EV cost per mile vs gas
Charging at home costs about a third as much as gas: roughly 5¢ a mile, against 14¢.
Checked Oct 24, 2026
The numbers
See the numbers
| Per mile | Per 100 miles | |
|---|---|---|
| EV at 3.5 mi/kWh, 18.16¢/kWh | 5.2¢ | $5.19 |
| Gas car at 30 MPG, $4.284/gal | 14.3¢ | $14.28 |
Electricity: EIA, August 2026 average. Gas: EIA regular, week of Oct 19, 2026.
Break-even charging price
The EV only costs the same per mile as a 30 MPG car if you pay about 50¢ per kWh. Most home rates are far below that. DC fast charging can come close.
To work it out for your car: cents per mile = rate (¢/kWh) ÷ efficiency (mi/kWh). Try your own numbers in the calculator.
About sales tax
US prices on this page are shown as published. Gas pump prices already include federal and state fuel taxes; electricity rates and public charging may have state and local sales tax added on top, and that varies by state, county and city, so we don't split it out. Check your bill or the charger app for the tax that applies to you.
Sources and dates
- Average residential electricity price, US (EIA EPM Table 5.6.A): www.eia.gov (Aug 2026; checked 24 Oct 2026)
- US regular gasoline retail average (EIA): www.eia.gov (week of Oct 19 2026; checked 24 Oct 2026)
Compare public charger prices: Prices change, check before you charge. The price shown in the operator’s app or on the charger is the one you pay.