Transportation

How do I calculate the true cost of driving per mile?

Total cost per mile includes fuel (price per gallon ÷ MPG), maintenance (~$0.09/mile average), depreciation (~$0.15/mile for a typical car), insurance (annual premium ÷ annual miles), and registration. The IRS standard mileage rate (65.5¢/mile for 2024) approximates this total. Our fuel cost calculator handles the fuel component; add maintenance and depreciation for the complete picture.

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The fairest method depends on the scenario: equal split works when all passengers have similar pickup/dropoff distances; distance-proportional split accounts for different route segments; the "detour method" charges the driver only for the additional miles driven to pick up passengers. Our carpooling calculator supports all three methods and handles multi-stop routes.

Is an electric vehicle cheaper than a gas car in the long run?

EVs typically have higher upfront costs but lower operating expenses. Electricity costs ~$0.04/mile vs. ~$0.12/mile for gasoline (US averages). EVs have fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance by ~40%. Over 10 years and 150,000 miles, an EV can save $5,000–$15,000 in fuel and maintenance, often offsetting the price premium. Federal and state tax credits further improve the economics.

How do I estimate fuel consumption for a road trip?

Divide your total trip distance by your vehicle's fuel efficiency (MPG or L/100km), then multiply by the current fuel price. For example, a 500-mile trip in a car getting 30 MPG at $3.50/gallon: (500 ÷ 30) × $3.50 = $58.33. Add 10–15% for city driving, traffic, and detours. For multi-leg trips, calculate each segment separately for accuracy.