EV Charge 
Home electricity prices rose sharply in a handful of states over the past year, with Hawaii leading the way at a +22.5% increase. While the U.S. average climbed +3.4%, EV owners in high-increase states face steeper charging costs, though electric cars still cost less to fuel than gas vehicles in all cases.
The biggest increases
| State | August 2025 | August 2026 | Change | Extra per year for a Model Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 38.53¢ | 47.18¢ | +22.5% | $285 |
| Maine | 28.14¢ | 32.11¢ | +14.1% | $131 |
| New Hampshire | 24.44¢ | 27.64¢ | +13.1% | $106 |
| District of Columbia | 23.18¢ | 25.98¢ | +12.1% | $92 |
| Virginia | 15.85¢ | 17.64¢ | +11.3% | $59 |
| Delaware | 16.85¢ | 18.70¢ | +11.0% | $61 |
| Michigan | 20.73¢ | 22.99¢ | +10.9% | $75 |
| Idaho | 12.08¢ | 13.37¢ | +10.7% | $43 |
| Ohio | 17.55¢ | 19.38¢ | +10.4% | $60 |
| Iowa | 15.48¢ | 17.06¢ | +10.2% | $52 |
| Pennsylvania | 19.93¢ | 21.77¢ | +9.2% | $61 |
| South Dakota | 13.90¢ | 15.15¢ | +9.0% | $41 |
Where charging got cheaper
| State | August 2025 | August 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 30.17¢ | 24.51¢ | -18.8% |
| California | 30.92¢ | 29.75¢ | -3.8% |
| Utah | 13.62¢ | 13.31¢ | -2.3% |
| Florida | 15.33¢ | 14.99¢ | -2.2% |
| New Jersey | 24.70¢ | 24.61¢ | -0.4% |
Why the numbers look like this
Electricity rate changes depend largely on what fuels power a state’s grid and how much those fuels cost. States that saw big increases typically face higher costs for the power sources they rely on, while regulatory structures and transmission expenses also play a role. A handful of states actually saw rates drop, with Connecticut recording the largest decrease at -18.8%. For EV owners, these swings matter because charging at home is where most plug-in driving happens. But even in states with recent price jumps, the per-mile cost of electricity remains lower than gasoline for the foreseeable future.
What you can do
- Check your state’s electricity rate trend over the past 12 months on your utility bill or the U.S. Energy Information Administration website to see if you’re in a high-increase state.
- If rates in your area have risen significantly, calculate your actual charging cost per mile using your vehicle’s EPA efficiency rating and your local rate.
- Consider charging during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, which can offset some of the effect of a rate increase.
- Compare your total transportation costs (electricity plus maintenance) against a comparable gas car to confirm where you stand, even if rates have moved.
Frequently asked questions
Will my electricity bill go up if I buy an EV?
Yes, charging will add to your bill, but the cost per mile is still lower than gas. A Model Y driven 12,000 miles per year costs about $599 in electricity at the U.S. average rate, while a 30-mpg gas car costs about $1,732 per year to fuel.
Should I buy an EV if electricity rates just went up in my state?
Even with recent rate increases, most EV owners spend less on fuel than gas car owners. The math varies by state and vehicle, so calculate your local rate and compare it to gas prices in your area.
Why did some states get cheaper electricity while others got more expensive?
Changes in electricity rates reflect shifts in the cost of fuel and power generation, grid maintenance, and regulatory decisions. States differ widely in their energy mix and how they manage utility costs.
What states saw the biggest electricity price changes?
Hawaii had the largest increase at +22.5%, followed by Maine and New Hampshire. Connecticut saw the steepest drop at -18.8%, and 7 states total had rates decline over the measurement period.
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.
Cite or embed this data
Journalists, bloggers and researchers are welcome to use these numbers. Please credit EV Charge Math with a link: EV Charge Math, “Electricity Prices Jumped in These States: What It Means for EV Owners”, August 2026 data, https://evchargemath.com/electricity-price-increases-ev-owners/
More EV charging data
- Cheapest states to charge an EV
- Most expensive states to charge an EV
- EV charging cost per month, by state
- EV charging cost per mile by state
- EV vs gas: fuel cost in every state
- Electricity cost per kWh by state
- How much it costs to charge a Tesla
- Tesla Supercharger cost by state
- How long it takes to charge an EV (Tesla and more)
- Level 2 charger installation cost by state
- EV charging cost by state (map)
- EV charging cost calculator
- Cost to charge every EV model
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly, table 5.6.A; EIA gasoline prices; fueleconomy.gov (EPA). Method: how we calculate. Updated October 25, 2026.
