EV Cost Per Mile Calculator
Calculate your electric vehicle's real cost per mile using US electricity rates, EPA efficiency data, and your own charging mix — with a direct comparison to gasoline.
Electricity & Mileage
Charging Mix (must total 100%)
You save $0 per year compared to a 30 MPG gasoline car at your state's average gas price.
Charging cost breakdown
| Charging location | Rate | Cost per mile |
|---|
Results are calculated estimates based on EPA efficiency data, EIA state-average electricity and gas prices, and a 10% charging-loss assumption. Actual costs vary with driving conditions, utility rate plans, and time of use. This tool does not include maintenance, insurance, depreciation, or taxes.
How this calculator works
The calculator multiplies your electricity rate by your vehicle's energy consumption, then adjusts for charging losses. The core formula is:
Cost per mile = (Electricity Rate ÷ Vehicle Efficiency) × (1 + Charging Loss)
Where the numbers come from
- Vehicle efficiency (mi/kWh) — EPA combined efficiency ratings published on fueleconomy.gov.
- Electricity rate (¢/kWh) — U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) state-average residential rates. You can override with your own utility rate.
- Annual miles — Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) U.S. national average (10,787 mi/yr). Editable.
- Charging loss — Around 10% for Level 2 home charging, based on NREL research. Higher for DC fast charging.
- Public L2 and DC fast rates — Estimated as multipliers of your home rate (2× for public L2, 3× for DC fast) because national average public charging prices vary widely by network and region.
- Gasoline comparison — EIA state-average regular gasoline prices, compared against a 30 MPG vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost per mile to drive an EV in the US?
Most US drivers pay between 3 and 8 cents per mile to charge an EV at home, depending on their state's electricity rate and the vehicle's efficiency. Public DC fast charging can raise the average to 12–18 cents per mile. Gasoline cars typically cost 10–18 cents per mile at $3.00–$4.00 per gallon.
Is an EV cheaper than gas per mile?
In most US states, yes — especially if you charge primarily at home. In states with very low electricity rates (Washington, Idaho, Louisiana), EV cost per mile can be 2–3× cheaper than gasoline. In states with very high rates (Hawaii, California, Massachusetts), the savings are smaller but usually still positive for home charging.
How do I calculate EV cost per mile myself?
Use this formula: (Electricity rate in $/kWh ÷ Vehicle efficiency in mi/kWh) × (1 + charging loss %). For example, at $0.175/kWh and 4.0 mi/kWh with 10% loss: ($0.175 ÷ 4.0) × 1.10 = $0.048 per mile, or 4.8¢ per mile.
What is a good miles per kWh for an EV?
Most modern EVs achieve between 2.5 and 4.5 mi/kWh. Efficient sedans (Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Lucid Air) often exceed 4.0 mi/kWh. Larger SUVs and trucks (Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV) typically range from 1.6 to 2.5 mi/kWh.
Does charging at home save money versus public charging?
Almost always, yes. Home electricity is typically $0.12–$0.30 per kWh, while public Level 2 charging often costs $0.20–$0.35 per kWh and DC fast charging can be $0.40–$0.70 per kWh. Charging at home is usually 2–4× cheaper per mile than DC fast charging.
How does winter affect EV cost per mile?
Cold weather reduces battery efficiency by 15–30% and increases cabin heating load. That raises cost per mile proportionally. Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in, using seat heaters instead of full cabin heat, and parking in a garage can reduce winter losses.
Do charging losses really matter?
Yes. Every AC-to-DC conversion loses some energy as heat. NREL research shows typical Level 2 home charging loses about 10%, while DC fast charging can lose 5–15% depending on the vehicle and charger. Skipping this adjustment can understate real cost by 5–15%.
Why is my actual cost per mile higher than this calculator?
Common reasons: (1) Real-world efficiency is often 10–25% lower than EPA lab ratings, especially in cold weather or at highway speeds; (2) Your utility rate may be higher than the state average; (3) You may be using more public DC fast charging than the default mix; (4) Time-of-use plans may shift your effective rate.
Does this calculator include maintenance, insurance, or depreciation?
No. This tool only estimates energy cost per mile. Total cost of ownership also includes maintenance, insurance, tires, registration, depreciation, and financing. EVs generally have lower maintenance costs but higher insurance premiums and steeper depreciation in some segments.
How often is the data updated?
Electricity and gas price averages are refreshed when the EIA publishes new data (monthly to quarterly). EPA efficiency ratings are refreshed annually with each new model year. See the data sources section below for the current reference period.
Why do public charging rates vary so much?
Public charging prices are set by individual networks (Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo, Tesla Supercharger, etc.) and vary by state, session fees, time of day, and membership status. This calculator uses approximate national multipliers; for exact public-charging costs, check your network's app.
Does the calculator work for plug-in hybrids?
Partially. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) run on electricity for the first 20–50 miles, then switch to gasoline. If you primarily drive short distances and charge often, you can estimate electric-only cost per mile. For blended driving, a total cost of ownership calculator is more appropriate.
Data sources and methodology
Vehicle efficiency: U.S. EPA / DOE — fueleconomy.gov
Electricity rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electric Power Monthly
Gasoline prices: U.S. EIA — Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices
Annual miles driven: Federal Highway Administration — Highway Statistics
Charging losses: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) charging efficiency research
Public charging price multipliers: U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center and network pricing pages
Limitations
- Uses EPA lab efficiency, which typically overstates real-world efficiency by 10–25%.
- State-average electricity rates; your utility rate, plan, and time-of-use schedule will differ.
- Charging loss defaults to 10% but varies by charger and conditions.
- Public charging rates are approximate multipliers, not specific network prices.
- Gas comparison assumes a 30 MPG vehicle; adjust for your actual car.
- Does not include maintenance, insurance, tires, registration, depreciation, financing, or taxes.
- Battery capacity used for the full-charge estimate is nameplate, not usable capacity.
- Results are estimates, not guarantees. Always verify your actual utility rate and charging costs.
EV Mileage Calculator — Calculate Your Cost Per Mile
Driving an electric vehicle in the United States typically costs between 3 and 8 cents per mile when charging at home, compared to 10 to 18 cents per mile for a typical gasoline car. The exact number depends on three things: your electricity rate, your vehicle's efficiency, and how much of your charging happens at home versus public stations. The calculator on this page handles all three. This guide explains the math behind it, what the numbers mean, and which assumptions matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Formula: Cost per mile = (electricity rate ÷ vehicle efficiency) × (1 + charging loss).
- Home charging is usually 2–4× cheaper per mile than DC fast charging.
- Most EVs achieve 2.5–4.5 miles per kWh; efficiency drops in cold weather and at highway speeds.
- Charging losses of about 10% on Level 2 home charging are real and worth including.
- State electricity rates vary by more than 3× across the US, which materially changes the result.
- EPA efficiency ratings are laboratory figures; real-world results are often 10–25% lower.
- Cost per mile is not total cost of ownership. Maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and tires are separate.
What Is EV Cost Per Mile?
Cost per mile is the amount of money you spend on electricity to drive one mile in an electric vehicle. It is the EV equivalent of the "dollars per mile" figure you would calculate for a gasoline car by dividing the price of a gallon of gas by the car's miles-per-gallon rating.
For an EV, the calculation uses two inputs in place of the gas car's MPG and gas price:
- Electricity rate — what you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh), typically shown in cents (¢/kWh).
- Vehicle efficiency — how many miles the EV travels per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh).
Both numbers are widely available but easy to mix up. The EPA publishes efficiency in three formats (mi/kWh, kWh/100 mi, and MPGe), which causes most of the confusion users run into when comparing vehicles or trying to verify a calculator result.
The three efficiency metrics you will see
| Metric | What it means | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| mi/kWh | Miles driven per kilowatt-hour of energy used | 2.5–4.5 for most EVs |
| kWh/100 mi | Energy used to drive 100 miles | 22–40 for most EVs |
| MPGe | EPA's gasoline-equivalent comparison figure | 90–140 for most EVs |
The calculator on this page uses mi/kWh internally because it is the easiest unit to work with when multiplying by an electricity price. If you only have kWh/100 mi or MPGe, the conversion section below shows how to translate.
How to Calculate EV Cost Per Mile
The Formula
The core calculation is simple:
Cost per mile = (Electricity rate ÷ Vehicle efficiency) × (1 + Charging loss)
Where:
- Electricity rate is in dollars per kWh (divide cents by 100).
- Vehicle efficiency is in miles per kWh.
- Charging loss is expressed as a decimal (10% = 0.10).
Step-by-Step Example
Suppose you drive a Tesla Model 3 RWD in California, charging at home at 29.5¢/kWh. The EPA combined efficiency for that car is about 4.0 mi/kWh, and we assume 10% charging loss.
- Convert the electricity rate to dollars: 29.5¢ = $0.295 per kWh.
- Divide rate by efficiency: $0.295 ÷ 4.0 = $0.07375 per mile.
- Apply the charging-loss adjustment: $0.07375 × 1.10 = $0.0811 per mile.
- Convert back to cents: 8.1¢ per mile.
Scaling that up: 10,787 miles of driving per year × $0.0811 = about $875 per year, or roughly $73 per month in electricity.
If the same driver lived in Washington state, where residential rates average around 11.5¢/kWh, the calculation changes to $0.115 ÷ 4.0 × 1.10 = $0.0316, or 3.2¢ per mile — about $341 per year. Same car, same miles, but a very different result because of the electricity rate.
Unit Conversions (kWh/100 mi → mi/kWh → MPGe)
If your vehicle's efficiency is published in another format, use these conversions:
- kWh/100 mi to mi/kWh: divide 100 by the kWh/100 mi figure. Example: 25 kWh/100 mi → 100 ÷ 25 = 4.0 mi/kWh.
- MPGe to mi/kWh: divide MPGe by 33.7 (the EPA's conversion factor based on 33.7 kWh per gallon of gasoline-equivalent energy). Example: 134 MPGe → 134 ÷ 33.7 = 3.98 mi/kWh.
- mi/kWh to kWh/100 mi: divide 100 by the mi/kWh figure.
The calculator on this page already applies these conversions when you select a model, so you can skip the manual math unless you want to verify a result.
Average EV Cost Per Mile by State
Electricity rates are set by utilities and public utility commissions, and they vary dramatically across the United States. Using recent residential rate data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the formula above with a mid-efficiency EV (3.5 mi/kWh) and 10% charging loss:
Ten States With the Lowest EV Cost Per Mile
| State | Approx. residential rate (¢/kWh) | Approx. EV cost per mile |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 11.5 | 3.6¢ |
| Idaho | 11.5 | 3.6¢ |
| Louisiana | 12.0 | 3.8¢ |
| Nebraska | 12.0 | 3.8¢ |
| North Dakota | 12.0 | 3.8¢ |
| Arkansas | 12.5 | 3.9¢ |
| Kentucky | 12.5 | 3.9¢ |
| Missouri | 12.5 | 3.9¢ |
| Tennessee | 12.5 | 3.9¢ |
| Utah | 12.5 | 3.9¢ |
Ten States With the Highest EV Cost Per Mile
| State | Approx. residential rate (¢/kWh) | Approx. EV cost per mile |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 42.0 | 13.2¢ |
| California | 29.5 | 9.3¢ |
| Massachusetts | 28.5 | 9.0¢ |
| Rhode Island | 27.0 | 8.5¢ |
| Connecticut | 25.5 | 8.0¢ |
| Alaska | 24.5 | 7.7¢ |
| New York | 23.5 | 7.4¢ |
| New Hampshire | 23.0 | 7.2¢ |
| Maine | 22.0 | 6.9¢ |
| Vermont | 21.5 | 6.8¢ |
Note: These figures use state-average residential rates from EIA reporting. Your actual utility rate may differ — some utilities within a state are significantly cheaper or more expensive than the state average. Time-of-use plans can also shift the effective rate lower for overnight charging. Use the calculator on this page with your own rate for the most accurate result.
EV vs Gasoline: Cost Per Mile Comparison
The most common reason people search for an EV cost per mile calculator is to compare an EV against a gasoline car. The comparison is not always straightforward, because gas prices vary by state and the two vehicles have different efficiency profiles.
Typical Gas Vehicle Cost Per Mile
To estimate gasoline cost per mile, divide the price of a gallon of gas by the car's MPG:
Gas cost per mile = Gas price ÷ Vehicle MPG
At $3.50 per gallon and 30 MPG, the cost is $0.1167 — about 11.7 cents per mile. A less efficient vehicle, such as a 20 MPG SUV, would cost $0.175, or 17.5 cents per mile, at the same gas price. A highly efficient 45 MPG hybrid would be about 7.8 cents per mile.
Where EV Has a Clear Advantage
In most states, an EV charged at home costs 3–8 cents per mile, which is cheaper than any gasoline vehicle short of a plug-in hybrid driven primarily on electricity. The advantage is largest in states with low electricity rates (Washington, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska) and in states with high gas prices.
When EV Isn't Cheaper
The EV advantage shrinks or disappears when:
- You cannot charge at home. Public DC fast charging often costs $0.40–$0.70 per kWh, which can push the cost per mile above a gasoline car's.
- You drive an inefficient EV. Large electric trucks and SUVs can achieve only 1.6–2.3 mi/kWh, raising cost per mile significantly.
- Your state has very high electricity rates. In Hawaii, EV cost per mile at home can exceed 13 cents, comparable to a moderately efficient gas car.
- You live in a very cold climate. Winter efficiency losses of 20–30% raise the effective cost per mile.
Factors That Affect Your EV Cost Per Mile
Electricity Rate
This is the single biggest lever. A move from 12¢/kWh to 30¢/kWh more than doubles the cost per mile. Most utilities offer alternative rate plans, including time-of-use plans that charge significantly less for overnight electricity — exactly when most EV charging happens.
Charging Location (Home vs Public vs DC Fast)
Home Level 2 charging is almost always the cheapest option. Public Level 2 charging typically costs 1.5–2× the home rate. DC fast charging commonly costs 2–3× the home rate, sometimes more. The calculator uses national average multipliers of 2× for public Level 2 and 3× for DC fast charging, but these vary widely by network and state.
Vehicle Efficiency
A car that achieves 4.5 mi/kWh will cost roughly 40% less per mile than one that achieves 2.7 mi/kWh at the same electricity rate. Efficiency is largely determined by vehicle size, weight, aerodynamics, and drivetrain design. Small sedans tend to be the most efficient; large trucks and SUVs the least.
Driving Conditions
Real-world efficiency differs from EPA lab results because of:
- Temperature: Cold reduces battery efficiency and adds cabin heating load. Expect 15–30% loss in winter.
- Speed: Highway driving at 70+ mph reduces efficiency due to aerodynamic drag.
- Terrain: Sustained uphill driving uses more energy; regenerative braking recovers some on downhill sections.
- HVAC use: Air conditioning and heating draw from the battery, especially in extreme temperatures.
Charging Losses
No charging process is 100% efficient. Energy is lost as heat during AC-to-DC conversion in the vehicle's onboard charger. NREL research shows typical Level 2 home charging loses about 10%, while DC fast charging can lose 5–15% depending on the charger and vehicle. Skipping this adjustment understates real cost by 5–15%.
Time-of-Use Rate Plans
Many utilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours (often overnight). If you schedule your EV charging for these windows, your effective electricity rate can drop 30–50% compared to the standard residential rate. This is often the single biggest savings opportunity for EV owners and is worth checking with your utility.
Used EV Cost Per Mile: Battery Health Considerations
Used EV buyers have an additional variable that new-car buyers do not: battery degradation. As a battery ages, its usable capacity decreases, and in some cases the vehicle's efficiency per mile also decreases slightly.
How Battery Degradation Affects Efficiency
Most modern EV batteries are warranted to retain 70–80% of their original capacity after 8 years or 100,000 miles, but actual degradation varies widely by chemistry, climate, charging habits, and how the previous owner treated the vehicle. A used EV showing 90% state of health will typically deliver about 90% of its original range on the same charge.
For cost per mile, this matters mainly because you need to replace energy more frequently. A car that originally achieved 4.0 mi/kWh might drop to 3.7 mi/kWh after several years — raising cost per mile by roughly 8%.
What to Ask When Buying a Used EV
- Ask for a battery state-of-health (SOH) report. Some manufacturers provide this; third-party tools can also estimate it.
- Confirm the original EPA-rated range and compare it to a full-charge display on the dashboard.
- Check whether the vehicle has a heat pump, which improves cold-weather efficiency.
- Verify the remaining battery warranty — most are transferable to subsequent owners.
- Ask where the vehicle was previously operated. Hot climates (Arizona, Florida, Texas) accelerate degradation.
When Battery Replacement Changes the Math
Full battery replacement currently costs $5,000–$20,000 depending on vehicle and battery size. This is often more than the resale value of an older used EV. If a battery is approaching end of life and replacement is not covered by warranty, the effective cost per mile over the remaining ownership period can become very high — sometimes higher than driving a gasoline car. This is one reason a used EV purchase should be evaluated as a total-cost-of-ownership decision, not just on cost per mile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost per mile to drive an EV in the US?
Most drivers pay 3–8 cents per mile charging at home, depending on their state's electricity rate and their vehicle's efficiency. Public DC fast charging raises the average to 12–18 cents per mile. Gasoline cars typically cost 10–18 cents per mile at $3.00–$4.00 per gallon.
Is an EV cheaper than gas per mile?
In most US states, yes — especially if you charge primarily at home. The savings are largest in states with low electricity rates and high gas prices. In states with very high electricity rates (Hawaii, California, Massachusetts), the savings are smaller but usually still positive for home charging.
How do I calculate EV cost per mile myself?
Use the formula: (electricity rate in $/kWh ÷ vehicle efficiency in mi/kWh) × (1 + charging loss %). For example, at $0.175/kWh and 4.0 mi/kWh with 10% loss, the result is $0.048 per mile, or 4.8 cents.
What is a good miles per kWh for an EV?
Most modern EVs achieve between 2.5 and 4.5 mi/kWh. Efficient sedans (Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Lucid Air) often exceed 4.0 mi/kWh. Larger SUVs and trucks (Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV) typically range from 1.6 to 2.5 mi/kWh.
Does charging at home save money versus public charging?
Almost always, yes. Home electricity is typically $0.12–$0.30 per kWh, while public Level 2 charging often costs $0.20–$0.35 per kWh and DC fast charging can be $0.40–$0.70 per kWh. Home charging is usually 2–4× cheaper per mile.
How does winter affect EV cost per mile?
Cold weather reduces battery efficiency by 15–30% and increases cabin heating load, raising cost per mile proportionally. Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in, using seat heaters instead of full cabin heat, and parking in a garage can reduce winter losses.
Do charging losses really matter?
Yes. Every AC-to-DC conversion loses some energy as heat. NREL research shows typical Level 2 home charging loses about 10%, while DC fast charging can lose 5–15%. Skipping this adjustment can understate real cost by 5–15%.
Why is my actual cost per mile higher than this calculator?
Common reasons include: real-world efficiency is often 10–25% lower than EPA lab ratings; your utility rate may be higher than the state average; you may be using more public DC fast charging than the default mix; and time-of-use plans may shift your effective rate depending on when you charge.
Does this calculator include maintenance, insurance, or depreciation?
No. This tool only estimates energy cost per mile. Total cost of ownership also includes maintenance, insurance, tires, registration, depreciation, and financing. EVs generally have lower maintenance costs but higher insurance premiums and steeper depreciation in some segments.
Does the calculator work for plug-in hybrids?
Partially. Plug-in hybrids run on electricity for the first 20–50 miles, then switch to gasoline. If you primarily drive short distances and charge often, you can estimate electric-only cost per mile. For blended driving, a total cost of ownership calculator is more appropriate.
Methodology & Data Sources
How the Calculator Works
The calculator uses this formula:
Cost per mile = (Effective electricity rate ÷ Vehicle efficiency) × (1 + Charging loss)
Where the effective electricity rate is a weighted average of your home rate, public Level 2 rate, and DC fast rate, using the charging mix you specify. Full-charge cost is calculated as battery capacity × electricity rate × (1 + charging loss). The gasoline comparison uses your state's average gas price divided by 30 MPG.
Data Sources
- Vehicle efficiency ratings: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, published at fueleconomy.gov.
- Residential electricity rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly.
- Gasoline prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Weekly Retail Gasoline Prices.
- Average annual miles driven: Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics (national average of 10,787 miles per year, most recent reported figure).
- Charging loss: National Renewable Energy Laboratory charging-efficiency research, approximately 10% for Level 2 AC charging.
- Public charging rate multipliers: Estimates based on U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center data and typical network pricing. Actual public charging prices vary significantly by network and location.
Assumptions
- EPA combined efficiency ratings are used, which reflect a mix of city and highway driving under controlled conditions.
- State electricity rates are averages; individual utilities within a state may differ substantially.
- Public charging is estimated at 2× the home rate for Level 2 and 3× for DC fast charging, which are national approximations.
- Charging loss defaults to 10% but can be adjusted.
- Gas comparison assumes a 30 MPG vehicle at the state average gas price.
- Battery capacity used for full-charge cost is nameplate capacity, not usable capacity.
Limitations
- Results are estimates, not guarantees. Actual costs depend on your utility, your driving, and your vehicle's real-world behavior.
- EPA ratings are laboratory figures; real-world efficiency is often 10–25% lower.
- Maintenance, insurance, tires, registration, depreciation, and financing are not included.
- Time-of-use rate plans are not modeled automatically; you must enter your effective rate manually.
- Public charging prices vary widely by network and region.
- Battery degradation for used EVs is not included in the default calculation.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Data sources and assumptions will be rechecked periodically.
Related Tools
- EV Cost Per Mile Calculator — Calculate your cost per mile using your state's electricity rate and your EV model's EPA efficiency.
- EV Home Charging Cost Calculator — Estimate monthly and annual home charging cost and compare it with gasoline.
Additional EV tools — including an EV vs Gas cost comparison, EV lease mileage estimator, and total cost of ownership calculator — are in development. Check back soon.
If you want to verify your own calculation, you can reproduce the numbers on this page using the EPA efficiency rating for your vehicle, your utility's published rate, and the formula above. The result should be close to what the calculator produces. Differences usually come from rounding, real-world versus EPA efficiency, or state-average rates differing from your actual utility rate.
Data Sources
- Vehicle efficiency ratings — U.S. Department of Energy / EPA FuelEconomy.gov publishes official mi/kWh, kWh/100 mi, and MPGe ratings for every EV sold in the US.
- Residential electricity rates — U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electric Power Monthly reports monthly and annual average electricity prices by state and end-use sector.
- Average miles driven per year — Federal Highway Administration — Highway Statistics publishes annual vehicle distance traveled data used for the 10,787 mi/year national average.
- EV charging data and station information — U.S. Department of Energy — Alternative Fuels Data Center provides charging station counts, charging infrastructure data, and EV-related tools.
- Charging efficiency and energy loss research — National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) publishes research on charging losses (approximately 10% for Level 2 AC charging) and battery efficiency.