Here's the breakdown:
* Cost per unit: Gasoline is typically cheaper per unit than electricity. You can buy a gallon of gasoline for less than you can buy a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity.
* Cost per mile: Electric cars are typically cheaper to operate per mile than gasoline cars. This is because electric motors are much more efficient than combustion engines.
* Cost of vehicle: Electric cars are generally more expensive to purchase than gasoline cars, but the difference is narrowing.
Here's an example:
* A gasoline car might get 30 miles per gallon, and gas costs $4 per gallon. That means it costs about $0.13 per mile to drive.
* An electric car might get 4 miles per kWh, and electricity costs $0.15 per kWh. That means it costs about $0.04 per mile to drive.
So, while gasoline might be cheaper per unit, electric cars often end up being cheaper to operate overall because of their higher efficiency.
Factors to consider:
* Electricity prices: The cost of electricity varies depending on your location and time of day.
* Gasoline prices: The cost of gasoline fluctuates significantly.
* Vehicle efficiency: The fuel efficiency of both gasoline and electric cars varies depending on the model and driving habits.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which is cheaper for you is to calculate the cost per mile for your specific vehicle and your local energy prices.
