This table compares the five year total cost of ownership of the all-electric Nissan LEAF and comparable gasoline vehicles; the Toyota Matrix and Toyota Prius. All vehicles are model year 2013.

Consumer Reports published an article in December 2011 showing that electric cars cost less per mile to operate than gasoline cars.  The study found that the Leaf cost 3.5 cents per mile to operate, and the Volt in electric mode cost 3.8 cents per mile to operate.  Comparable gasoline cars cost 9 – 13 cents per mile to operate, with the Prius leading the way at 8.6 cents per mile.  The article includes an excellent table which shows up-front purchase costs as well as per-mile costs and the cost for trips in lengths of 30, 50, 70 and 150 miles.  See full article here.