EV Charging Cost Calculator
Calculate EV electricity cost for any distance. See cost per mile, compare with gas, and estimate trip savings.
How to Calculate EV Charging Cost
- Find your EV’s efficiency in kWh per 100 miles (check your car’s specs or use EPA estimates).
- Know your electricity rate in $/kWh (check your utility bill — US average is ~$0.17/kWh).
- Formula: kWh needed = Distance × Consumption ÷ 100. Charging cost = kWh × Rate.
Example: 300 miles in an Average EV (33 kWh/100mi) at $0.17/kWh: 300 × 33 ÷ 100 = 99 kWh × $0.17 = $16.83. A gas car (25 MPG, $3.50/gal) would cost $42.00 for the same trip.
Quick Reference: EV Charging Cost by Distance
Average EV (33 kWh/100mi). Costs vary by electricity rate.
| Distance | $0.10/kWh | $0.13/kWh | $0.17/kWh (US avg) |
$0.20/kWh | $0.30/kWh (DC fast) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mi | $3.30 | $4.29 | $5.61 | $6.60 | $9.90 |
| 300 mi | $9.90 | $12.87 | $16.83 | $19.80 | $29.70 |
| 500 mi | $16.50 | $21.45 | $28.05 | $33.00 | $49.50 |
| 1,000 mi | $33.00 | $42.90 | $56.10 | $66.00 | $99.00 |
| Cost/mile | $0.033 | $0.043 | $0.056 | $0.066 | $0.099 |
EV vs. Gas Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost for common distances (EV at 33 kWh/100mi, $0.17/kWh vs. Gas at 25 MPG, $3.50/gal).
| Distance | EV Cost | Gas Cost | EV Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mi | $5.61 | $14.00 | $8.39 (60%) |
| 300 mi | $16.83 | $42.00 | $25.17 (60%) |
| 500 mi | $28.05 | $70.00 | $41.95 (60%) |
| 1,000 mi | $56.10 | $140.00 | $83.90 (60%) |
Popular EV Efficiency Ratings
- Tesla Model 3: ~25 kWh/100mi (most efficient sedan)
- Tesla Model Y: ~28 kWh/100mi
- Chevy Bolt: ~29 kWh/100mi
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: ~33 kWh/100mi
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: ~30 kWh/100mi
- Rivian R1T: ~48 kWh/100mi (large truck)
Source: EPA estimates. Actual efficiency varies by driving conditions, speed, temperature, and HVAC use.
Charging Options & Costs
- Level 1 (home outlet, 120V): ~$0.13–$0.17/kWh. Slowest (3–5 mi/hr). Best for overnight at home.
- Level 2 (home charger, 240V): ~$0.13–$0.17/kWh. Faster (25–30 mi/hr). Requires installation ($500–$2,000).
- DC fast charging (public): ~$0.30–$0.50/kWh. Fastest (200–300 mi/hr). 2–3× the cost of home charging.
- Free charging: Some workplaces, hotels, and malls offer free Level 2 charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV per mile?
At home electricity rates ($0.13–$0.17/kWh), most EVs cost about $0.04–$0.06 per mile. The average EV uses 33 kWh per 100 miles, so at $0.17/kWh that is $5.61 per 100 miles, or about $0.056/mile. Compare that to gas at $0.14/mile (25 MPG, $3.50/gal).
Is an EV cheaper than gas?
Yes, in almost all cases for fuel cost alone. Charging an EV at home costs about $0.04–$0.06 per mile, while a gas car at 25 MPG and $3.50/gal costs $0.14 per mile. That is roughly 60–70% cheaper for the EV. Even with DC fast charging ($0.30–$0.50/kWh), EVs are often still cheaper.
How much does a full charge cost?
A typical EV battery (60–75 kWh) costs $8–$13 to fully charge at home ($0.13–$0.17/kWh). A Tesla Model 3 (60 kWh) costs about $10.20 at $0.17/kWh. Public DC fast chargers cost $18–$30 for a full charge.
Related Calculators
- Gas Trip Cost Calculator — calculate fuel cost for any gas-powered trip
- Drive vs. Fly Calculator — which is cheaper?
- Monthly Gas Cost Calculator — budget your commute expenses
- Gas Cost Split Calculator — divide fuel cost between passengers
- All Fuel Calculators
EV efficiency varies with driving conditions, temperature, and speed. Gas comparison uses the MPG and price you entered (defaults: 25 MPG and live US average). Electricity rates vary by state and time of use.