EV vs Gas After 7 Years and 200,000 km

Summary

André reviews the real-world ownership costs of his two electric vehicles—a Kia Niro EV and a Kia EV6—after seven years and 207,000 km. He compares them with a similar all-wheel-drive gas crossover. His figures are based on personal receipts and exclude charging costs for press vehicles or demonstration events.

Costs and ownership details

• Electricity: André spent $4,071 charging the EVs over 207,000 km. The Niro EV averaged about $36 per month to charge. The EV6 used more electricity, partly because he enjoyed its all-wheel-drive performance.
• Gas comparison: Assuming fuel consumption of 8.5 L/100 km for a comparable AWD crossover, he estimates he saved more than $22,000 on fuel.
• Maintenance: EV upkeep mainly involved brake maintenance and replacing the 12-volt battery. Regenerative braking reduces use of the friction brakes, though the brakes still need cleaning. The cars did not require oil changes, transmission servicing, or exhaust-system maintenance.
  • André reports $306 per year in Niro EV maintenance.
  • He cites about $2,230 in maintenance costs for a comparable gas crossover and characterizes EV maintenance as much cheaper. The subtitles do not make clear what time period that figure covers.
• Tires: He bought one winter set for the Niro EV and two winter sets, plus roughly one summer set, for the EV6. He mentions claims that EVs wear tires faster but does not draw a data-based conclusion in the video.
• Insurance: The Niro EV cost about $1,800 per year for full coverage from 2019 to 2021. The EV6 cost about $1,800–$1,900 in 2022 and now costs $2,115.54 per year. André notes that rates depend on the driver, location, insurer, and vehicle.
• Home charger installation: Costs can vary widely depending on a home’s electrical layout. André gives a rough range of $150 to $2,000 and recommends getting a quote from an electrician.

Advantages

• Much lower routine maintenance than a gas vehicle.
• Significant fuel-cost savings in André’s experience.
• Convenient and usually cheaper home charging; he says it accounts for 95% of the savings.
• Less anxiety about fuel costs on long-distance trips, and occasional free charging at destinations.
• An enjoyable driving experience, especially the EV6’s AWD power.

Limitations and caveats

• Insurance and charger-installation costs vary substantially, so André’s figures may not apply to other owners.
• The savings case is strongest for people who can charge at home. People in apartments without charging access may be better served by a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
• The video does not provide a complete tire-cost total or a detailed breakdown of home versus public charging.
• The gas comparison uses an assumed consumption rate of 8.5 L/100 km for a comparable crossover, rather than a direct seven-year ownership record for a gas vehicle.

Verdict

André strongly recommends buying an EV if home charging is available, based on seven years of receipts and estimated fuel savings of more than $22,000. He suggests considering a hybrid or plug-in hybrid if home charging is impractical.

Speakers

• André Lawrence: Provides the ownership costs, driving experience, comparison, and recommendation.
• David: Lent André a gas car to drive and helped prepare the video. No separate cost assessment or contrasting view from David is included.