| 1 | Louisiana | $0.104 | $6.24 | $65 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | $0.107 | $6.42 | $67 |
| 3 | Idaho | $0.109 | $6.54 | $68 |
| 4 | Washington | $0.111 | $6.66 | $69 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $0.113 | $6.78 | $71 |
| 6 | Utah | $0.115 | $6.90 | $72 |
| 7 | Oregon | $0.117 | $7.02 | $73 |
| 8 | Nevada | $0.119 | $7.14 | $74 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $0.120 | $7.20 | $75 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $0.122 | $7.32 | $76 |
Why so cheap? These states benefit from abundant hydropower (Louisiana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon), wind energy (Oklahoma, North Dakota, Nebraska), or a mix of cheap generation sources.
Most Expensive States to Charge an EV (Over $0.25/kWh)
| Rank | State | Avg Rate | Cost per Full Charge (60kWh) | Monthly (1,000 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Hawaii | $0.425 | $25.50 | $266 |
| 49 | California | $0.328 | $19.68 | $205 |
| 48 | Massachusetts | $0.294 | $17.64 | $184 |
| 47 | New York | $0.278 | $16.68 | $174 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $0.271 | $16.26 | $170 |
| 45 | Alaska | $0.253 | $15.18 | $158 |
| 44 | Rhode Island | $0.249 | $14.94 | $156 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $0.241 | $14.46 | $151 |
| 42 | Vermont | $0.237 | $14.22 | $148 |
| 41 | Maine | $0.231 | $13.86 | $144 |
Why so expensive? Hawaii relies on imported oil for most electricity. California has high wildfire-related infrastructure costs and renewable energy investments. Northeastern states have limited natural gas pipeline infrastructure and high transmission costs.
EV Charging Cost vs Gasoline Cost by State
For comparison, here’s what gasoline costs for the same 1,000 miles:
| State | Gasoline ($/gal) | Monthly Gas Cost | Monthly EV Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $2.85 | $95 | $65 | $360 |
| Washington | $3.80 | $127 | $69 | $696 |
| California | $4.50 | $150 | $205 | -$660 |
| Hawaii | $4.80 | $160 | $266 | -$1,272 |
| National Avg | $3.50 | $117 | $100 | $204 |
Key insight: In most states, EV charging saves $200-$700/year vs gasoline. But in expensive electricity states (California, Hawaii), the savings are smaller or even negative compared to efficient hybrids.
How to Minimize Your EV Charging Costs
1. Charge During Off-Peak Hours
Most utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) plans with much lower rates at night:
- Off-peak rates: $0.08-$0.12/kWh (vs $0.16-$0.35 peak)
- Set your EV charger to start at 11pm
- Savings: 30-50%
2. Install Solar Panels
- Solar cost per kWh: $0.04-$0.08 (after installation)
- Pair with a smart EV charger that charges during solar hours
- Savings: 50-75%
3. Use a Smart EV Charger with Scheduling
- WiFi-enabled chargers let you set charging schedules
- Automatically charge during cheapest rate periods
- Monitor energy usage from your phone
GIZNT WiFi-enabled EV chargers include smart scheduling that automatically charges during off-peak hours, saving you 30-50% on electricity costs.
4. Take Advantage of Utility Rebates
Many utilities offer special EV charging rates:
- PG&E (California): EV rate plan saves $300+/year
- Con Edison (New York): EV time-of-use rate
- Xcel Energy (Colorado): EV charging subscription
EV Charging Cost Calculator
Simple formula: (Monthly miles ÷ Miles per kWh) × Electricity rate = Monthly cost
Example: 1,000 miles ÷ 4 miles/kWh × $0.16/kWh = $40/month
Your car’s miles per kWh:
- Tesla Model 3: 4.0-4.5 mi/kWh
- Hyundai IONIQ 5: 3.5-4.0 mi/kWh
- BMW i4: 3.0-3.5 mi/kWh
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: 3.0-3.5 mi/kWh
- Kia EV6: 3.5-4.0 mi/kWh
The Bottom Line
EV charging is cheaper than gasoline in 45 out of 50 states. The exceptions (California, Hawaii, and parts of the Northeast) still offer some savings, but they’re smaller.
The key to maximizing savings is a smart EV charger with scheduling. Whether you charge at home or use public charging, timing your charging during off-peak hours can cut your electricity costs in half.
Explore GIZNT Smart EV Chargers → Read: Solar EV Charging Guide → Read: Home EV Charging vs Public Charging →
Last updated: June 2026. Electricity rates from EIA (Energy Information Administration) as of Q1 2026. Gasoline prices from AAA average. Actual costs vary by utility and driving habits.
