Short answer: usually $8–$20 for a full "tank" of range — far less than gas. Here's the simple math, real examples, and the one number that changes everything.
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Charging cost comes down to how much energy your battery holds and what you pay per unit of electricity:
Most EV batteries are 40–100 kWh. The U.S. average residential electricity rate is roughly $0.16–$0.18 per kWh (yours is on your power bill and varies a lot by state). Want it exact for your car and rate? Use the EV Charging Cost Calculator.
| Battery | At $0.13/kWh | At $0.17/kWh | At $0.30/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kWh (≈250 mi) | ~$7.80 | ~$10.20 | ~$18.00 |
| 75 kWh (≈300 mi) | ~$9.75 | ~$12.75 | ~$22.50 |
| 100 kWh (≈350 mi) | ~$13.00 | ~$17.00 | ~$30.00 |
So even in a high-rate state, a full charge is usually less than a tank of gas — and in cheaper states it's dramatically less.
A typical EV uses about 0.3 kWh per mile. At $0.17/kWh that's roughly 5¢ per mile. A 30-mpg gas car at $3.50/gallon costs about 12¢ per mile — more than double. Over 12,000 miles a year, that's hundreds of dollars saved. See your exact numbers in the EV vs Gas Savings Calculator.
Two big levers: charge overnight if your utility has time-of-use rates (off-peak power can be half price), and charge at home rather than at public fast chargers (which cost more per kWh). A basic Level 2 home charger makes overnight charging easy and fast.
For most drivers, charging at home runs $30–$60 a month — a fraction of a gas budget. Plug in your own battery size and electricity rate to see your real cost.