EV Electricity Cost by State

The EV Electricity Cost by State Calculator compares residential and public charging rates across US states, the UK, Canada, and Australia for any electric vehicle.

A Regional Breakdown of EV Charging Rates

Electricity prices in the United States vary by more than a factor of 2.5 from the cheapest state to the most expensive. That spread translates directly into how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle at home — a full battery charge that runs under $8 in Washington can cost over $22 in Massachusetts. The reason for this variation comes down to how each state generates its power.

States with abundant hydroelectric resources — Washington, Oregon, Idaho — consistently offer the lowest residential rates, often below $0.12 per kWh. Their generation infrastructure was largely paid off decades ago, and water remains a free fuel source. At the other end, New England states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island) rely heavily on natural gas, which subjects electricity prices to fossil fuel market fluctuations. California occupies a middle ground: it has significant solar and wind capacity but also high infrastructure costs, grid maintenance expenses, and regulatory charges that push rates above the national average.

The following table ranks selected regions from cheapest to most expensive based on average residential electricity rates as reported by the EIA and equivalent national regulators. The cost-per-mile column assumes a vehicle consuming 250 Wh/mi (typical midsize EV sedan) with 90% charger efficiency.

Rank	Region	Residential Rate (per kWh)	Cost per Mile	Full Charge (75 kWh)
1	Washington (US)	$0.112	3.11¢	$9.33
2	Idaho (US)	$0.115	3.19¢	$9.58
3	Utah (US)	$0.118	3.28¢	$9.83
4	Oregon (US)	$0.127	3.53¢	$10.58
5	Texas (US)	$0.139	3.86¢	$11.58
6	Florida (US)	$0.152	4.22¢	$12.67
7	Colorado (US)	$0.155	4.31¢	$12.92
8	New York (US)	$0.215	5.97¢	$17.92
9	California (US)	$0.232	6.44¢	$19.33
10	Massachusetts (US)	$0.268	7.44¢	$22.33
--	United Kingdom	24.5p (~$0.31)	8.61¢	~$25.83
--	Australia (NSW)	A$0.33 (~$0.22)	6.11¢	~$18.33

Even in the most expensive US state, the cost per mile for an EV (7.44 cents) remains well below the equivalent gasoline cost for a 30-MPG car at $3.80 per gallon (12.67 cents per mile). That gap widens further for drivers who schedule their sessions during off-peak rate windows, where available.

Off-Peak Rates: The EV Owner's Best Tool

TOU electricity plans charge different rates depending on the time of day. Utilities introduced these plans to shift demand away from afternoon and evening peaks — the same hours when air conditioning and cooking drive the grid to capacity. For EV owners, TOU plans create an opportunity: charge during the cheapest hours (typically late night through early morning) and avoid the premium rates that apply during the 4 pm to 9 pm peak window.

The savings from TOU plans depend on the spread between peak and off-peak rates. In regions with large spreads, the impact is substantial.

• California (PG&E EV-B rate): Off-peak $0.16/kWh vs. peak $0.42/kWh — a 62% discount for overnight charging.
• Arizona (APS Saver Choice Plus): Off-peak $0.07/kWh vs. peak $0.24/kWh — one of the largest TOU spreads in the country.
• New York (Con Edison EV rate): Off-peak $0.12/kWh vs. peak $0.35/kWh — midnight charging cuts costs by two-thirds.
• UK (Octopus Go / Intelligent Go): Off-peak 7.5p/kWh vs. standard 24.5p/kWh — the cheapest EV charging rate among major economies.

Many utilities now offer EV-specific TOU plans with longer off-peak windows and lower overnight rates than their standard residential TOU tariffs. These plans often require a separate meter or proof of EV ownership. Contact your local utility to check availability — some plans are promotional and may have enrollment caps. To see how TOU rates translate into actual savings for your specific vehicle and driving distance, calculate your per-session and monthly charging costs at both peak and off-peak rates.

International Comparisons

Electricity pricing outside the United States follows different structures and regulatory frameworks, making direct comparisons tricky but informative.

In the United Kingdom, the Ofgem price cap sets a maximum per-unit rate for default tariffs. As of Q2 2026, the cap stands at 24.5p/kWh for electricity — higher than most US states. However, the UK market has uniquely competitive EV-specific tariffs. Octopus Intelligent Go, for instance, charges 7.5p/kWh for any electricity used during the off-peak window (11:30 pm to 5:30 am) and intelligently extends that rate to cover full charge sessions that start within the window. At 7.5p/kWh, UK overnight charging is cheaper per mile than home charging in most US states, despite the higher headline rate.

Canada benefits from extensive hydroelectric generation, particularly in Quebec (where residential rates average C$0.073/kWh) and British Columbia (C$0.095/kWh). Ontario's time-of-use structure offers off-peak rates of C$0.087/kWh between 7 pm and 7 am. Alberta, with more fossil fuel generation, sits higher at roughly C$0.17/kWh. Canadian EV owners in hydro-rich provinces enjoy some of the lowest charging costs in the world.

Australia has higher average residential rates (A$0.30–0.38/kWh depending on state) but offers controlled-load tariffs in several states that drop to A$0.15–0.20/kWh for overnight appliances, including EV chargers. New South Wales and Victoria offer the widest selection of EV-specific retail plans, while Queensland's Ergon network provides a dedicated EV tariff in some areas. Public DC fast charging in Australia is particularly expensive, often exceeding A$0.60/kWh.

Across all countries, the pattern holds: home charging at off-peak rates offers the lowest cost per mile, while public DC fast charging commands a significant premium for the convenience of speed. Drivers who compare total fuel costs against an equivalent petrol vehicle find that EVs retain a cost advantage in every major market, though the margin varies by region.

EIA

The US Energy Information Administration is the statistical arm of the Department of Energy. It publishes the Electric Power Monthly report, which includes average residential, commercial, and industrial electricity prices by state. EIA data is the primary source for US electricity rate comparisons and is updated monthly with approximately a two-month reporting lag.

Ofgem Price Cap

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets sets a quarterly price cap on the maximum per-unit rate that UK energy suppliers can charge customers on default (variable) tariffs. The cap does not apply to fixed-rate or EV-specific tariffs, which may be higher or lower. Ofgem announces each quarter's cap roughly two months before it takes effect, giving consumers time to switch tariffs.

Time-of-Use Tariff

A time-of-use tariff divides the day into two or more pricing periods, each with a different per-kWh rate. The cheapest period (off-peak) typically runs overnight when grid demand is lowest. TOU plans incentivise shifting flexible loads — like EV charging, water heating, and dishwashers — to off-peak hours. Not all utilities offer TOU pricing; availability depends on the state regulatory commission and the utility's metering infrastructure.

Understanding regional rate differences is the first step toward minimising charging costs. The next step is pairing that knowledge with the right charging hardware — compare Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast speeds for your vehicle to find the setup that matches your driving pattern. For a broader look at how charging standards work and where the industry is heading, the guide to EV charging levels covers the technical details behind each connector type and power tier.