EV Charge Louisiana charges EVs at home for 12.72¢ per kilowatt-hour, the cheapest rate in the country. A Tesla Model Y there costs $35 per 1,000 miles to charge at home, compared to the U.S. average of $50. Most of the 10 cheapest states are in the South, the Mountain West and the Plains.
The 10 cheapest states
| # | State | Home price per kWh | Model Y per 1,000 mi | Per year (12,000 mi) | Change vs July 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | 12.72¢ | $35 | $420 | -3.0% |
| 2 | Nevada | 12.77¢ | $35 | $421 | +3.1% |
| 3 | Utah | 13.12¢ | $36 | $433 | -2.5% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 13.41¢ | $37 | $442 | +0.8% |
| 5 | Tennessee | 13.71¢ | $38 | $452 | +3.8% |
| 6 | Idaho | 13.73¢ | $38 | $453 | +11.8% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 13.78¢ | $38 | $455 | +7.3% |
| 8 | Kentucky | 13.81¢ | $38 | $456 | +5.2% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 14.33¢ | $39 | $473 | +8.1% |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 14.35¢ | $39 | $473 | +6.1% |
Why the numbers look like this
Electricity rates for home charging depend largely on a state’s power generation mix and grid regulation. Natural gas plants, which are cheaper to operate than coal, also push rates down in states with established gas infrastructure. States with older coal-heavy grids or stricter environmental regulations tend to have higher rates. Transmission costs and population density matter too: sparse states pay more to maintain infrastructure per customer, while dense areas can spread costs across more users. These factors compound over time, making some states permanently cheaper to charge in than others.
What you can do
- Check your state’s average rate against the national rate of 18.31¢ to see if you live in a cheaper charging zone.
- If you’re considering a move or a second home, factor in home charging costs as part of the total EV ownership picture.
- Ask your utility if they offer time-of-use rates that charge lower prices during off-peak hours, which can lower your effective rate.
- Use an online calculator with your state’s rate to estimate your annual charging cost before buying an EV.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla Model Y for a year at home in the cheapest state?
In Louisiana, it costs $420 per year to charge a Tesla Model Y at home based on 12,000 miles driven. That’s $184 cheaper than the U.S. average of $604 per year.
How do EV charging costs compare to gas cars?
A Tesla Model Y charged at the U.S. average rate costs $604 per year for 12,000 miles. A 30-mpg gas car costs $1,732 per year to fuel at current prices, saving an EV driver $1,128 annually even in states with average electricity rates.
Why is Louisiana so much cheaper than other states?
Louisiana generates most of its electricity from natural gas, which has been relatively inexpensive, and its regulated residential rates are among the lowest in the country. These advantages translate directly to lower retail rates for home charging.
How many states are below the U.S. average charging rate?
32 states, plus Washington D.C., have electricity rates below the U.S. average of 18.31¢ per kilowatt-hour. The remaining 18 states pay more than average.
What’s the difference between the cheapest and tenth-cheapest state?
Louisiana charges 12.72¢ per kilowatt-hour while Oklahoma, the tenth cheapest, charges 14.35¢. The gap shows how quickly rates climb even within the cheaper half of states.
Your bill depends on your own rate and miles. Put them in the EV charging cost calculator, or see every state in the cost by state table and the monthly price index.
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly, table 5.6.A; EIA gasoline prices; fueleconomy.gov (EPA). Method: how we calculate. Updated October 18, 2026.