How Much Will EV Charging Save in Each State?

Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV) can reduce driving costs, but your total savings would depend on where you charge your EV. This study compares gasoline, at-home EV charging, and public charging prices and explores the long-term financial benefits of driving an EV. Based on data from the EIA and AAA, this analysis offers valuable insights for drivers considering the switch to electric.

Key Takeaways

In the US, driving 1 mile on regular gas costs an estimated average of 15.23 cents — nearly 4x the cost of charging an EV at home (4.21 cents/mile).
In the US, charging an EV at a public station (8.7 cents/mile) is more than twice as expensive as charging at home (4.21 cents/mile).
Over 10 years, driving a gas-powered vehicle could cost Americans approximately $11,053 more than driving an EV charged at home, on average.
Driving an EV charged at home would save residents of Washington ($18,055), Nevada ($15,276), and Oregon ($14,481) the most over 10 years.

Cost Comparisons: Gas vs. EV Charging per Mile

Fuel and charging expenses are major factors to consider when determining whether you can afford a vehicle. This interactive map shows the difference between gas, at-home EV charging, and public charging costs per mile in each state.

Across the US, driving a gas-powered vehicle costs an average of 15.23 cents per mile. Charging an EV at home is much cheaper, averaging just 4.21 cents per mile — nearly four times less than gas.

Public charging stations cost an average of 8.7 cents per mile, more than twice as much as charging at home. Despite this, EVs remain significantly more affordable than gas-powered cars overall.

On average, Hawaii stands out as the most expensive state across all fueling categories:

Gasoline: 17.97 cents per mile
Public charging: 14.2 cents per mile
At-home charging: 10.19 cents per mile

Louisiana had the cheapest at-home EV charging at just 2.98 cents per mile, while Kansas led in public charging affordability, with costs as low as 5.48 cents per mile. Oklahoma offered the lowest gas costs at 9.72 cents per mile.

Long-Term Savings: Gas Vehicles vs. EVs Charged at Home

Over the long term, the cost difference between gas-powered and electric cars becomes even more pronounced. Analyzing 10 years of driving reveals substantial savings for EV owners who charge their vehicles at home compared to those relying on traditional gasoline.

Over a 10-year period, driving a gas-powered car could cost Americans an average of $11,053 more than driving an EV charged at home.

Residents of Washington, Nevada, and Oregon stand to save the most with home EV charging, with estimated savings of $18,055, $15,276, and $14,481, respectively. Even in states with the smallest savings — Connecticut, Alabama, and Nebraska — residents could still save $5,407, $6,132, and $6,331, respectively, over a decade.

Why EVs Make Financial Sense

Transitioning to an electric vehicle offers substantial financial advantages, particularly for those who can charge at home. Over a decade, the cost savings can reach tens of thousands of dollars. While regional energy and fuel costs vary, the data consistently shows that EVs are more affordable than gas-powered cars over time. Whether motivated by savings, sustainability, or both, switching to an EV can be an investment that pays off in the long run.

Methodology

For this study, we leveraged the EIA and AAA to calculate the estimated cost of driving a gas-powered car or EV (charged at home or a public charging station) across the US and in each individual state. For the purpose of these calculations, we made the following assumptions:

The miles per gallon of a gas-powered car was 25.4.
An EV can travel 4 miles on 1 kWh.
An American drives 14,263 miles per year.

About Payless Power

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Fair Use Statement

We encourage you to share this analysis with your audience for noncommercial purposes. Please include a link back to this page so others can access the full findings and methodology.

By Payless Power

Payless Power is a thought leader in the energy industry, focusing on technology, innovation, and accessibility. The company's expertise includes the Texas energy grid, infrastructure improvements, weatherization safeguards, and the advancement of clean, renewable resources. Since 2005, Payless Power has provided energy solutions to residences and businesses across the Lone Star state.

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