EV Charging Cost: Hawaii vs Louisiana
Compare EV charging costs between any two US states. See cost per mile, monthly, and annual costs side by side — including home and public charging.
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How This Calculator Works
This calculator estimates the cost of charging an electric vehicle in two US states side by side. It combines state-average residential electricity rates, state-average public charging rates, your vehicle's efficiency, your annual mileage, and your home/public charging mix.
Core formulas
Worked example (default inputs)
Hawaii at 43.0¢/kWh and Louisiana at 12.9¢/kWh, 30 kWh/100 mi efficiency, 12,000 miles/year, 80% home charging:
- Hawaii blended cost: (0.80 × 12.90¢) + (0.20 × 15.42¢) = 13.40¢/mile → about $1,608/year
- Louisiana blended cost: (0.80 × 3.87¢) + (0.20 × 13.95¢) = 5.89¢/mile → about $707/year
- Ratio: $1,608 ÷ $707 ≈ 2.3× — Hawaii costs roughly 2.3× more per year
Assumptions
- State-average residential electricity rates (EIA). Your utility may differ.
- State-average public charging rates (AAA). Networks vary widely.
- Full-charge cost assumes a ~90 kWh battery, derived from 30 kWh/100 mi × a 300-mile range heuristic. Your actual full-charge cost depends on your vehicle's usable battery capacity.
- No time-of-use (TOU) discounts are included in the primary calculation.
- Registration surcharges are shown separately and are not blended into the per-mile cost.
- Constant rates assumed over the 5-year projection.
Limitations
- Utility-level rate variation within a state is not captured.
- Public charging costs vary by network (Tesla, EVgo, ChargePoint, Electrify America, etc.) and by session.
- Real-world EV efficiency varies with temperature, terrain, speed, HVAC use, and payload.
- This is an informational estimator, not financial, tax, or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to charge an EV in Hawaii or Louisiana?
Why is EV charging so expensive in Hawaii?
Why is Louisiana so cheap for EV charging?
Does public charging change the comparison?
What is the EV registration surcharge?
How accurate is this calculator?
Does it include time-of-use (TOU) rates?
What efficiency should I enter?
Does this include gas savings vs. an EV?
Where does the data come from?
Sources
Electricity rates: US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly — state residential average retail price of electricity.
Public charging rates: AAA Gas Prices, EV Charging Prices by state.
EV registration surcharges: US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) — state EV registration fees.
EV efficiency: US Environmental Protection Agency, fueleconomy.gov — kWh per 100 miles ratings.
Time-of-use reference: Hawaiian Electric (HECO) Schedule TOU-RI (for context only; not blended into primary result).
EV Charging Cost in Hawaii vs Louisiana: Which State Is Cheaper?
Last updated: October 2026If you're comparing the cost of charging an electric vehicle in Hawaii versus Louisiana, the short answer is straightforward: Louisiana is substantially cheaper for home charging, while public charging costs are much closer than most people expect.
Using current state-average electricity rates and typical EV efficiency, charging at home in Hawaii costs roughly 3–4× more per mile than charging at home in Louisiana. But that gap narrows dramatically if you rely on public fast charging — and state registration surcharges partially offset Louisiana's advantage over time.
This guide breaks down the exact numbers, explains why the two states are so different, and shows how your own charging mix changes the result.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV in Hawaii vs Louisiana?
Quick Answer
| Scenario | Hawaii | Louisiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home charging, cost per mile | ~12.6–14.4¢ | ~3.8–4.1¢ | 3.5–3.8× more in Hawaii |
| Public charging, cost per mile | ~15.6–16.2¢ | ~14.3–14.8¢ | ~1.1× more in Hawaii |
| Blended (80% home / 20% public) | ~13.2–14.0¢ | ~5.9–6.2¢ | ~2.2–2.4× more in Hawaii |
| Annual cost (12,000 miles, blended) | ~$1,580–$1,680 | ~$700–$750 | ~$850–$950 more in Hawaii |
The headline: home charging is where the real gap lives. Public charging is expensive in both states, and the difference is far smaller than the residential electricity rate gap suggests.
Key Data Table
| Metric | Hawaii | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Residential electricity rate | ~42–48¢/kWh | ~12.7–13.5¢/kWh |
| Public charging rate (AAA average) | ~$0.52–$0.54/kWh | ~$0.48–$0.49/kWh |
| EV registration surcharge | $50/year | $110/year |
| Gas price (regular, October 2026) | ~$5.46/gal | ~$4.03/gal |
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly (July 2026 data); AAA EV Charging Prices (October 2026); Hawaii Revised Statutes §249-31; Louisiana Department of Revenue.
Cost per Mile: The Math Behind the Numbers
The calculation is simple once you know two inputs: your electricity rate and your vehicle's efficiency.
Formula:
For a typical EV using 30 kWh per 100 miles:
- Hawaii (43¢/kWh): 43 × 0.30 = 12.9¢/mile
- Louisiana (12.9¢/kWh): 12.9 × 0.30 = 3.87¢/mile
That's a 3.3× difference in home charging cost per mile.
For public charging using the same efficiency:
- Hawaii ($0.54/kWh): 54 × 0.30 = 16.2¢/mile
- Louisiana ($0.48/kWh): 48 × 0.30 = 14.4¢/mile
The gap shrinks to 1.1× — public charging rates are far more similar between the two states than residential rates.
Why Public Charging Is So Much More Expensive Than Home Charging
Public DC fast charging includes hardware costs, demand charges, network fees, and site hosting costs that don't apply to residential electricity. This is why public charging typically costs 2–4× more per kWh than home charging in both states — and why the Hawaii/Louisiana comparison looks very different depending on where you plug in.
Annual EV Charging Cost Comparison
Using 12,000 miles/year and 80% home / 20% public charging:
| Cost Category | Hawaii | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Home charging cost/mile | 12.9¢ | 3.9¢ |
| Public charging cost/mile | 16.2¢ | 14.4¢ |
| Blended cost/mile | 13.6¢ | 6.0¢ |
| Monthly charging cost | ~$136 | ~$60 |
| Annual charging cost | ~$1,630 | ~$720 |
| 5-year charging cost | ~$8,150 | ~$3,600 |
| EV registration surcharge (5 years) | $250 | $550 |
| 5-year net cost (charging + surcharge) | ~$8,400 | ~$4,150 |
What this means: Over five years, charging an EV in Hawaii costs roughly $4,250 more than in Louisiana — even after accounting for Louisiana's higher registration surcharge.
Why Hawaii Is So Expensive for EV Charging
Imported Fuel Dependency
Hawaii generates the majority of its electricity from imported petroleum. Because the islands have no pipeline connection to mainland natural gas or coal supplies, every gallon of fuel oil must be shipped in. That transportation cost is baked into every kilowatt-hour.
Isolated Grid
Hawaii's electric grid is entirely isolated. Unlike mainland states that can import power from neighboring regions during high-demand periods, each Hawaiian island operates its own grid. There is no backup from a larger interconnected system, which limits economies of scale.
Result: Hawaii's residential electricity rate has consistently been the highest in the United States — roughly 2.5–3× the national average and 3.5× Louisiana's rate.
Why Louisiana Is One of the Cheapest States for EV Charging
Low-Cost Generation
Louisiana benefits from abundant natural gas generation and a long-established refining infrastructure. Natural gas plants provide baseload power at relatively low cost, keeping residential rates among the lowest in the continental United States.
Utility Competition
While Louisiana's electricity market is regulated, the state has multiple investor-owned utilities (Entergy, Cleco, and others) serving different territories. This structure, combined with regulatory oversight by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, has historically kept residential rates competitive.
Result: Louisiana's residential rate of ~12.7–13.5¢/kWh is roughly 35% below the national average.
EV Registration Surcharges: Hawaii ($50) vs Louisiana ($110)
Both states charge EV owners an annual registration surcharge to offset declining gas-tax revenue. This is an important — but often overlooked — factor in the true cost comparison.
| State | Surcharge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $50/year | Fixed surcharge; a mileage-based road usage charge option is also being phased in |
| Louisiana | $110/year | Paid to Louisiana Department of Revenue; applies to electric vehicles |
Net impact: Louisiana's higher surcharge ($110 vs $50) reduces its cost advantage by $60/year. Over five years, that's $300 — meaningful, but not enough to change the overall conclusion. The ~$4,250 five-year charging cost gap far outweighs the $300 surcharge difference.
Home vs Public Charging: How the Comparison Changes
The Hawaii/Louisiana comparison is highly sensitive to your charging mix. Here's how the annual cost changes at different home/public splits:
| Charging Mix | Hawaii Annual Cost | Louisiana Annual Cost | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% home | ~$1,550 | ~$470 | 3.3× |
| 80% home / 20% public | ~$1,630 | ~$720 | 2.3× |
| 50% home / 50% public | ~$1,740 | ~$1,090 | 1.6× |
| 100% public | ~$1,940 | ~$1,730 | 1.1× |
Key insight: If you rely entirely on public charging, Hawaii and Louisiana cost nearly the same to charge an EV. The dramatic savings Louisiana offers come almost entirely from home charging.
Methodology and Data Sources
Formulas Used
Assumptions
- Efficiency: 30 kWh/100 mi (typical for a mid-size electric crossover)
- Annual mileage: 12,000 miles
- Charging mix: 80% home / 20% public (unless otherwise noted)
- Hawaii electricity rate: 42–48¢/kWh (EIA state average range)
- Louisiana electricity rate: 12.7–13.5¢/kWh (EIA state average range)
- Public charging rates: AAA state averages (Hawaii ~$0.52–$0.54/kWh; Louisiana ~$0.48–$0.49/kWh)
Data Sources
| Data Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Residential electricity rates | U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly |
| Public charging rates | AAA Gas Prices, EV Charging Prices |
| EV registration surcharges | Hawaii Revised Statutes §249-31; Louisiana Department of Revenue |
| Gas prices | AAA Fuel Tracker |
Limitations
- State averages only. Your actual electricity rate depends on your specific utility and rate plan.
- Public charging rates vary widely by network (Tesla Supercharger, EVgo, ChargePoint, Electrify America) and by location within each state.
- Real-world EV efficiency varies with temperature, terrain, speed, HVAC use, and payload.
- Time-of-use (TOU) rates are not included in the primary calculation. Hawaii's HECO TOU-RI rate, for example, offers off-peak charging at roughly 9.85¢/kWh — substantially lower than the standard rate.
- This is an informational estimator, not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to charge an EV in Hawaii or Louisiana?
Louisiana is significantly cheaper for home charging — roughly 3–4× cheaper per mile. Public charging costs are much closer, so a driver who relies primarily on public charging sees a much smaller difference.
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV in Hawaii?
Using a 43¢/kWh residential rate and an assumed 90 kWh battery, a full charge costs approximately $38.70. At a public DC fast charger ($0.54/kWh), it's approximately $48.60.
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV in Louisiana?
At a 12.9¢/kWh residential rate, a full charge costs approximately $11.61. At a public DC fast charger ($0.48/kWh), it's approximately $43.20.
What is the cost per mile to charge an EV in Hawaii?
At 30 kWh/100 mi efficiency and 43¢/kWh home charging: ~12.9¢/mile. Blended at 80% home / 20% public: ~13.6¢/mile.
What is the cost per mile to charge an EV in Louisiana?
At 30 kWh/100 mi efficiency and 12.9¢/kWh home charging: ~3.9¢/mile. Blended at 80% home / 20% public: ~6.0¢/mile.
Why is EV charging so expensive in Hawaii?
Hawaii's electricity is expensive because the state imports most of its fuel oil and operates isolated island grids without connection to a larger mainland power system. Transportation and generation costs are both higher as a result.
What state has the cheapest EV charging?
Based on residential electricity rates, Louisiana is among the cheapest states for home EV charging. Several other states (North Dakota, Idaho, Washington) also have very low residential rates.
What state has the most expensive EV charging?
Hawaii consistently has the highest residential electricity rates in the United States, making it the most expensive state for home EV charging.
Does Louisiana have cheap electricity for EVs?
Yes. Louisiana's residential electricity rate is roughly 35% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable states for home EV charging.
Is EV charging cheaper than gas in Hawaii?
At current Hawaii gas prices (~$5.46/gal) and home electricity rates (~43¢/kWh), a 30 kWh/100 mi EV costs roughly 12.9¢/mile to charge at home vs roughly $0.18–$0.22/mile for a comparable gas vehicle. EVs are still cheaper per mile at home, but the margin is narrower than in most states.
Related EV Calculators and Tools
Want personalized results?
Use our interactive EV charging cost calculator to compare any two US states with your own efficiency, mileage, and charging mix.
- EV Cost Per Mile Calculator — Calculate your EV's real cost per mile using US electricity rates, EPA efficiency data, and your charging mix
- EV Home Charging Cost Calculator — Estimate monthly and annual home charging cost, compare with gasoline, and calculate Level 2 charger payback
- EV Ownership Cost Calculator — Find your true total cost to own including financing, charging, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and battery replacement
- EV Battery Aging Calculator — Estimate battery degradation, range loss, and lifespan
- EV Battery Degradation Calculator — Estimate battery health, capacity loss, driving range, and expected lifespan
- EV Loan Calculator — Estimate your monthly payment and total interest for an electric vehicle loan
Authoritative Data Sources Used in This Analysis
The electricity rates, public charging costs, and registration surcharges referenced in this guide come from the following independent and government sources. You can verify the underlying data directly using the links below.
| Source | What It Provides | Data Used in This Article |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) | Official monthly residential electricity rates for every U.S. state, updated monthly. | Hawaii residential rate (~42–48¢/kWh); Louisiana residential rate (~12.7–13.5¢/kWh). |
| AAA EV Charging Prices | Daily state and national averages for public EV charging costs per kWh. | Hawaii public charging (~$0.54/kWh); Louisiana public charging (~$0.49/kWh). |
| U.S. Department of Energy — Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) | Official state-by-state database of EV registration fees, road-use charges, and incentive programs. | Hawaii EV registration surcharge ($50/year); Louisiana EV registration surcharge ($110/year). |
| U.S. EPA — fueleconomy.gov | Official EPA-rated efficiency (kWh/100 mi) for every EV sold in the United States. | 30 kWh/100 mi baseline efficiency used for all cost-per-mile calculations. |
| Hawaiian Electric (HECO) | Official utility tariff sheets for EV-specific and time-of-use (TOU) rates. | Hawaii TOU off-peak reference rate; context for why home charging remains expensive despite TOU options. |