This story was originally published by Yale Climate Connections and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.
In 2022, electric vehicle (EV) charging was about 70 percent cheaper than filling up with gasoline. Even with gasoline prices dipping below $3 per gallon, EVs remain a much cheaper option. They also emit less carbon pollution, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
The map below shows the cost of charging an EV expressed in “eGallons,” comparing it to the cost of gasoline. In most parts of the country, charging an EV is equivalent to a gasoline price of $1 to $2 per gallon. The national average is $1.41 per eGallon, less than half the current gasoline price of $3.09 (as of January 5, 2024).
How much does EV charging cost?
Charging an EV remains cost-effective, with most parts of the country offering equivalent prices to $1 to $2 per gallon of gasoline. The national average is $1.41 per eGallon, less than half the current gasoline price of $3.09 (as of January 5, 2024). Even in states with relatively expensive electricity prices like Hawaii and California, EVs are still cheaper to fuel than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Some details behind the math
- Electric vehicle comparisons were made using a “gallon-equivalent” factor. This calculation is based on the average kilowatt-hour per mile to drive an EV, the average miles per gallon for a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle, and the price of electricity.
- Charging an EV largely depends on the price of electricity, with some states offering significantly lower prices than others.
- While public charging is an option, the analysis primarily focuses on home charging, which is the preferred method for most EV owners.
