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Are EVs Worth It for Long Commutes

Are EVs worth it for long commutes in the US? Range, charging, and total cost for high-mileage drivers.

AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
2 min read

For long commutes in the U.S., EVs can be worth it—you save more on fuel/charging and maintenance at high miles—but range and charging need to fit your drive. Here's how to decide.

TL;DR Long commutes = high miles; fuel/charging savings are larger—EVs can save $1,000–$2,000+/year vs gas at 18,000+ miles/year. Range and charging must fit your commute (round-trip + buffer; access to home or workplace charging). Compare total cost of ownership at your miles. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership and gas vs electric.

Are EVs Worth It for Long Commutes?

  • Fuel/charging savings — at 18,000+ miles/year, an EV can save $1,000–$2,000+/year vs a gas car (depending on electricity and gas prices). Over 5 years, that's $5,000–$10,000+ in fuel savings. Use autopremo.com gas vs electric with your miles.
  • Range — ensure the EV's range (and cold-weather range) covers your round-trip commute + buffer. If you can't charge at home or work, factor public charging cost and time.
  • Total cost — compare total cost of ownership at your miles. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership. At high miles, EV total cost can be lower than gas—if purchase (after incentives) and depreciation are reasonable.
See total cost at your miles at autopremo.com.

What to Do

  • Plug in your actual miles (e.g., 18,000/year) when comparing EV vs gas. Use autopremo.com gas vs electric and total cost of ownership.
  • Check range — round-trip commute + 20–30% buffer for cold or degradation. If you need 80 miles round-trip, aim for an EV with 200+ miles range (or reliable charging at work).
  • Factor charging — home charging is cheapest; if you rely on public fast charging, cost per mile can be higher. Use autopremo.com to see charging cost at your mix.
Get total cost at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

EVs can be worth it for long commutes when range and charging fit your drive and total cost of ownership (at your miles) is lower than gas. Use autopremo.com to compare at your miles so you decide from numbers.

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