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Electric Vehicle vs. Gasoline: When Does It Pay Off? | QC Calculator 2026

Free tool · Auto decision

Electric vehicle vs gas — When is it profitable?

Calculate the break-even point, total savings, and annual cost over the duration of your choice.

1. My usage

2. Electric vehicle (EV)

3. Equivalent gas vehicle

Long-term comparison

Total savings (EV vs gas)
Total EV cost
Total gas cost
EV energy / year
Gas / year
Total government rebates
EV price after rebates
Initial EV premium
Savings / year (energy + maintenance)
Auto insurance quote EV →

Estimation. Roulez vert/iVZE rebates pre-filled — adjust according to your eligibility. Does not include differential depreciation or public charging.

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Simulation tool — indicative result

Government rebates are built into the calculation — check your actual eligibility (model, income, date of purchase) on vehiculeselectriques.gouv.qc.ca and tc.canada.ca/ivze. The calculator does not include differential depreciation or charging at a public charging station. For a purchase decision, consult a dealer and your insurance broker.

Why the calculation changes everything in 2026

With gasoline at $1.50-1.70/L and residential kWh at about 8¢, driving 100 km costs about $13 in gasoline versus $1.40 in electricity — a ratio of almost 10 to 1. At 18,000 km/year, that’s about $2,100 difference each year. Over 8 years, we’re talking about $16,000 to $20,000 in fuel savings — often enough to absorb the initial additional cost of the EV.

~10× cheaper in energy

Hydro-Québec has the lowest residential rates in North America. Charging an EV at home costs ~$1.40/100 km vs. ~$13/100 km for a gasoline vehicle.

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Maintenance reduced by 30-50%

No oil change, no belt, less stressed brakes (regeneration). The pads last 2-3× longer than in petrol.

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2026 Rebate up to $10,000

Roulez vert (QC) program: up to $5,000. iZEV (federal): up to $5,000. Stackable — check your model’s eligibility.

💡 When is an EV less advantageous?

  • If you drive less than 8,000 km/year — the fuel economy doesn’t make up for the extra cost.
  • If you live in a condo/apartment without a charging station and depend on public charging (3-4× more expensive).
  • If you plan to resell in less than 4 years — the initial depreciation of an EV may be faster.
  • If you make regular long trips to remote areas without an accessible fast charger.

Frequently asked questions

Does my EV insurance cost more?
Yes, on average 10-20% more than an equivalent petrol vehicle. Reasons: more expensive parts (battery, electronics), specialized labor. But many insurers offer an EV discount of 5-10% that compensates for a good part. Compare with an insurance broker.
How much does a charging station cost at home?
A Level 2 (240V) charging station installed costs $1,200 to $2,800 depending on the distance to the panel, amperage and installation. The Roulez vert program offers up to $600 for the charging station and installation.
Will the battery die after 8 years?
No. Most manufacturers guarantee the battery for 8 years / 160,000 km. Real-world data shows 85-90% capacity retention after 10 years for recent Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet EVs.
Is it worth it in Quebec winter?
The actual range of an EV drops by 25 to 40% in extreme cold (-15 °C and below). For daily use (~50-100 km/day), no problem. For long trips in remote areas at -25°C, plan charging stops.
What happens if the Roulez vert / iZEV rebates disappear?
The 2026 discounts are the last according to current announcements (program extended until December 31, 2026 and then planned discount). If you are planning to buy, doing it in 2026 to benefit from the maximum amounts is advantageous.

Are you going electric?

Request your EV car insurance quote — many insurers offer an electric vehicle discount.

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