# Fuel Cost Calculator MCP MCP > Fuel Cost Calculator: Estimate trip expenses and compare fuel types, like gasoline versus ethanol. This MCP processes distance, vehicle efficiency, and current market prices to tell you exactly which fuel saves you money on any journey. ## Overview - **Category:** finance - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** fuel, cost-calculator, trip-planner, gasoline, ethanol ## Description Planning a long haul or just figuring out the best gas option for your daily commute? Instead of juggling multiple spreadsheets and keeping track of fluctuating local fuel prices, this connector does the math. You input simple trip details—the distance, how efficient your vehicle is, and what fuels are available right now. It runs the numbers to predict the total cost in dollars for any specific fuel type. Need to know if switching from gas to ethanol makes sense? The tool compares them using a standard market threshold rule. Finally, it bundles everything together into one easy-to-read summary, giving you both the costs and a clear recommendation on which way to go. You just connect this MCP via Vinkius's catalog to your preferred agent and start planning. ## Tools ### calculate_trip_cost Calculates the total dollar cost for one journey using a specific fuel type and distance. ### compare_fuel_efficiency Compares different fuel types to see which offers better value based on current market prices and efficiency metrics. ### get_trip_summary Provides a complete trip overview, listing costs for all options and giving a final recommendation. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` How much will a 100km trip cost with gasoline at $1.50/l and efficiency of 12km/l? ``` **Response:** ``` You can use the `calculate_trip_ast` tool to find that the cost would be approximately $12.50. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Should I use ethanol or gasoline if gas is $1.50 and ethanol is $1.10? ``` **Response:** ``` The `compare_fuel_efficiency` tool will determine the recommendation based on the 70% threshold. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Give me a summary for a 200km trip with gas at $1.50 (10km/l) and ethanol at $1.10 (7km/l). ``` **Response:** ``` The `get_trip_summary` tool will provide the costs for both fuel types and the final recommendation. ``` ## Capabilities ### Determine Single Trip Cost Finds the total money spent for one specific journey using a single fuel type. ### Compare Fuel Options Compares gas versus alternative fuels to see which is more economical based on current market pricing. ### Generate Trip Summary Report Creates a complete overview of a trip, including costs for all options and the final best recommendation. ## Use Cases ### Planning a Cross-State Move The project lead needs to budget for moving an equipment fleet 1,500 miles. They use `calculate_trip_cost` repeatedly for both diesel and gasoline options to determine the lowest possible operating expense before submitting the final bid. ### Evaluating Vehicle Purchases A buyer is comparing a gas-powered truck against an ethanol-optimized one. They run `compare_fuel_efficiency` using current local prices and discover the alternative fuel saves them over 15% per mile, making the choice clear. ### Quick Commute Budget Check A commuter needs to know if their weekly round-trip costs change much. They input the data into `get_trip_summary` and immediately see the cost difference between gas and alternative fuels for their specific mileage. ### Model Price Volatility A consultant needs to show a client how price changes impact budgeting. They use `calculate_trip_cost` multiple times, adjusting only the fuel price input each time, demonstrating cost sensitivity rapidly. ## Benefits - Stop guessing on fuel costs. Use `calculate_trip_cost` to nail down the exact money spent for any single fuel type, so there are no surprises at the pump. - Decide which fuel saves you cash. The `compare_fuel_efficiency` tool determines if ethanol is truly better value than gasoline based on current market rates. - Cut through the noise with one summary call. Running `get_trip_summary` gives you a complete, actionable overview that includes costs and a clear recommendation in one go. - Plan for fluctuating prices. You can model different scenarios instantly, making your budget reliable even when gas prices spike or drop. - Compare multiple factors easily. This MCP handles distance, efficiency ratings, and current market pricing simultaneously. ## How It Works The bottom line is, you get an instant, accurate cost breakdown for any trip without manual math or juggling different spreadsheets. 1. Input the total distance of your trip, your vehicle's fuel efficiency rating, and the specific prices for the fuels you want to check. 2. The MCP runs calculations using that data—calculating costs for each option and checking which is most efficient based on market rules. 3. You receive a single summary report detailing all the costs and providing a clear recommendation. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I find out how much a specific trip will cost using calculate_trip_cost?** You provide the total distance, your vehicle's efficiency rating, and the price of the fuel you want to use. The tool then calculates the single monetary expenditure for that exact journey. **Does compare_fuel_efficiency only look at gas prices?** No, it compares multiple fuels (like gasoline vs ethanol). It determines which is better value by applying a standard market price threshold rule to the input data. **What information does get_trip_summary provide?** It gives you everything: individual costs for all available fuel types, and critically, it provides a final recommendation based on that full comparison set of data. **Can I use calculate_trip_cost if the prices change mid-day?** Yes. As long as you input the current market price at the time of calculation, `calculate_trip_cost` will provide an accurate cost estimate for that specific moment. **When using calculate_trip_cost, what input units must I use?** The tool requires standard metric measurements. You must pass distance in kilometers (km) and fuel efficiency as km/L to ensure the cost estimate is accurate. **How does compare_fuel_efficiency determine which fuel type provides better value?** It evaluates market differences using a defined economic threshold, typically based on the 70% price difference rule. This mechanism ensures your recommendation reflects current financial savings between fuels. **If I use get_trip_summary but only care about one fuel, is it necessary to provide data for all fuel types?** No, you don't have to. You can pass null or zero values for the fuel types you aren't tracking when calling get_trip_summary. The tool adjusts its output scope to focus on the specific comparison points you provide. **What happens if I call calculate_trip_cost with impossible data, like negative distance?** The MCP returns a clear validation error when inputs violate expected parameters. Always check the API response for missing or invalid fields before running any calculation to prevent errors. **How is the fuel recommendation calculated?** The system recommends ethanol if its price per liter is less than 70% of the gasoline price. **What inputs are required for trip cost calculation?** You need to provide the total distance in kilometers, the vehicle's fuel efficiency (km/l), and the price per liter. **Can I use this for different types of vehicles?** Yes, as long as you know the fuel efficiency (km/l) for your specific vehicle.