 0.30 kWh / mile | From trip computer |
| Electricity rate | $0.16 / kWh | Home rate |
| Example outputs | ||
| Gas cost | $576.00 | 7,200 gas miles ÷ 45 mpg |
| Electric cost | $230.40 | 4,800 electric miles × 0.30 kWh |
| Maintenance | $960.00 | $0.08 per mile × 12,000 |
| Tires reserve | $360.00 | $0.03 per mile × 12,000 |
| Fixed costs (incl. depreciation) | $6,395.00 | Insurance, fees, parking, depreciation |
| Total annual cost | $8,521.40 | All categories combined |
| Cost per mile | $0.7101 | Total ÷ annual miles |
Cost structure breakdown
Annual ownership cost combines variable and fixed items. Variable costs rise with distance, mainly energy, maintenance, and tires. Fixed costs include insurance, registration, taxes, depreciation, parking, and subscriptions. Many owners find fixed costs represent 55-75% of the total. Tracking them annually helps identify savings such as refinancing, bundling insurance, or choosing cheaper parking. The report highlights component so you can prioritize high-impact overall changes. This calculator also estimates optional carrying costs: annual loan interest from average balance and opportunity cost from cash tied up. Separating the totals helps you see which choices reduce spending versus which are largely unavoidable.
Energy cost modeling
Hybrid energy use depends on your electric driving share. The tool splits annual distance into gas and electric miles or kilometers, then computes fuel used from efficiency and electric kWh from consumption rate. A plug-in that runs 40% electric typically shifts cost from gasoline to electricity. Update prices monthly; even a small price change can move annual energy cost by hundreds when you drive frequently.
Depreciation and financing impact
Depreciation often exceeds fuel in the first years of ownership. Enter your expected yearly value loss using recent resale trends or dealer quotes. Financing adds another layer: interest is estimated as average loan balance multiplied by APR. For example, a 15,000 balance at 5.5% contributes 825 per year. If you paid cash, you may model opportunity cost instead.
Maintenance and reserve planning
Hybrids can reduce brake wear through regeneration, but tires, fluids, and scheduled service remain. The per-distance rates let you average repairs across the year, smoothing surprises. Add a battery reserve if you prefer a sinking fund for long-term service outside warranty. A small reserve, such as 200 annually, can meaningfully reduce future budget shocks.
Interpreting results and taking action
Use cost per mile or per kilometer to compare vehicles fairly across different driving levels. If variable costs dominate, focus on efficiency, routing, and energy prices. If fixed costs dominate, consider insurance shopping, parking alternatives, and a slower depreciation curve. Export CSV to archive scenarios and track your assumptions. Export PDF to share a clear breakdown with family or finance teams today easily.
FAQs
What does electric driving share represent?
It is the percent of annual distance powered by electricity. Use 0% for non plug-in hybrids. For plug-ins, estimate from commute patterns and recent trip logs.
Which fuel efficiency value should I enter?
Use your real-world efficiency, not the window sticker. If you track fill-ups, divide total miles by gallons, then enter that average for the last few months.
How is charger cost handled?
The tool annualizes the one-time charger cost by dividing it by useful life years. This spreads the expense across the period you expect to use it.
Is loan interest an exact payment schedule?
No. It is an annual estimate: average loan balance multiplied by APR. It helps compare ownership scenarios when you do not want a full amortization schedule.
What should I include in other fixed costs?
Use it for predictable annual items not listed, such as inspections, permit stickers, or mandatory memberships. Keep one-time upgrades out unless you annualize them.
How do the downloads work?
After you calculate, the page stores your latest report for this session. Use the buttons to export a CSV for spreadsheets or a simple PDF summary.