When it comes to saving money, few questions are more important for drivers today than: What’s the real cost of charging an EV at home vs. gasoline?
In 2025, with fluctuating gas prices and improving electricity rates for renewable energy, the cost-per-mile gap between electric and gasoline cars is wider than ever. This article breaks down the math, compares regional costs, and reveals how much you could save driving an EV.
Understanding the Cost Equation: EV Charging vs. Gasoline
1. What Determines EV Charging Costs?
The cost of charging an EV primarily depends on your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the efficiency of your EV (how many miles it drives per kWh).
The formula is simple:
Charging Cost = Battery Size (kWh) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
In 2025, the U.S. average residential electricity cost is $0.15 per kWh, but it ranges from $0.10 in Washington to $0.32 in California.
Example: A Tesla Model Y with a 75 kWh battery would cost about $11.25 to fully charge at $0.15/kWh.
2. Gasoline Pricing Basics
The average price of regular gasoline in the U.S. (as of 2025) is $3.65 per gallon, with states like California exceeding $5.00, while Texas and Louisiana average closer to $3.20.
With a typical 30 mpg vehicle, you’re spending around $0.12 per mile on fuel — significantly higher than most EVs.
Cost of Charging an EV at Home vs. Gasoline: 2025 Comparison Chart
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Type | Efficiency | Energy Cost | Cost per 100 Miles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | EV | 4.0 mi/kWh | $0.15/kWh | $3.75 | 100% home charging |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | EV | 4.2 mi/kWh | $0.15/kWh | $3.57 | High efficiency |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | EV | 2.3 mi/kWh | $0.15/kWh | $6.52 | Large battery |
| Toyota Corolla | Gas | 33 mpg | $3.65/gal | $11.06 | Gasoline |
| Honda Accord | Gas | 31 mpg | $3.65/gal | $11.77 | Gasoline |
| Ford F-150 | Gas | 20 mpg | $3.65/gal | $18.25 | Gasoline pickup |
✅ Result: Even in high-cost electricity regions, EVs are roughly 60–75% cheaper per mile than gasoline cars.
Regional Averages: Where Charging Wins the Most
| Region | Avg. Electricity Cost ($/kWh) | Avg. Gas Price ($/gal) | Best Value Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 0.32 | 5.10 | Gas cheaper at peak hours, EV off-peak wins |
| Texas | 0.12 | 3.20 | EV cheaper by 70% |
| New York | 0.22 | 3.80 | EV slightly cheaper |
| Florida | 0.15 | 3.60 | EV cheaper |
| Washington | 0.10 | 3.50 | EV significantly cheaper |
💡 Tip: Many utilities offer off-peak charging plans that cut rates by up to 40% — a game-changer for EV owners.
EV vs. Gasoline: Cost per Mile Explained
1. EV Cost per Mile
EVs average 3–4 miles per kWh, meaning at $0.15/kWh, your cost per mile is roughly $0.04–$0.05.
2. Gasoline Cost per Mile
Gas vehicles average $0.12–$0.18 per mile, depending on efficiency and fuel price.
That’s more than 3x higher than most EVs.
Hidden Savings: Maintenance, Oil, and Taxes
Beyond charging, EVs save money on:
- Oil changes – $0 for EVs vs. $50–$80 every few months
- Brake wear – regenerative braking extends brake life
- Emissions tests – not required for EVs in many states
According to Consumer Reports (2025), the average annual maintenance cost for EVs is $650 less than for gas cars.
The Home Charging Advantage
Charging at home offers unbeatable convenience and lower costs. With a Level 2 home charger, you can recharge overnight for just $8–$12 per full charge — depending on your EV model and local rates.
Installation Costs (2025):
| Charger Type | Install Cost | Charge Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V) | $0–$300 | 3–5 miles/hr | Uses wall outlet |
| Level 2 (240V) | $500–$1500 | 25–40 miles/hr | Best home setup |
| DC Fast Charger | $15,000+ | 150–250 miles/hr | Commercial use only |
Even when factoring installation, long-term cost savings make home charging the most economical fueling option in 2025.
Public Charging: When Costs Creep Up
Not all charging is cheap — DC fast charging networks (like Electrify America or Tesla Superchargers) often cost $0.30–$0.45 per kWh, which can double your per-mile cost.
Still, even at that rate, most EVs remain equal or slightly cheaper than gas cars.
How Long Until You Break Even?
If you drive 12,000 miles per year, switching from gas to EV can save you $700–$1,200 annually, depending on electricity rates.
That means you can break even on a $2,000 home charger investment in about 2 years — a strong ROI for most drivers.
FAQs About the Cost of Charging an EV at Home vs. Gasoline
1. How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
Most drivers pay between $8 and $15 per full charge, depending on battery size and electricity rate.
2. Is it cheaper to drive an EV or gas car?
On average, EVs cost 60–75% less per mile to drive than gasoline vehicles.
3. Does the cost vary by state?
Yes — states with cheap electricity like Washington, Texas, and Oregon offer the best savings.
4. What’s the most cost-efficient time to charge?
Off-peak hours (midnight–6 a.m.) offer the lowest rates, often saving 30–40%.
5. Can I charge my EV with solar power?
Absolutely! With rooftop solar, your charging cost can drop to nearly $0 per kWh after system payoff.
6. What about long road trips?
Public charging may cost more, but EV route planners (like Tesla’s built-in app) help minimize expensive stops.
Electric Wins the Long Game
In 2025, the Cost of Charging an EV at Home vs. Gasoline is no longer close — EVs are the clear financial winners.
Even accounting for installation, charging costs, and regional variations, EVs consistently offer lower per-mile expenses, less maintenance, and greater long-term savings.
As energy grids modernize and renewable electricity expands, the financial gap between electric and gasoline vehicles will only grow wider.
So if you’re still filling up at the pump — maybe it’s time to plug in instead.
