Comparing the Costs of Gas vs. Electric in 2025

Electric vehicles have quickly become a part of everyday life, and more drivers are comparing the long-term costs of going electric versus staying with gas. With fuel prices still fluctuating and more ways to charge from home or solar power, now is a good time to look at what really saves money.

Upfront Cost

EVs still tend to cost a little more upfront than gas cars, but that difference has narrowed dramatically in 2025. Over the past year, average EV prices have fallen as more manufacturers enter the market and production costs decrease. In many cases, electric and gas models now share similar price ranges, especially in compact and mid-size categories.

The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 officially expired at the end of September 2025, but several states and utilities continue to offer rebates or charging incentives that can help offset costs. Even without the federal incentive, EVs have become more affordable and accessible for the average driver.

If you plan to keep your car for several years, the lower costs of charging and maintenance often make up the difference. And when paired with solar power, charging from home can make the long-term cost of ownership even lower.

Fuel vs. Charging Costs

Fuel savings are one of the biggest reasons many drivers switch to electric.
The national average gas price in 2025 hovers around $3.10 per gallon. A gas car that gets 30 miles per gallon costs about 10 cents per mile to drive. By comparison, most EVs use around 0.3 kilowatt-hours per mile, which works out to roughly 5 to 6 cents per mile at typical residential electricity rates.

Those savings grow even more if you charge with solar. Generating and using your own electricity means you’re not affected by utility rate hikes or fuel price swings. For many solar homeowners, driving electric can nearly eliminate “fuel” costs altogether.

Maintenance and Repairs

EVs have far fewer moving parts than gas vehicles, which means fewer things to break or replace. There are no oil changes, no spark plugs, and fewer fluids to maintain. Regenerative braking also reduces wear on brake pads, lowering long-term service costs.

While battery replacement can be expensive, most EVs come with an eight-year or longer battery warranty, making that risk minimal for typical ownership. Overall, most EV drivers spend less on maintenance each year compared to those with gas vehicles.

Charging at Home or On the Go

Convenience is one of the biggest advantages of owning an electric vehicle. Most charging happens at home, which means you can plug in overnight and start each morning with a full battery. Public charging networks have also expanded across the country, making long-distance travel easier than ever.

At Signature Solar, we make home charging simple and affordable. You can shop our EV chargers, including reliable Emporia chargers that work seamlessly with most vehicles. For a complete setup, our EV Charger Kit provides everything you need to start charging from home.
If you’re looking for something more integrated, our Chiko Carports offer a smart way to create a solar-powered charging station right in your driveway. These structures combine protection for your vehicle with clean, renewable power generation.

The Solar Connection

Pairing an EV with solar energy is one of the most effective ways to lower your total cost of ownership. Instead of paying the utility for electricity, you can charge your vehicle directly from the energy your solar panels produce.

For homeowners with solar and a battery system, this combination also provides energy independence. You can drive and power your home using clean energy even during grid outages or peak-rate hours.

Over time, this setup can save thousands of dollars while helping reduce strain on the power grid.

Is an EV Right for You?

An EV might be the right fit if you:

• Drive regularly or have a longer commute
  
• Have access to overnight home charging
  
• Want lower long-term fuel and maintenance costs
  
• Have solar or plan to install it in the future
  
• Want to reduce reliance on the grid and fuel prices
  

If you live in an area with higher electricity rates or limited charging access, a hybrid could still be a practical middle ground.

Why It’s Worth Considering

EVs cost less to buy, less to maintain, and can be powered by solar energy right at home. Even without federal incentives, the savings and independence they offer make them one of the most practical choices on the road today.

If you want to get the most out of an electric vehicle, pairing it with solar charging is a smart place to start. At Signature Solar, we offer complete solutions for powering your EV, including dependable Emporia chargers, an all-in-one EV Charger Kit, and Chiko Solar Carports designed for solar charging setups.

Explore our full range of EV project items and take the next step toward energy independence.