• Home Home

Tesla driver weighs in on the biggest debate over owning an EV versus a gas car in the US: 'The math no one wants to talk about'

"All the other stuff … it costs a lot of money."

One driver broke down the true cost of driving an EV compared to that of a gas-powered vehicle, and it's eye-opening.

Photo Credit: TikTok

When looking into switching from a gas-guzzling car to an electric alternative, some drivers might be put off by the high upfront costs. 

However, TikToker Ray (@teslaxplored) broke down the true cost of driving an EV compared to a gas-powered vehicle — or, as he put it, "the math no one wants to talk about." 

@teslaxplored Would you buy a Gas car or an Electric Car if you were in the market to buy a car today? #TikTokGasVsEVCampaign ♬ original sound - Ray | Tesla and TSLA News

In short, anyone who stops at the sticker price isn't seeing the whole story. 

EVs generally have a higher purchase price, but they can save owners a lot of money on gas in the years ahead, especially if they charge at home rather than at public chargers.


In the market for a home EV charger? Qmerit makes it easy to get instant quotes on Level 2 charging stations that can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

To get an instant estimate, just answer a few questions about your garage and electrical panel. Within a few days, Qmerit will contact you with a final proposal from a certified installer, and their expert electricians make the process a breeze from there.

The Cool Down may receive a commission on signups made through links on this page, but we only promote partners we vet and believe in. For more cool tips like this one, check out our solutions marketplace here.

For EV owners interested in saving by charging at home, Qmerit is an excellent option to help you get started on the installation of a Level 2 charger. 

"Take an SUV for example, a gas SUV," Ray says. "To fill it up, usually people pay around $250 per month just on gas. That's like $15,000 when you push it out to five years. Over five years, $15,000 in gas alone." 

Ray goes on, "Now add oil changes, timing belt, maintenance, whatever — all the other stuff — and it costs a lot of money."

Ray explains that he only spends between $40 and $60 a month to charge his Tesla, and his maintenance costs are minimal.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Stay warm all winter long with the Apple of intelligent space heaters

Kelvin is the Apple of space heaters, designed for energy efficiency and maximum comfort. It's completely silent and intelligently controlled, with setup taking just 5 minutes.

Built from premium materials like aluminum and glass, Kelvin works beautifully as a full-home heating system or as the perfect solution for that one room that never feels warm enough.

But the savings go well beyond gas. EVs also require much less maintenance than gas-powered equivalents.

Beyond the massive savings, people who choose to drive an EV instead of a standard car powered by an internal combustion engine also benefit the environment by reducing the release of planet-warming tailpipe pollution that contributes to rising global temperatures.

What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home?

Not enough time ⏳

Not enough space 🤏

It seems too hard 😬

I have a garden already 😎

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Pairing solar panels with a Level 2 charger will maximize savings and pollution reduction. Qmerit offers free estimates for homeowners to install the charging technology, and it starts with a few simple questions about their electrical panel and garage. 

Homeowners looking to save with solar should check out TCD's Solar Explorer. The portal can connect you with vetted partners who can help you understand the available options and simplify the process. 

The Solar Explorer can also help homeowners compare bids from local installers and save up to $10,000 on associated costs.

One commenter who clearly agrees with Ray about the savings posted, "People who are good at math buy EVs."

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.

Cool Divider