Real math for real decisions
Case Studies.
Every case here starts with a real driver, a real ZIP code, and real vehicles they'd actually cross-shop. We do the 5-year math — depreciation, fuel or electricity, insurance, maintenance, incentives — and let the numbers land where they land. Some cases favor the EV. Some don't. That's the point.
Launch library · 3 studies live, 7 in the pipeline
Pick a case to read the full breakdown
Tesla Model Y vs. Toyota RAV4
A family of four with an 18K-mile-a-year driving habit runs the numbers. Xcel's EV rate helps, Colorado's $5,000 tax credit helps more — but Tesla's higher sticker price makes it close.
18,000 mi/yr · 5-year horizon · Cash
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Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Gas F-150
A residential contractor asks whether the Lightning saves him money at 22,000 miles a year with occasional towing. Cheap Texas overnight power isn't enough to close the $20K sticker gap plus steeper depreciation.
22,000 mi/yr · 5-year horizon · Cash
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Tesla Model 3 vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid
A retired teacher drives 6,500 miles a year in Eversource territory. High Massachusetts electricity rates plus low mileage tilts the math toward the 51-MPG hybrid — the "quiet default" that beats an EV at these usage levels.
6,500 mi/yr · 5-year horizon · Cash
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Hyundai Tucson
A commuting couple in PSE territory considers same-brand cross-shopping. Modest electricity rates, no state EV rebate.
In the pipeline
Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Same-name comparison with SRP's exceptionally cheap $0.045/kWh super off-peak overnight EV rate.
In the pipeline
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Ford Escape
DTE Energy's Time-of-Day EV rate versus 26 MPG Michigan winters. Same brand, similar footprint, very different math.
In the pipeline
Kia EV6 vs. Kia Sportage
Georgia Power's flat residential rate against a compact crossover with equivalent utility. No state EV rebate.
In the pipeline
Volkswagen ID.4 vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
PGE territory, mild climate, generous OR rebate. A test of whether same-family cross-shopping tips the scales.
In the pipeline
Subaru Solterra vs. Subaru Forester
An outdoor-oriented buyer in Xcel territory. AWD compact SUV showdown with Colorado's EV credit stacked in.
In the pipeline
Nissan Ariya vs. Nissan Rogue
ComEd territory (state-average rates until we get their EV plan). A same-brand comparison at moderate mileage.
In the pipeline
How to read a case study. Each one starts with the driver's situation (city, mileage, ownership horizon, purchase method), then walks through vehicle-by-vehicle economics: purchase price, depreciation loss, fuel or electricity cost, insurance, maintenance, and any incentives. Every dollar figure comes from published rate schedules, EPA fuel-economy data, and Drive Economics's own insurance and maintenance models. Numbers are dated snapshots — see each case's "last verified" line.