About ChargeMath

ChargeMath exists to give EV owners and future EV buyers fast, accurate answers to everyday EV math — without sign-ups, downloads, account creation, or marketing fluff. Every calculator runs entirely in your browser; the numbers you enter never leave your device.

What this site covers

27 calculators across three categories — charging (cost, time, speed, home installation, time-of-use savings, solar), range (efficiency, highway impact, cold weather, battery degradation, road-trip stops, model comparison), and savings (EV vs gas, cost per mile, break-even, lease vs buy, depreciation, total cost of ownership).

19 long-form guides on EV ownership topics: battery life, cold-weather range, charging connector types, the federal tax credit, apartment charging, used EV buying, depreciation, insurance, warranty, one-pedal driving, and more.

Methodology

Every calculator uses a documented, publicly verifiable formula. The underlying math and assumptions are explained on each tool's page, and every result includes a "show your work" breakdown so you can see exactly how the number was derived.

Where industry averages are used (the EV maintenance-cost formula, the depreciation curve, insurance premium estimates, etc.), the figures represent typical US 2025–2026 conditions. Real results vary by location, climate, driving style, and a fair amount of luck.

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov — vehicle range ratings, MPGe data, efficiency standards.
  • US Energy Information Administration (EIA) — electricity rate averages, grid COâ‚‚ intensity by region.
  • IRS Clean Vehicle Credit guidance — federal new and used EV credit eligibility rules.
  • Recurrent — battery degradation field data across thousands of vehicles.
  • Geotab — commercial EV fleet performance data on aging and reliability.
  • AAA, Edmunds, Consumer Reports — cost-of-ownership averages and maintenance figures.
  • Manufacturer-published specs — vehicle-specific ranges, charging speeds, warranty terms.
  • SAE standards J1772 and J3400 — charging connector specifications.
  • NREL technical reports — charging efficiency and grid integration research.

Editorial standards

  • Numbers are reviewed annually and after major industry shifts (federal credit rule changes, NACS transition milestones, new model-year releases).
  • Every tool result shows a transparent breakdown of the calculation so users can audit the math.
  • Guides cite sources inline where specific figures come from third parties.
  • If and when affiliate links or sponsored content is added, it will be clearly disclosed at the top of the page where it appears.
  • Mistakes are fixed and the change is noted on the relevant page's "Last updated" line.

Independence

ChargeMath is not affiliated with any EV manufacturer, charging network, dealer, or financial institution. The site is supported by unobtrusive display ads. No manufacturer pays for placement, favorable comparison, or promotional treatment.

What this site is not

  • Not financial, tax, or legal advice. For specific purchase, financing, or tax decisions, consult an accountant, a financial advisor, or your dealer for terms tied to your situation.
  • Not a buying recommendation engine. We don't tell you which car to buy — we help you do the math.
  • Not a replacement for a licensed electrician. For home charger installation, always use a licensed electrician who pulls a permit.
  • Not a guarantee of accuracy. Results are planning estimates, not promises. EV pricing, tax credit rules, electricity rates, and charging network coverage all change rapidly.

Privacy

Every calculator runs entirely in your browser. The values you enter (battery sizes, miles, dollar amounts) never get sent to a server and are not stored after you close the page. The site does not track individuals or sell user data. Read the privacy policy for the full details on how aggregate analytics work.

Units

Calculators default to US units (miles, USD, kWh, °F, MPG, mi/kWh). Where a comparable European unit makes sense (km, °C, L/100km), it's shown alongside. Sanity-check unit assumptions before relying on any result for a real transaction.

Updates and revisions

Each tool and guide carries a "Last updated" timestamp at the bottom of the page. We add new calculators when they fit the site's purpose, refresh figures when industry data shifts, and rewrite material when reader feedback identifies a clearer explanation.

Suggestions and corrections

Have an idea for a calculator we should add, spotted a mistake, or want a guide on a topic we haven't covered? Get in touch through the contact page. We review every message and fix legitimate errors quickly.