Cash economics and tax deductions are different ledgers

Driver Vehicle Costs: Fuel, EV, Mileage, and Depreciation

A driver needs one ledger for cash economics and another for tax-method analysis. Mixing them can make a tax deduction look like a cash expense or double-count vehicle costs.

GuideReviewed by Jostar · 

Measure cash cost with matching periods

Vehicle cost per mile adds energy, maintenance, insurance, depreciation, financing, and other cash categories over one stated period.

Use annual miles with annual costs or monthly miles with monthly costs.

Compare EV and gas from your actual prices

EIA defaults are a reference snapshot; state selection and the latest verified observation period are shown, while a user-edited price is preserved. Charging access and efficiency can change the result.

EV vs. gas calculator reports the scenario winner and break-even rather than assuming EV is cheaper.

Keep the tax method separate

Standard vs. actual mileage compares tax arithmetic. Lease vs. buy compares contract economics.

Use current IRS guidance for eligibility, records, depreciation, lease treatment, and any loan-interest rule.

Frequently asked questions

Does standard mileage reimburse my gas?

No. It is a tax deduction representation, not a cash reimbursement.

Can I use EIA price as my actual cost?

It is a default reference; edit it to your documented price when appropriate.

Should I add depreciation to mileage?

Do not stack core vehicle methods for the same period without confirming the applicable rule.

Official sources

See methodology for formulas, source status, assumptions, and known limits.

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