Alternative Fuel Data Center Tool Spotlight: Vehicle Cost Calculator
Posted by Clean Fuels Intern on Aug. 4, 2026 / Electric Vehicles, Emissions & Fuel Economy / Subscribe 0
The U.S. Department of Energy and the Alternative Fuels Data Center provide several tools available to the public to aid in education and decision-making. Rising gas and car prices are a major concern for everyone, so utilizing the Vehicle Cost Calculator is helpful when making decisions about purchasing a new vehicle. Making cost-effective decisions on fuel economy or what kind of fuel a vehicle uses is imperative for a lifestyle decision such as this.
The Vehicle Cost Calculator uses different types of makes and models of vehicles to compare the overall cost and fuel economy for the user’s interest. In the calculator, the user can input data such as daily miles driven, days per week, weeks per year, and percent spent on the highway to adjust to the user’s personal needs. This will affect the outcome of the comparison of the vehicles of interest. The user can compare up to eight vehicles at a time to compare overall price, fuel economy, and fuel type. The user can also change the price of a gallon of gas to adjust to the current economy.
The calculator gives the price according to the new, off-the-lot price as well. So, this tool is a good estimator for a new car, but if you are considering a used car, it is also helpful to overestimate the cost, then be pleasantly surprised at the used car rates! This tool is user-friendly and takes every purchaser into account.
Specifically for electric vehicles, there is an option to add in how many times an owner would plug in their vehicle and to select the state of interest to generate the emissions added by electricity use as well. This tool is for both gas and electric vehicle lovers, and the possibilities are endless!
As an example, Louisiana Clean Fuels wanted to compare multiple 2020 vehicles to see which option would be the most cost-effective for a potential vehicle upgrade. In this example, we ran eight different models to compare, ranging from hybrid to regular gasoline, as shown in the graph below. The only hybrid to cost more after 15 years of ownership compared to classic gasoline cars was the Lexus ES 300h hybrid, a luxury brand. Both the Hyundai and the Toyota cost less than their gasoline counterparts after the 15-year ownership mark, showcasing the savings that come along with owning a hybrid. Imagine the savings a sole EV vehicle could bring!
Figures 1 and 2. The example provided by Louisiana Clean Fuels comparing new vehicles for a personal upgrade using the Vehicle Cost Calculator.
For additional insight about fuel savings for your vehicle, pair this tool with the US Department of Energy’s fuel savings calculator! In this program, you can compare two vehicles via their average MPG. Pairing both resources can save the average vehicle purchaser potentially thousands of dollars over a course of at least 15 years, creating a solution to a complicated problem most people incur when considering a new family or individual vehicle.
Link to the tool: Vehicle Cost Calculator
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