EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in California (2026)
At 30.6¢/kWh electricity and $4.85/gallon gas, EVs cost 8.05¢/mile vs 17.32¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 54% less per mile. That's $1113/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in California
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 30.6¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 8.05¢ | $966 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $4.85/gal | 28 MPG | 17.32¢ | $2079 |
EV assumes 3.8 mi/kWh (Tesla Model 3 / Equinox EV efficiency range), 12,000 miles/year, 100% home charging. Electricity rate: EIA 2025 residential average for California. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in California: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in California: What the Numbers Mean
California's residential electricity rate of 30.6¢/kWh translates to 8.05¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. Higher electricity rates in California mean EV fuel costs more than in most states, though the per-mile advantage over gas still holds in most scenarios.
At $4.85/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 17.32¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 9.27¢ — 54% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $1113 saved.
Most California utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) rates for overnight EV charging that can reduce the home rate by 2–5¢/kWh. If you charge overnight, ask your utility — even small rate reductions compound over 12,000+ miles per year.
California vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 30.6¢/kWh | 8.05¢ | 17.32¢ | 54% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in California?
At California's residential electricity rate of 30.6¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 8.05¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $966 in fuel.
How does California compare to the national average for EV cost per mile?
The national average EV home charging cost is 4.24¢/mile (at 16.1¢/kWh). California's rate of 30.6¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 8.05¢/mile — 3.81¢ above the national average. EVs still beat gas here, but by a smaller margin than low-rate states.
How much does an EV save per mile vs gas in California?
In California, a 28 MPG gas car at $4.85/gallon costs 17.32¢/mile. An EV costs 8.05¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 9.27¢ — 54% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $1113 saved annually in fuel.
Does cost per mile include maintenance?
These figures cover fuel only. Adding maintenance, the EV advantage grows further. Gas cars average $1,200–$1,500/year in maintenance (oil changes, transmission, spark plugs). EVs average $400–$900/year. At 12,000 miles/year, total running costs in California: gas car approximately 27.3–29.3¢/mile all-in vs 12.1–15.1¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for California: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Electric Power Monthly, 2025 residential averages. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average. EV efficiency: 3.8 mi/kWh (Tesla Model 3 / Chevy Equinox EV range). Last updated: March 2026.