Short answer: charging an EV at home costs about 3 to 6 cents per mile, or roughly $35 to $60 a month for 1,000 miles, at typical US electricity rates of 13 to 20 cents per kWh.
The formula
Cost per mile = electricity price per kWh x kWh used per mile. Most EVs use 26 to 30 kWh per 100 miles. The average US residential rate is about 17 to 18 cents per kWh, according to the EIA (17.3 cents in 2025, about 18.2 projected for 2026). Add roughly 10% for energy lost as heat during charging.
Real examples
| What you charge | Energy | Cost at 16 cents/kWh | Cost at 10 cents/kWh (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full charge of a 60 kWh battery (0 to 100%) | about 66 kWh with losses | about $10.60 | about $6.60 |
| One month, 1,000 miles | about 310 kWh with losses | about $49 | about $31 |
| One year, 12,000 miles | about 3,700 kWh with losses | about $590 | about $370 |
A comparable gas car at 30 mpg and $3.75 per gallon costs about $150 per 1,000 miles.
How to lower the cost
- Use a time-of-use plan. Many utilities charge much less overnight. Check your utility’s EV rate.
- Schedule charging in the car or charger app to start after your cheap window opens.
- Charge to 80% for daily use. It is gentler on the battery and rarely limits real driving.
- Charge at home, not at public fast chargers. Fast charging at 35 to 50 cents per kWh costs 3 to 4 times more per mile, per the same Recharged benchmarks.
- Pair with solar if you already have panels; charging at midday uses your own power.
What it costs to set up
A standard 120V outlet works for light use but adds only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. A 240V Level 2 charger adds 20 to 40 miles per hour; installation often runs from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand depending on your panel and wiring. The federal charger credit (30C) ended June 30, 2026. Check your state and utility for rebates.
FAQ
Will an EV raise my electric bill a lot? Typically by $40 to $60 a month, offset by not buying gasoline.
Is it cheaper to charge at night? Often yes, if your plan has time-of-use pricing.
How do I find my rate? Divide the total cost on your bill by total kWh used.
Figures are estimates; your rate and car efficiency will differ.