Report shows EVs driven 20% less than gas-powered cars, resulting in higher cost per mile

According to a recent report by iSeeCars.com, gasoline-powered vehicles that are three years old are driven an average of 12,813 miles per year. In comparison, EVs are driven 20% less, or 10,256 miles per year. Standard hybrid vehicles drive 12,471 miles per year, 2.7% less than gas-powered vehicles, and plug-in hybrid cars drive 12,199 miles per year. 

It’s worth noting that hybrid cars cost less than gas-powered vehicles, while EVs represent the most expensive option due to their higher upfront cost and lower annual mileage. However, despite the lower cost of hybrids, hybrid owners use their vehicles almost as frequently as gas-powered car owners.

Moreover, gas-powered vehicles cost 64.6% less per 1,000 miles than EVs due to their lower purchase cost and wider usage. Yet, plug-in hybrids cost 39.4% more per 1,000 miles than gas-powered cars.

In the report, the least expensive alternative fuel car is the Honda Insight Hybrid, costing just $1,463 per 1,000 miles, followed by the hybrid Hyundai Ioniq at $1,813 and the Toyota Corolla at $1,857 per 1,000 miles driven. Unfortunately, the Insight and Ioniq hybrids have been discontinued after the 2022 model year, but buyers can still purchase them secondhand. The most expensive alternative fuel car is the Porsche Taycan, costing $22,021 per 1,000 miles driven annually. This is due to Luxury cars such as the Taycan incurring higher costs when combined with alternative fuel, even though they are not driven as frequently as mainstream vehicles.

Even when powered by conventional gas high-performance sports cars like the Porsche 911, Porsche 718 Cayman, and Lexus LC 500 still rank higher in cost per mile than electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The vehicles drive less than 5,000 miles per year and cost between $25,000 and $43,000 per 1,000 miles.

Low-cost budget cars like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, and Chevrolet Spark are still the most economical options for personal transportation, costing less than $1,600 per 1,000 miles driven. According to Karl Brauer, executive Analyst for iSeecars.com, “These low-cost models are still available for buyers seeking the least expensive personal transit, except for the Spark, which is no longer in production.”