At home, yes, by a wide margin. Using EIA figures, the US average residential electricity price was 18.31 cents per kWh in July 2026 and regular gasoline averaged $4.331 per gallon in the week of October 12, 2026. An EV using about 0.30 kWh per mile from the wall costs about 5.5 cents per mile at home; a 30 mpg gasoline car costs about 14.4 cents per mile. Public DC fast charging is pricier and narrows the gap.
Cost per Mile Compared
| Fuel | Assumption | Cost per mile | Cost per 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home electricity | 0.30 kWh/mile × $0.1831 | About 5.5¢ | About $55 |
| Gasoline | 30 mpg × $4.331/gal | About 14.4¢ | About $144 |
| Public DC fast charging | Varies widely by network and state | Often several times home cost | — |
Prices vary by state, utility and season. Plug in your own numbers using our home charging cost guide.
What Changes the Answer
- Electricity rate: off-peak EV rates can be well below the average.
- Charging location: mostly home charging favours the EV strongly; mostly fast charging much less.
- Vehicle efficiency: large EVs and trucks use more kWh per mile.
- Gas car efficiency: a 50 mpg hybrid halves the gasoline cost per mile.
Make the Most of Home Charging
Most of the savings come from charging at home overnight. A Level 2 home charger such as the EVDANCE EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 wall charger or a portable unit like the EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger makes that practical for daily driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is an EV to fuel?
At average prices, home charging costs roughly a third as much per mile as a 30 mpg gasoline car.
Is public charging cheaper than gas?
Level 2 public charging often is; DC fast charging can approach gasoline costs in some areas.
Does this include maintenance?
No. EVs also usually have lower routine maintenance needs.
Related Reading
- How Much Does It Cost to Charge at Home?
- How Much Do EV Charging Stations Charge?
- Do I Need an EV Charger at Home?
Key Takeaways
- Home charging costs about 5.5 cents per mile at July 2026 average prices.
- A 30 mpg gasoline car costs about 14.4 cents per mile at October 2026 prices.
- Frequent DC fast charging narrows the gap.