SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – California gasoline prices hit another record high Tuesday, and the recent spike has many considering a switch to a more fuel-efficient vehicle. But how do you know if a new car is worth the premium that comes with buying green?

The Alternative Fuels Data Center, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, has created a tool that allows car shoppers to compare the price and fuel efficiency for most common gas and electric vehicles and charts a year-over-year cost comparison.

The tool allows users to include variables, the most important of which is the local price for a gallon of gas, to determine at what point owning a more fuel efficient vehicle is cost effective.

RELATED CONTENT:
CBS 5 Pump Patrol – Find The Cheapest Gas Prices
Alternative Fuel Center Vehicle Cost Calculator
Map Electric Car Charging Stations Near You

Triple-A’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report said the average California price for regular gas on Tuesday was a bit over $4.67 a gallon. The price was a state record and the highest in the nation.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)