Cost Breakdown: Fuel vs. Charging—How Much Can You Save With an EV?
Cost Breakdown: Fuel vs. Charging—How Much Can You Save With an EV?
Posted on September 16, 2025
When you live in a community like Kipling, SK, every dollar spent at the pump adds up quickly. But what if there were a better way to get around, one that cuts your fuel bills and lowers your maintenance costs without compromising convenience? That’s exactly what electric vehicles (EVs) offer. While EVs have often been seen as a big-city trend, the truth is, Saskatchewan drivers stand to benefit just as much, if not more, from going electric. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how EVs compare to gas-powered vehicles in real-world cost of ownership.
Comparing Upfront Costs: Electric vs. Gas Vehicles
Let’s start with the sticker price. A few years ago, electric vehicles carried a major price premium, but that’s quickly changing. According to Cox Automotive, the average EV price dropped by more than $14,000 between 2022 and 2023, putting EVs only about $2,800 more than gas-powered vehicles on average. As battery costs come down and more models hit the market, that gap will likely shrink even further.
And don’t forget about incentives. Until at least September 2025, many EV buyers are still eligible for federal tax credits, up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used ones. While Saskatchewan doesn’t currently offer provincial rebates like some other provinces do, these federal savings can help bring the upfront cost of an EV more in line with a gas-powered car.
Fuel vs. Charging: What Do You Actually Pay?
Now here’s where EVs really shine. The cost of charging an electric vehicle in Saskatchewan is significantly lower than filling up with gasoline. According to SaskPower, residential electricity rates currently sit around 14.89 cents per kWh. If your EV uses about 18 kWh per 100 km, you’re paying roughly $2.65 to drive 100 km. Compare that to a gas vehicle that uses 8.0L/100 km at 132.7 cents per litre, that’s around $13.60 per 100 km.
If you’re driving 20,000 km per year, charging an EV at home would cost you an estimated $650 annually. A gas car, on the other hand, would cost over $1520 to fuel for the same distance. That’s more than significant annual savings just by switching to electric.
Plus, electricity prices are generally more stable than gas prices, which are vulnerable to global markets, weather disruptions, and supply chain issues. SaskPower’s regulated pricing also allows for more predictable long-term budgeting, and some EV owners can save even more by charging during off-peak hours if time-of-use pricing becomes available.
Maintenance: Less Time in the Shop
Another major bonus with EVs? Far fewer maintenance headaches. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, spark plug replacements, or exhaust system repairs. Even brakes last longer, thanks to regenerative braking systems that reduce wear and tear.
While EVs still need tire rotations, coolant checks, and general inspections, studies show maintenance and repair costs for electric vehicles are roughly 40 percent lower than for gas vehicles. Over the typical seven-year ownership period, that can mean hundreds (even thousands) of dollars saved on service alone.
Total Ownership Costs Over Time
When you factor in purchase price, fuel, maintenance, and available tax incentives, electric vehicles often come out ahead over the life of the vehicle. A 2025 study by Atlas Public Policy found that in four out of five vehicle segments, EVs had a lower total cost of ownership over seven years compared to their gas-powered counterparts, even without full tax credit benefits. The only segment where gas still edged ahead was pickup trucks, though that gap is also narrowing with new models entering the market.
If you’re not quite ready to go fully electric, plug-in hybrids are another cost-saving option. These offer electric-only driving ranges of up to 50 km, perfect for short daily drives around Kipling, while still giving you a gas engine for longer road trips.
Thinking Long-Term: Savings and Sustainability
Beyond the savings to your wallet, driving an EV is also a cleaner choice. Even in a province like Saskatchewan, where a good portion of the electricity grid is powered by fossil fuels, EVs still reduce overall carbon emissions compared to gasoline vehicles. Over its lifetime, an EV can eliminate tonnes of carbon pollution,not to mention the air quality benefits from lower tailpipe emissions, especially in smaller communities.
Ask Us About Electric Vehicles at McMillan Motor Products
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of going electric, we’re here to help. At McMillan Motor in Kipling, SK, we can walk you through the latest EV models, charging options, and ownership costs to see if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle. Come chat with us today and take the first step toward a more affordable, cleaner drive.