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Choose a vehicle category
Compare fuel types
Your driving profile
Energy prices
Incentives & rebates
Select a vehicle category above to see your cost comparison
Total cost of ownership
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Cost breakdown
| Category | Vehicle A | Vehicle B | Difference |
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Cumulative cost over time
Cost breakdown by category
How we calculate Total Cost of Ownership
Total Cost of Ownership = Net purchase price + Fuel costs + Maintenance + Insurance − Resale value, over your chosen ownership period.
- Net purchase price: Average MSRP minus federal iZEV rebate, provincial incentive, and any other incentives you enter.
- Fuel costs: Annual km × blended efficiency (city/highway split) × your province's electricity or gas price. Highway driving uses ~10–15% less energy per km for EVs and ~15% more for gas vehicles.
- Maintenance: Annual estimates based on vehicle category and fuel type. EVs typically cost ~40% less to maintain than gasoline vehicles. Override in Advanced options.
- Insurance: Annual estimates by category. Override in Advanced options.
- Resale / depreciation: Compound annual depreciation applied to average MSRP. Override rate in Advanced options.
- CO₂ emissions: Gasoline: ~2,310 g CO₂/litre combusted. BEV: grid intensity (g CO₂/kWh) × kWh consumed - varies significantly by province.
Data sources
- Electricity rates: Provincial utilities (OEB, BC Hydro, Hydro-Québec, etc.)
- Gas prices: NRCan monthly provincial averages
- Grid CO₂ intensity: Canada Energy Regulator / Pembina Institute
- Federal incentives: Transport Canada iZEV program
- Provincial incentives: Province program websites
- Vehicle data: Manufacturer specifications, NRCan fuel consumption ratings
Data updated: 2026-03.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include charging equipment costs?
No. A Level 2 home charger (EVSE) typically costs $500–$1,500 installed, plus potential electrical panel upgrades. The federal government and several provinces offer installation rebates. We recommend adding this to "Other incentives" as a negative value if applicable.
Why does the BEV look cheaper / more expensive in my province?
BEV costs are heavily influenced by local electricity rates and grid carbon intensity. Quebec and Manitoba have very low electricity rates and near-zero grid emissions, making EVs especially attractive. Alberta and Nova Scotia have higher rates and more carbon-intensive grids.
Does this include financing costs?
No - this is a cash-equivalent comparison. Financing would add interest costs to both vehicles proportionally to their purchase price, which would widen the gap if the EV has a higher sticker price.
What about used vehicles?
This calculator uses average new vehicle MSRPs. For used vehicles, enter the actual purchase price in the Other incentives field as a negative adjustment, or use the Advanced options to adjust depreciation rates.