Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen rapid adoption over the past decade. As more drivers go electric, understanding charging costs in different states has become vital. Charging prices vary considerably across the U.S. – drivers in some states may pay double the average, while others enjoy significant savings. Let‘s examine the essential data to reveal the most and least expensive states for EV charging.
How We Calculated the Rankings
To determine the top 10 cheapest and most expensive states, we analyzed residential electricity price data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). We focused on the average price per kWh for residential customers. This represents what an EV owner would pay to charge at home, the most common charging method.
We then calculated the total charging cost for three popular EVs – the Tesla Model 3, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Ford F-150 Lightning. Using their battery capacities, we could compare what a full charge would cost in each state relative to the national average. The difference determined the rankings, with wide variations emerging between the highest and lowest cost states.
Now let‘s count down the 10 most expensive states for home EV charging.
10 Most Expensive States for EV Charging
1. Hawaii
- Average Price per kWh: $0.33
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$9.78 (+142%)
- Volvo XC40: +$12.71 (+147%)
- Ford F-150: +$21.35 (+151%)
Hawaii tops the rankings with residential electricity prices more than triple the national average. Fully recharging an EV here costs almost 150% more across vehicle types – a $20+ premium versus what drivers in many states pay. The island state‘s heavy reliance on imported petroleum for electricity production is the culprit behind the sky-high rates.
2. California
- Average Price per kWh: $0.22
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$8.17 (+120%)
- Volvo XC40: +$10.62 (+123%)
- Ford F-150: +$17.83 (+125%)
Despite being the nation‘s leading EV adopter, California lands near the top of the most expensive list. The state‘s aggressive clean energy policies and wildfire prevention charges from public utilities have driven up electricity costs for households in recent years. EV charging here adds over 20% on top of national averages.
3. Alaska
- Average Price per kWh: $0.21
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$5.14 (+75%)
- Volvo XC40: +$6.68 (+77%)
- Ford F-150: +$11.23 (+79%)
The vast, rugged state of Alaska relies heavily on diesel generators, contributing to electricity prices well above the national benchmark. Freezing winters also spike demand. Together, these factors make EV charging a costly endeavor – Alaskan drivers can expect to pay at least 75% more per full charge.
4. Connecticut
- Average Price per kWh: $0.21
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$4.73 (+69%)
- Volvo XC40: +$6.15 (+71%)
- Ford F-150: +$10.32 (+72%)
Residential electricity rates in Connecticut stand nearly 50% higher than the national average, placing the Constitution State 4th for EV charging costs. Home charging a Ford F-150 Lightning here means paying over $10 more per full charge – a tough pill for truck owners to swallow.
5. Rhode Island
- Average Price per kWh: $0.20
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$4.37 (+64%)
- Volvo XC40: +$5.69 (+66%)
- Ford F-150: +$9.55 (+67%)
This tiny New England state has the 5th most expensive EV charging costs in America. As a dense, built-out area, Rhode Island‘s aged electrical grid strains under demand, especially in winter. Upgrading infrastructure gets passed onto ratepayers. EV owners pay about 65% more per full charge than the national average here.
6. Massachusetts
- Average Price per kWh: $0.20
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$4.16 (+61%)
- Volvo XC40: +$5.41 (+63%)
- Ford F-150: +$9.09 (+64%)
Massachusetts rounds out an expensive region for EV charging. The Bay State reported the 6th highest electricity rates for households in 2020. Steep distribution charges drive up pricing as local utilities work to bury power lines. EV drivers pay over 60% more per full charge – a tough equation given Massachusetts‘ popularity among the EV crowd.
7. New Hampshire
- Average Price per kWh: $0.19
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$3.23 (+47%)
- Volvo XC40: +$4.20 (+49%)
- Ford F-150: +$7.05 (+50%)
New Hampshire derives most of its electricity from nuclear power, which comes at a premium price for ratepayers. Households here pay around 30% above the national benchmark for their electrical supply. EV charging ranks as the 7th most expensive as a result, with an additional $7 per full charge for larger vehicles.
8. Vermont
- Average Price per kWh: $0.18
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$3.05 (+45%)
- Volvo XC40: +$3.96 (+46%)
- Ford F-150: +$6.65 (+47%)
Vermont has set ambitious renewable energy targets, with plans to source 90% of its electricity from green sources by 2050. The transition partially explains the Green Mountain State‘s elevated residential rates. EV drivers pay a 45-47% premium to charge their vehicles – one of the highest markups across New England.
9. New York
- Average Price per kWh: $0.18
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$2.17 (+32%)
- Volvo XC40: +$2.82 (+33%)
- Ford F-150: +$4.74 (+33%)
The Empire State rounds out the top 10, with its average residential electricity prices coming in around 20% above the national benchmark. Guaranteed bill credits for low-income households and other policy factors contribute to the above-average rates, making New York one of the most expensive places in the Northeast to charge an EV.
10. New Jersey
- Average Price per kWh: $0.16
- Extra Charge Cost vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: +$1.43 (+21%)
- Volvo XC40: +$1.86 (+22%)
- Ford F-150: +$3.12 (+22%)
The Garden State sneaks into the top 10, largely a result of congestion charges levied by the regional power grid operator. These fees have increased rapidly from 2015-2020 as part of capital investment mandated by regulators. Consequently, New Jersey now harbors the 10th highest EV charging costs nationally – about 20% pricier than average.
10 Least Expensive States for EV Charging
Regional grid infrastructure, electricity resource mix, delivery charges and taxes collectively determine residential power rates across America. These factors produce significant savings in cheaper states for at-home EV charging:
1. Louisiana
- Average Price per kWh: $0.09
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$2.24 (-33%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.92 (-34%)
- Ford F-150: -$4.90 (-34%)
Abundant local energy production means rock-bottom electricity prices in Louisiana, making it the cheapest state for EV charging by a significant margin. Home charging costs here run about 35% below the national average – a difference of almost $5 per full charge in a Ford F-150.
2. Oklahoma
- Average Price per kWh: $0.10
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$2.17 (-32%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.82 (-33%)
- Ford F-150: -$4.74 (-33%)
Oklahoma edges out Louisiana when it comes to overall energy affordability. Residential electricity rates rank as the second lowest nationally, driven by the state‘s plentiful natural gas and wind resources. EV drivers save at least 30% on charging costs compared to average – nearly $5 less per full charge.
3. Idaho
- Average Price per kWh: $0.10
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.96 (-29%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.54 (-30%)
- Ford F-150: -$4.27 (-30%)
Idaho enjoys some of the cheapest residential electricity west of the Rockies, recently enhanced via slack natural gas markets. These conditions let EV owners charge their vehicles for about 30% less than the typical American driver.
4. Utah
- Average Price per kWh: $0.11
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.79 (-26%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.32 (-27%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.90 (-27%)
Abundant hydropower and natural gas generation put downward pressure on Utah‘s electricity prices. EV charging costs in the Beehive State run about 25-30% below the benchmarks for elsewhere in the country – especially welcome relief for owners of larger electric trucks.
4. Wyoming
- Average Price per kWh: $0.11
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.79 (-26%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.32 (-27%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.90 (-27%)
Wyoming ties Utah for 4th place, with the two states sharing an electricity market. The Cowboy State actually sources most of its generation from coal, augmented by regional renewables buildout. Together, these factors make Wyoming one of the real deals for EV charging costs.
6. Arkansas
- Average Price per kWh: $0.11
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.76 (-26%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.29 (-27%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.84 (-27%)
Arkansas‘ residential electricity prices beat national averages by over 25%, largely thanks to affordable coal generation coupled with price controls mandated by state law. EV owners charging at home can save almost $4 per fill-up – a big incentive for going electric.
7. Nevada
- Average Price per kWh: $0.11
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.75 (-26%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.28 (-26%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.83 (-27%)
Major generation assets like the Hoover Dam help keep electricity costs down for Nevada‘s residential consumers. Good solar resources have further enabled biomass and geothermal growth. Together, these conditions make charging an EV about 25% cheaper than average here.
7. Washington
- Average Price per kWh: $0.09
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.75 (-26%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.28 (-26%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.83 (-27%)
Abundant hydropower gives Washington among the cleanest and cheapest electricity supplies in the country. Residential rates sit right around the national average, while surplus generation capacity exerts downward price pressure. EV drivers benefit to the tune of 25-30% savings per full charge.
9. Texas
- Average Price per kWh: $0.11
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.73 (-26%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.25 (-26%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.79 (-27%)
They say everything‘s bigger in Texas, and that includes savings on EV charging costs. Home electricity prices in Texas beat national averages by over 25% thanks to plentiful wind power and abundant natural gas reserves that feed coastal power plants.
10. North Dakota
- Average Price per kWh: $0.12
- Savings vs National Average
- Tesla Model 3: -$1.63 (-24%)
- Volvo XC40: -$2.12 (-25%)
- Ford F-150: -$3.56 (-25%)
Rounding out the top 10 cheapest states is North Dakota. As an oil, gas and coal producer with wind resources to boot, the Peace Garden State leverages its homegrown energy abundance to deliver some of the lowest residential electricity rates in America. EV owners charging at home save around 25% here versus national averages.
Key Takeaways
This analysis reveals significant cost differences across America for at-home EV charging:
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Hawaii ranks most expensive by far, tacking almost $20 more onto the bill per full charge for a Ford F-150 versus the average state.
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Northeast states like Massachusetts and Connecticut follow with rates about 20% above benchmark, while California comes in 50% pricier thanks to wildfire costs and clean energy investments.
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Cheap coal generation helps keep rates low in Arkansas and the Dakotas, while Louisiana and Oklahoma lead as the least expensive states thanks to abundant local oil and gas production.
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Savings between the highest and lowest cost states approach a whopping 50% for EV drivers charging at home – a potential $300+ per year for a typical driver.
Understanding these electricity rate dynamics can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing or leasing an EV. Check if incentives in your local power market make driving on electrons even more attractive!
Frequently Asked Questions
What state has the cheapest electricity for EV charging?
Louisiana has the cheapest residential electricity prices for EV charging, about 35% below the national average. This saves Louisiana EV drivers almost $5 per full charge compared to typical rates.
Why does Hawaii have such expensive EV charging?
Hawaii lacks indigenous energy resources and must import fuel for electricity generation. This reliance on petroleum and distance from mainland energy infrastructure gives Hawaii by far the most expensive residential power rates.
How can I estimate EV charging costs in my state?
Multiply your state‘s average residential electricity price by your EV model‘s battery capacity to estimate a full charging cost. Compare to the national average price of $0.14/kWh benchmark for estimated savings or extra costs.
Could TOU rates make EV charging cheaper?
Time-of-use electricity pricing usually offers lower rates overnight when grids have spare capacity. Charging during TOU off-peak hours can significantly reduce costs for EV drivers.
Which state is expected to get cheaper for EV charging?
Texas is investing heavily in solar and wind power that should provide downward pressure on electric rates. The Lone Star State could offer some of the most affordable EV charging within the next few years.
