EV Charge 
Charging a Tesla Model Y for 1,000 miles a month costs about $50 at the U.S. average home electricity price (EIA, August 2026). Your actual cost depends on two factors: how many miles you drive monthly and your state’s electricity rates. Costs range from $35 per month in the cheapest state to $130 in the priciest.
Monthly cost by miles driven
| Miles per month | kWh needed | Nevada (12.72¢) | U.S. average (18.16¢) | Hawaii (47.18¢) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 137 | $17 | $25 | $65 |
| 750 | 206 | $26 | $37 | $97 |
| 1,000 | 275 | $35 | $50 | $130 |
| 1,500 | 412 | $52 | $75 | $195 |
| 2,000 | 550 | $70 | $100 | $259 |
Why the numbers look like this
Electricity rates vary sharply across the country because of differences in how states generate and distribute power, what fuel sources dominate their grids, and how much infrastructure costs in each region. States with lower grid costs pass savings to EV drivers, while states with higher-cost electricity infrastructure or reliance on expensive fuel sources see steeper monthly bills. Your vehicle’s efficiency also affects the final number—heavier vehicles or those with less efficient motors require more kilowatt-hours to travel the same distance. A Tesla Model Y uses about 275 kWh to drive 1,000 miles (EPA), but individual vehicles and driving conditions can shift that figure up or down.
What you can do
- Check your state’s average electricity rate to estimate your personal monthly cost more precisely.
- If you can charge during off-peak hours, look into your utility’s time-of-use rates, which may be significantly lower than standard rates.
- Compare your EV’s EPA efficiency rating to the 275 kWh per 1,000 miles baseline—more efficient vehicles lower your monthly bill.
- Calculate your actual driving pattern: if you drive fewer than 1,000 miles per month, scale the costs down accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV for a year?
The U.S. average is $599 per year based on 12,000 miles of annual driving. Your actual cost depends on your state’s electricity rate and how many miles you drive annually.
How does EV charging cost compare to gasoline?
A gasoline car rated at 30 mpg costs $1,732 per year to drive 12,000 miles in the U.S., using regular gas at current prices. An EV costs $599 per year for the same distance, a significant savings.
Why do some states cost so much more to charge?
Electricity rates reflect the cost of generating and distributing power in each state, which includes fuel sources, infrastructure investment, and regional demand. States with cheaper fuel sources or established grids typically offer lower rates.
Can I reduce my EV charging costs?
Yes. Charging during off-peak hours when rates are lower, improving your vehicle’s efficiency through proper maintenance, and driving fewer miles all reduce monthly costs.
What if I drive more than 1,000 miles per month?
Costs scale linearly with miles driven. For every 1,000 additional miles, add your state’s equivalent of the $50 monthly national average to your bill.
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 25, 2026.
