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
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.
Maintenance reduced by 30-50%
No oil change, no belt, less stressed brakes (regeneration). The pads last 2-3× longer than in petrol.
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?
How much does a charging station cost at home?
Will the battery die after 8 years?
Is it worth it in Quebec winter?
What happens if the Roulez vert / iZEV rebates disappear?
Are you going electric?
Request your EV car insurance quote — many insurers offer an electric vehicle discount.