Charging Cost vs Gasoline: State-by-State Comparison (2023)
Energy Economics Analyst
Electricity and gasoline prices vary dramatically across the United States, creating significant differences in the cost advantage of driving an electric vehicle from state to state. This comprehensive analysis compares EV charging costs versus gasoline prices in all 50 states, revealing where EVs offer the greatest financial benefits—and where the gap is narrowing.
Understanding the Cost Factors
To compare EV charging costs with gasoline prices accurately, we need to account for several key factors:
Electricity Costs
- Residential Electricity Rates: The average cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for home charging
- Public Charging Rates: Costs at commercial Level 2 and DC fast charging stations
- Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates: Varying electricity prices based on time of day
- Regional Variations: Differences in utility rates across utility service territories
Gasoline Costs
- Retail Gas Prices: Average cost per gallon by state
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Price variations throughout the year
- Fuel Grade Differences: Regular vs. premium fuel requirements
- Local Taxes: State and local fuel taxes that affect final prices
Vehicle Efficiency Factors
- EV Efficiency: Miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh)
- Gas Vehicle MPG: Miles per gallon for comparable gas vehicles
- Charging Efficiency: Energy losses during the charging process (typically 10-15%)
State-by-State Cost Comparison
Top 5 States for EV Cost Savings
These states offer the largest cost differential between charging an EV and fueling a gas car:
- Washington: Abundant hydroelectric power results in electricity rates averaging $0.089/kWh, creating an 82% cost saving compared to gasoline
- Idaho: Low electricity costs ($0.095/kWh) and relatively high gas prices create a 78% saving
- Oregon: Clean energy mix and moderate electricity prices ($0.11/kWh) yield a 75% saving
- Utah: Combination of affordable electricity ($0.10/kWh) and higher-than-average gas prices leads to a 73% saving
- Nevada: Growing renewable infrastructure and average electricity costs ($0.116/kWh) create a 70% saving
States with Smaller but Still Significant Savings
Even in states with less favorable conditions, EVs still maintain a cost advantage:
- Hawaii: Despite having the nation's highest electricity rates ($0.33/kWh), high gas prices still make EVs 25% cheaper to operate
- Connecticut: High electricity costs ($0.22/kWh) are offset by expensive gasoline, resulting in 30% savings
- Alaska: Remote energy infrastructure leads to higher electricity costs, but EVs still offer a 28% advantage
Middle-Range States
Most states fall somewhere in the middle, with cost savings ranging from 40-60%:
- Texas: Competitive electricity market with average rates of $0.12/kWh creates a 62% savings
- Florida: Despite higher cooling demands increasing electricity use, EVs still offer 57% savings
- New York: Higher electricity rates ($0.19/kWh) are balanced by high gas prices, resulting in a 50% cost advantage
Home vs. Public Charging Economics
The cost difference between home and public charging significantly impacts the overall savings calculation:
Home Charging Costs
- National average residential electricity rate: $0.15/kWh
- Range across states: $0.089/kWh (Washington) to $0.33/kWh (Hawaii)
- Cost to fully charge a 65 kWh battery: $5.79 to $21.45
- Approximate range per charge (300 miles): $0.019 to $0.072 per mile
Public Charging Costs
- Level 2 public charging: $0.20-0.25/kWh average nationally
- DC Fast charging: $0.30-0.40/kWh average nationally
- Premium network charging (e.g., Tesla Superchargers): $0.25-0.50/kWh
- Cost per mile using public fast charging: $0.08-0.13 per mile
Even with the premium costs of public fast charging, EVs still typically maintain a cost advantage over gasoline vehicles in most states. However, the savings are most substantial when using home charging, especially with off-peak electricity rates.
Impact of Time-of-Use Electricity Rates
Many utilities now offer time-of-use (TOU) rate plans that can dramatically reduce EV charging costs:
Case Study: California TOU Rates
- Peak rates (4 PM - 9 PM): $0.40-0.50/kWh
- Off-peak rates (12 AM - 6 AM): $0.12-0.15/kWh
- Potential savings from charging during off-peak hours: Up to 70%
By scheduling charging during off-peak hours, EV owners in states with TOU pricing can often achieve cost-per-mile figures that are 80-90% lower than gasoline vehicles, even in states with higher baseline electricity costs.
Calculating Your Potential Savings
To determine your specific cost comparison based on local rates and driving patterns, use our specialized calculators:
- Our Charging Cost Calculator lets you input your state's electricity rates and compare to local gas prices
- For a comprehensive ownership cost analysis, the EV vs Gas Cost Comparison Calculator incorporates maintenance, insurance, and depreciation
For more information on the broader financial picture of EV ownership, see our EV vs Gas Car: Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown and How Much Can You Save With an EV: 5-Year Projection articles.
Calculate Your State-Specific EV Savings
Enter your location, electricity rate, and driving habits to see your potential savings compared to gas.
Try Our Charging Cost CalculatorSample Cost Comparison by State
*Cost comparison based on average residential electricity rates and regular unleaded gasoline prices as of June 2023. EV efficiency of 3.5 mi/kWh and gas vehicle efficiency of 25 MPG assumed for calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states offer the biggest savings for EV drivers?
The states with the largest cost differential between charging an EV and fueling a gas car are Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Nevada, where abundant hydroelectric and renewable energy keeps electricity prices low. Conversely, states with high electricity prices like Hawaii, Alaska, and parts of New England show smaller savings, though EVs still tend to be cheaper to operate in all 50 states.
How much can I save by charging at home vs. using public chargers?
Home charging is typically 40-60% cheaper than using public DC fast chargers. The national average for home charging is around $0.15/kWh compared to $0.30-0.40/kWh for public fast charging. For a vehicle with a 65 kWh battery, this difference translates to about $10-16 per full charge. However, even public charging is generally less expensive than gasoline for equivalent driving range.
Do time-of-use electricity rates affect the comparison?
Yes, significantly. In states with time-of-use (TOU) rates, charging during off-peak hours can reduce costs by 30-50%. For example, in California, peak rates can be $0.40+/kWh while off-peak may drop to $0.12-0.15/kWh. Utilizing these off-peak rates can maximize your savings compared to gasoline and is one of the major financial advantages of EV ownership.
How do seasonal changes in gas prices affect the comparison?
Gasoline prices typically fluctuate seasonally, rising in summer and falling in winter, with variations of 10-20% common. Electricity prices tend to be more stable throughout the year, though they may rise slightly during extreme weather events. This means the cost advantage for EVs often increases during summer driving seasons when gas prices peak, providing even greater savings during high-travel months.
Does the comparison account for EV charging efficiency losses?
Yes, our calculations include typical charging efficiency losses of 10-15%. When charging an EV, not all electricity from the grid makes it into the battery due to conversion losses and thermal management. These efficiency factors are incorporated into our state-by-state comparisons to provide accurate real-world cost estimates.
Conclusion
While the cost advantage of electric vehicles varies significantly based on geography, electricity rates, and gas prices, EVs offer lower operational costs in all 50 states. The savings are most dramatic in states with low electricity costs derived from hydroelectric or other renewable sources, but even in high-electricity-cost regions, EVs maintain a financial edge thanks to their superior efficiency.
By understanding your specific state's energy landscape and taking advantage of off-peak charging rates when available, you can maximize the economic benefits of driving electric. For many drivers, the fuel cost savings alone can offset a significant portion of an EV's higher upfront cost over the vehicle's lifetime.
