EV vs. Gas: How Much Does It Cost to Charge An EV

How Much Does It Cost To Charge An EV: What to Expect

Charging your EV at home is the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep your battery topped up. The exact cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you drive, but here’s a general idea:

• The average electricity rate in the U.S. is about $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) (though it varies by state).
• A typical EV gets 3-4 miles per kWh, meaning you’ll use around 25-30 kWh for every 100 miles you drive.
• That puts the cost at about $4-5 per 100 miles—way cheaper than gas.

Pro Tip: If you can score an off-peak rate, you could shave that cost down even more by charging at night or during less busy hours.

For example, if you drive 1,000 miles per month, home charging will cost you about $40-$50 in electricity.

Here's another example that looks at cost to charge based upon battery capacity and local rate.

• Battery capacity: 60 kWh
• Local rate: let's assume 15 cents per kWh
• Cost to charge: 60 kWh × $0.15 = $9 / full charge

Not bad for what could be 200 or 300 miles of driving. That’s way cheaper than filling up a gas tank—especially if fuel prices spike.

How Much Does It Cost To Charge An EV Compared To Gas?

Let’s say you’re driving a gas-powered car that gets 25 MPG and gas costs $3.50 per gallon which as we know varies tremendously across the country:

• 100 miles will require 4 gallons of gas, costing $14
• 1,000 miles per month will cost about $140

That’s almost 3 times the cost of charging an EV at home.

Note: There are a few other factors that can impact cost:

1. Battery Size: Larger batteries cost more to fill but usually offer more miles per charge.
2. Climate: Extreme cold or heat can affect charging speed and efficiency, meaning you might use more energy overall.

What About Public Charging?

When answering the question, "how much does it cost to charge an EV?", you must also consider public charging. If you use public fast chargers frequently, costs can certainly increase.

Level 3, or DC fast charging can cost $0.30-$0.50 per kWh, meaning a full charge could cost $20-$30— a bit closer to the cost of filling a gas tank. But with level 2 home charging becoming increasingly more accessible and affordable, most EV owners can limit public charging to road trips.

Pro Tip: Check out memberships or loyalty apps if you charge publicly often. They can lower your per-kWh or per-minute rate, though you might pay a monthly fee for the convenience.

How Much Does It Cost To Charge An EV On A Monthly Basis

If you drive around 1,000 miles each month, and your EV consumes about 30 kWh per 100 miles, that adds up to 300 kWh. At 15 cents per kWh, that’s about $45 a month—less than a single trip to the gas station for many drivers. Of course, your actual cost could vary if you use public chargers, have a bigger battery, or live in a place with higher energy rates.

How Much Does It Cost To Charge An EV Compared To Gas?

When comparing purely the cost to charge an EV vs gas, EVs take the win. When it comes to daily driving, charging an EV at home can significantly be cheaper than buying gas. While there’s an upfront investment in a home charger, you’ll quickly make up for it with lower fueling costs.

Thinking about making the switch? If you install a home charger, you’ll save even more in the long run—and enjoy the convenience of waking up to a full "tank" every morning.

Want to install a home charger? A professional installation ensures safe, fast charging. Get in touch with ChargerPro to get started!