Quick answer
Gas cost = distance ÷ 100 × your car's litres per 100 km × the price per litre. A 30 km commute each way (60 km a day) in a car using 9 L/100 km, at $1.80 a litre, costs $9.72 a day. Over 21 workdays that's about $204 a month, or $2,449 a year. The same driving in an EV charged at home on BC Hydro rates would cost about $28 to $34 a month.
Use the calculator above with your own route, car and today's price at the pump. Every result has a link you can share, which is handy for splitting road-trip costs or comparing a job offer across the bridge.
How the calculation works
- Distance a day: one-way distance × 2 for a round trip.
- Litres a day: distance ÷ 100 × your car's fuel use in L/100 km.
- Cost a day: litres × price per litre.
- Cost a month: cost a day × the days you drive that route.
Your car's fuel use is on its EnerGuide label or in the owner's manual. Real-world use is often higher than the label in city traffic and winter, so if you track fill-ups, use your own number.
Gas vs an EV charged at home in BC
BC Hydro puts a typical EV at about 18 kWh per 100 km. On 2026 residential rates, that's 11.87¢ to 14.08¢ per kWh plus 5% GST, or about $2.24 to $2.66 per 100 km. A gas car using 9 L/100 km at $1.80 a litre costs $16.20 per 100 km.
| 60 km a day, 21 days a month | Cost a month | Cost a year |
|---|---|---|
| Gas car, 9 L/100 km at $1.80/L | $204 | $2,449 |
| EV, 18 kWh/100 km, charged at home | $28 to $34 | $339 to $402 |
Charging overnight on BC Hydro's optional time-of-day add-on (5¢ less per kWh from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) lowers the EV cost further. Our BC Hydro cost calculator shows what home charging adds to your bill.
Ways to cut commuting fuel costs
- Carpool. Two people taking turns driving the same route each pay roughly half. Enter half your driving days above to see your share.
- Check tire pressure monthly. The right pressure is on the sticker inside the driver's door.
- Smooth driving uses less fuel than hard starts and braking in stop-and-go traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate gas cost for a trip?
Divide the distance by 100, multiply by your car's L/100 km, then by the price per litre. 400 km at 8 L/100 km and $1.80 a litre is 32 litres, or $57.60.
How much does a 30 km commute cost in gas?
At 9 L/100 km and $1.80 a litre, about $9.72 a day for the round trip, and about $204 a month over 21 workdays.
Is an EV cheaper to run than gas in BC?
For energy costs, usually by a wide margin. At 2026 BC Hydro rates, home charging costs about $2.24 to $2.66 per 100 km, compared with $16.20 per 100 km for a car using 9 L/100 km at $1.80 a litre. Purchase price, insurance and maintenance aren't included.
Where do I find my car's fuel consumption?
On the EnerGuide label, in the owner's manual, or on the car's trip computer. For the most accurate number, divide the litres at a fill-up by the kilometres driven since the last one, then multiply by 100.
Official sources
- BC Hydro: Home EV charger options (18 kWh per 100 km)
- BC Hydro: Tiered residential rate
- BC Hydro: Time-of-day rate
An estimate for general information, not financial advice. Rates change, so check the official sources above before you rely on a number. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.