- Charging an electric vehicle (EV) battery overnight at home is usually the least expensive option.
- Charging an EV at home generally costs less than fueling a comparable gas-powered car.
- Public charging typically costs more, although some stations offer free charging or discounted rates.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car? The answer depends on where you charge, local electricity rates, and how much you drive.
Home charging is typically the most affordable option. Some utilities offer discounted overnight electricity rates, while public charging networks may offer subscription plans that reduce charging costs.
- Do the Math
- Cost Per kWh
- Is EV Charging Cheaper Than Gas?
- Cost of Charging at Home
- EV Charging Cost by State
How to Calculate EV Charging Costs
Estimating your EV charging costs takes some simple math. Start with your electricity rate, expressed in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). You can find it on your electric bill or divide your total electricity charges by the number of kWh used. Check whether your utility offers lower rates for overnight EV charging.
According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the average residential electricity rate was 18.16 cents per kWh in August. Rates vary considerably by state and utility.
Next, estimate how much electricity your EV uses.
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What Does It Cost to Charge an EV in kWh?
Many EVs travel about 3 to 4 miles per kWh, although efficiency varies by vehicle, driving conditions, and weather.
For example, Americans drive an average of about 12,200 miles annually, or 1,015 miles per month.
An EV averaging 3 miles per kWh would use about 338 kWh monthly. At the national residential electricity rate of 18.16 cents per kWh, that works out to approximately $61 per month for home charging, before accounting for charging losses. Using a DC fast charger charging 50 cents per kWh, or $169 for that much energy.
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Is EV Charging Cheaper Than Gas?
Generally, yes, especially when charging at home.
For comparison, a gas-powered car averaging 30 mpg would need about 34 gallons to travel 1,015 miles. At the national average gas price of approximately $4.48 per gallon in late September, that’s about $152 per month, compared with roughly $61 for home EV charging.
The savings depend on the vehicles compared, local energy prices, and charging habits. Efficient hybrids can narrow the cost gap, while using frequent public fast chargers can substantially increase EV operating costs.
Let’s say you’re driving a car that averages 30 mpg across a mix of city and highway driving. Using that same 12-gallon tank as a reference point, you’ll have 360 miles of driving range for each fill-up. If you’re driving the national average of 1,015 miles per month, you’ll need to refuel about three times each month and spend about $161.64 ($55.88 x 3) for gas, compared to $61.89 for charging an EV at home in the example above.
The table below compares three of Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Buy Award winners: The Nissan Leaf (Best New Model; Best EV Under $35,000), the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Best EV), and the Kia EV9 (Best 3-Row EV). These three EVs represent a good cross-section of the available EVs right now, from a subcompact SUV (the Leaf) to a compact SUV (the Ioniq 5) to a midsize 3-row SUV (the EV9).
Sample Charging Times and Costs
Costs of Charging an EV at Home
Home charging is usually the most economical option, particularly for drivers who can take advantage of discounted overnight electricity rates. Many EV owners charge while they sleep and start each day with a fully charged battery.
Electricity rates vary by location, season, and time of day. Some utilities charge more during peak demand and offer special EV charging plans.
Where you live directly impacts your electric bill. The average residential electricity rate in Massachusetts was 30.48 cents per kWh in August, about twice the cost as in South Dakota (15.15 cents per kWh in August 2026). Use the interactive table below to estimate charging costs in your state.
EV Charging Cost by State (Fall 2026)
Other Charging Costs to Electricity
Electricity isn’t the only expense. Installing a Level 2 home charger and associated electrical equipment can cost $2,000 or more, depending on your home’s wiring and installation requirements.
Public charging stations generally cost more than charging at home. Rates vary by network, location, membership plan, and time of day. Some networks charge substantially more during peak hours.
To save money, compare prices using charging apps such as PlugShare. When using expensive public chargers, consider adding only enough energy to reach your destination or a cheaper charging location, with a reasonable safety margin.
The bottom line: For most EV owners with access to home charging, electricity costs less than gasoline. The greatest savings generally come from charging at home during off-peak hours and limiting expensive public fast charging.
Visit our Car Powertrains Information Center for curated articles on EV and hybrid fundamentals, performance, and range insights, and how battery technology and how powertrains deliver efficiency.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.
