Katerina Swanson
The cost of car fuel per month is a significant expense for many Americans, with the average driver spending about $3000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. This cost is influenced by various factors, including the type of car, its fuel efficiency, and the distance travelled. For instance, smaller cars are generally cheaper to run and insure, and electric vehicles can provide significant savings, although they may be more expensive to purchase initially. Monthly mileage tracking, proper tyre maintenance, and fuel-saving techniques like minimising idling can all help drivers manage their fuel costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly cost of gasoline per household | $204.08 |
| National average cost of gasoline per gallon | $3.065 |
| Average yearly cost of gasoline per household | $2,449 |
| Average yearly transportation cost per household | $13,174 |
| Average yearly expenditure per household | $77,280 |
| Average yearly income per household | $101,805 |
| Average number of public charging stations in California | 18,428 |
| Number of people per public charging station in Vermont | 1,352 |
| Number of people per public charging station in California | 2,114 |
| Fuel savings from EVs in states with sufficient public charging stations | High |
| Fuel efficiency of small cars | High |
| Fuel efficiency of SUVs | Low |
| Fuel efficiency of cars with roof racks | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles (EVs)
The cost of charging an EV varies depending on electricity rates, which fluctuate and differ by location. Charging during off-peak hours can save up to 30% on electricity costs. The Department of Energy (DOE) offers a vehicle cost calculator to estimate the costs of owning and operating an EV, factoring in electricity rates by state. For example, a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD EV costs approximately $469 to charge annually in Texas. The availability of public charging stations also impacts the feasibility of owning an EV, with California leading the country in the number of stations.
EV owners can save money by charging their vehicles at home, though this will increase their electricity bill. The cost of charging at home can be calculated by multiplying the vehicle's kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles by the electricity rate. For example, charging a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD with a depleted battery during off-peak hours costs around $3.85 for 50 miles' worth of power. In contrast, charging during peak hours can triple the cost.
Overall, EVs offer significant fuel cost savings compared to traditional cars. A 2018 study found that the average cost to fuel an electric car annually was $485, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. Similarly, a 2020 study showed that EV drivers spent about 60% less on fuel costs than drivers of gas-powered cars. These savings are due to the higher efficiency of EVs, which are 2.6 to 4.8 times more efficient than traditional cars.
In summary, while the initial purchase price of EVs may be higher, their lower maintenance and fuel costs make them a more economical choice in the long run, especially with the availability of incentives like salary sacrifice schemes and government incentives.
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Fuel-saving tips
Personal driving habits are the single biggest factor affecting vehicle fuel consumption. Therefore, adopting improved driving behaviours can contribute to significant savings at the pump.
Firstly, avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. It is unnecessary and wastes fuel. If you are stopped for more than 60 seconds, turn off your engine. In addition, try to avoid hard accelerations and instead accelerate smoothly and gently. This will allow the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
Secondly, maintain your tires at the correct pressure. Underinflated tires have higher rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption. Tires lose about 1 psi a month, so check the pressure often and fill them up when you see the tire pressure warning light. If you are unsure of the correct pressure, check the sticker on the driver's side door.
Thirdly, minimise wind resistance. Driving with the windows down at speeds faster than 80 km/h causes a lot of wind resistance, increasing fuel consumption. In this case, it is more fuel-efficient to use the air conditioning. However, using the air conditioning does consume gas, so in mild weather, it is best to drive with the windows down.
Finally, plan your route in advance. Stop-start traffic puts pressure on your engine, burning more fuel. Plan your commute carefully to avoid peak traffic, and combine multiple trips into one to save on unnecessary fuel usage from warming up the engine.
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Public transport
The cost of driving varies depending on local gas prices, the type of vehicle, and whether it is a traditional gas-powered vehicle or an electric vehicle (EV). Gas prices and electricity rates vary by location and fluctuate often, so it’s important to check for the most recent data. For example, a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD EV costs approximately $469 to charge annually in Texas. The cost of driving also depends on the fuel efficiency of the car and the distance travelled.
Idling a vehicle burns between 0.2 and 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour, depending on the engine type, size, and idle speed. Just 10 minutes of idling each day can add up to 1 to 2.5 gallons of wasted fuel every month. Cars with automatic stop-and-start systems or hybrids that use electric-only modes can cut down on this waste. Roof racks can also cause more aerodynamic drag, resulting in more fuel needed to keep the vehicle moving.
In the US, transportation is the top household expense after housing. In 2022, low-income households spent an estimated 30% of their after-tax income on transportation. The need to own a private vehicle in the US exacerbates economic and social inequalities. Many US cities lack reliable, well-funded, and inclusive public transport options, forcing people to travel by personal vehicle to access essential destinations like schools or hospitals. Expenditures on owning and operating cars are the main contributors to Americans' high spending on transportation.
In contrast, European cities that have implemented costs associated with driving and applied them to improving public transportation infrastructure have seen success. When driving costs are used to improve public transportation, it becomes better, safer, cleaner, and more efficient for all. Cities built around walking, cycling, and public transport not only provide environmental and health benefits but can also provide significant cost savings for residents.
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Car size and engine power
The car size and engine power are key factors in determining fuel consumption. While heavier cars tend to consume slightly more fuel, driving a smaller car can significantly reduce fuel costs. For instance, the fuel cost of a small sedan is about half that of a large SUV. Similarly, opting for a less powerful engine can lead to substantial savings. Choosing a four-cylinder engine over an eight-cylinder one can be more economical unless you regularly haul heavy loads.
The relationship between engine size and fuel consumption is complex and depends on various factors. For example, a larger engine operating at moderate RPM and power might consume slightly less fuel than a smaller engine working at higher RPM and power to achieve the same performance. Additionally, the weight and aerodynamic profile of the car, tire pressure and design, and additional accessories all influence fuel efficiency.
To illustrate this point, consider the comparison between a BMW M3 and a Toyota Prius. In a road test, the Prius was driven at its maximum speed, while the M3 cruised comfortably below its limits. Despite the M3's larger engine, it achieved significantly better fuel economy than the Prius, demonstrating that engine size is not the sole determinant of fuel efficiency.
Another example involves a Triumph Herald with a 949 cc inline four-cylinder engine and the same car with an 1149 cc engine. The choice of engine size will impact the comfortable cruising speed, with the larger engine likely to be more efficient at higher speeds. Similarly, a BMW with a more substantial and more potent 2.8L 6-cylinder engine can achieve better fuel economy than a Prius with a smaller 1.8L 4-cylinder engine when both are driven at similar speeds.
To optimize fuel efficiency, it is essential to consider factors beyond engine size. Properly inflated tires, using the manufacturer's recommended motor oil, and removing roof racks or storage systems can all contribute to reducing fuel consumption. Additionally, choosing a car with an automatic stop-and-start system or a hybrid model can minimize idling time and improve fuel efficiency.
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Monthly mileage tracking
Tracking your monthly mileage is a great way to gain an overview of your fuel costs. It can help you manage expenses and cut down on unnecessary trips to the gas station. There are several ways to go about this.
Firstly, you can use a free online fuel cost calculator to estimate the fuel cost of a trip based on fuel efficiency, distance, and gas price. This is a good way to get a general idea of your monthly fuel costs, but it does not take into account other factors that influence fuel consumption, such as vehicle weight, engine size and type, roof racks, and tire pressure.
Secondly, you can keep a manual mileage log, recording the time, miles, place, and purpose of each trip. This can be time-consuming and is not ideal for those who wish to save time on bookkeeping. However, there are free, printable mileage log templates available online that can make this process easier.
Thirdly, you can use a mileage-tracking app. These apps record your driving in real-time, saving you the effort of manually entering data for each trip. Some examples of these apps include Driversnote, Zoho Expense, Hurdlr, Everlance, and QuickBooks. These apps typically offer automatic GPS tracking and the ability to specify the purpose of your trip, as well as reimbursement and tax deduction calculations.
Finally, you can implement fuel-saving tips to reduce your overall fuel costs. This includes strategies such as reducing idling, removing roof racks, using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil, and choosing a smaller car with a less powerful engine.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of car fuel per month depends on various factors, such as the distance travelled, the type of car, and the price of gas. The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, which equates to $250 per month.
There are several ways to reduce your monthly car fuel costs:
- Opt for a smaller and more fuel-efficient car.
- Ensure your tires are properly inflated.
- Remove roof racks or roof-mounted storage systems to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Minimise idling, as this wastes fuel.
- Consider alternative modes of transport such as public transportation, walking, biking, or a motorcycle/scooter.
Electric vehicles do not require gasoline and are more environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered cars. While they can be costly, they may be worth the investment if you commute daily. Additionally, the cost of charging an EV varies by state, so it's important to consider the availability of public charging stations in your area.
