The short answer
Charging a 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD at home costs about $16.47 for a full 327-mile charge and $50.35 for 1,000 miles a month at the U.S. average electricity rate of 18.31¢ per kWh (July 2026). A 28 MPG gas car costs $155.50 for the same miles, so the EV saves about $1,261.77 a year. Monthly charging ranges from $34.98 in Louisiana to $132.00 in Hawaii.
EV vs gas in every state
1,000 miles a month at 27.5 kWh per 100 miles vs a 28 MPG gas car, at each state's electricity rate (July 2026) and gas price (week of October 5, 2026).
| Alabama | $45.10 | $139.68 | 16.40¢ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $79.28 | $182.71 | 28.83¢ |
| Arizona | $42.30 | $182.71 | 15.38¢ |
| Arkansas | $39.41 | $139.68 | 14.33¢ |
| California | $92.43 | $222.39 | 33.61¢ |
| Colorado | $46.75 | $143.57 | 17.00¢ |
| Connecticut | $66.44 | $155.11 | 24.16¢ |
| Delaware | $50.82 | $155.82 | 18.48¢ |
| District of Columbia | $69.33 | $155.82 | 25.21¢ |
| Florida | $41.33 | $141.79 | 15.03¢ |
| Georgia | $44.74 | $141.39 | 16.27¢ |
| Hawaii | $132.00 | $182.71 | 48.00¢ |
| Idaho | $37.76 | $157.75 | 13.73¢ |
| Illinois | $52.86 | $146.75 | 19.22¢ |
| Indiana | $46.01 | $146.75 | 16.73¢ |
| Iowa | $43.97 | $146.75 | 15.99¢ |
| Kansas | $41.99 | $146.75 | 15.27¢ |
| Kentucky | $37.98 | $146.75 | 13.81¢ |
| Louisiana | $34.98 | $139.68 | 12.72¢ |
| Maine | $89.13 | $155.11 | 32.41¢ |
| Maryland | $58.88 | $155.82 | 21.41¢ |
| Massachusetts | $83.85 | $153.64 | 30.49¢ |
| Michigan | $63.39 | $146.75 | 23.05¢ |
| Minnesota | $47.99 | $150.00 | 17.45¢ |
| Mississippi | $39.99 | $139.68 | 14.54¢ |
| Missouri | $44.25 | $146.75 | 16.09¢ |
| Montana | $41.22 | $157.75 | 14.99¢ |
| Nebraska | $37.90 | $146.75 | 13.78¢ |
| Nevada | $35.12 | $182.71 | 12.77¢ |
| New Hampshire | $73.15 | $155.11 | 26.60¢ |
| New Jersey | $69.27 | $155.82 | 25.19¢ |
| New Mexico | $44.25 | $139.68 | 16.09¢ |
| New York | $82.23 | $156.43 | 29.90¢ |
| North Carolina | $41.69 | $141.39 | 15.16¢ |
| North Dakota | $36.88 | $146.75 | 13.41¢ |
| Ohio | $53.49 | $136.75 | 19.45¢ |
| Oklahoma | $39.46 | $146.75 | 14.35¢ |
| Oregon | $43.92 | $182.71 | 15.97¢ |
| Pennsylvania | $59.73 | $155.82 | 21.72¢ |
| Rhode Island | $77.80 | $155.11 | 28.29¢ |
| South Carolina | $42.54 | $141.39 | 15.47¢ |
| South Dakota | $42.27 | $146.75 | 15.37¢ |
| Tennessee | $37.70 | $146.75 | 13.71¢ |
| Texas | $43.67 | $138.36 | 15.88¢ |
| Utah | $36.08 | $157.75 | 13.12¢ |
| Vermont | $65.31 | $155.11 | 23.75¢ |
| Virginia | $48.26 | $141.39 | 17.55¢ |
| Washington | $40.45 | $193.71 | 14.71¢ |
| West Virginia | $43.39 | $141.39 | 15.78¢ |
| Wisconsin | $52.42 | $146.75 | 19.06¢ |
| Wyoming | $39.49 | $157.75 | 14.36¢ |
Gas prices are EIA weekly regular gasoline prices: the state's own where EIA reports one, otherwise its region's.
How it works
The formula
EV cost = kWh × rate
gas cost = miles ÷ MPG × $ per gallon
Assumptions
- Efficiency is the EPA combined figure from fueleconomy.gov, measured at the wall outlet, so charging losses are included. Cold weather, highway speed and towing use more.
- All charging is at home at the rate shown. Public fast charging usually costs 35 to 60 cents per kWh.
- A full charge means empty to full over the EPA range. Most owners charge to 80% and rarely run empty.
- The gas car comparison counts fuel only. Maintenance is usually lower for an EV; purchase price and insurance aren't included.
Worked example: a 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD
27.5 kWh per 100 miles, 1,000 miles a month, at 18.31¢ per kWh
- Energy: 1,000 × 27.5 ÷ 100 = 275 kWh
- Charging: 275 × $0.1831 = $50.35 a month
- Gas car: 1,000 ÷ 28 = 35.7 gallons × $4.35 = $155.50
- Saving: $155.50 − $50.35 = $105.15 a month
Ways to cut the cost
- Charge at night on a time-of-use plan. Many utilities charge half price overnight, which can halve your charging cost.
- Ask about EV rates. Some utilities offer special EV plans or rebates for a Level 2 charger.
- Save fast charging for trips. It costs two to three times as much per kWh as charging at home.
- Precondition while plugged in. Heating or cooling the cabin from the wall saves range in winter and summer.
- Check tire pressure. Low tires cost a few percent of range.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at home?
A 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD uses 24.3 kWh per 100 miles (EPA). At the U.S. average home rate of 18.31¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026), a full charge for its 321-mile range costs about $14.28, and 1,000 miles a month costs about $44.49.
Is charging an EV cheaper than buying gas?
Almost always at home rates. Driving 1,000 miles a month in a 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD costs about $50.35 in electricity at the U.S. average rate, vs $155.50 for a 28 MPG car at the U.S. average gas price of $4.35 (EIA, week of October 5, 2026). Charging only breaks even with gas at about 57 cents per kWh, a rate many fast chargers do charge.
How much does it cost to charge an electric truck?
An F-150 Lightning uses about 47.9 kWh per 100 miles. A full charge for its 320-mile range costs about $28.07 at the U.S. average rate, and 1,000 miles a month about $87.70, vs $217.70 for a 20 MPG gas pickup.
Should I add charging losses to the EPA number?
No. The EPA kWh per 100 miles is measured from the wall outlet, so the energy lost while charging is already included. Level 2 charging (240 V) loses less than Level 1 (a 120 V outlet), but both are covered by the EPA figure.
How much does public fast charging cost?
Usually 35 to 60 cents per kWh, two to three times a typical home rate. Type that into the rate field to see your cost if you mostly fast-charge.