EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in Colorado (2026)
At 14.2¢/kWh electricity and $3.28/gallon gas, EVs cost 3.74¢/mile vs 11.71¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 68% less per mile. That's $958/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in Colorado
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 14.2¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 3.74¢ | $448 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $3.28/gal | 28 MPG | 11.71¢ | $1406 |
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 Colorado. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in Colorado: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in Colorado: What the Numbers Mean
Colorado's residential electricity rate of 14.2¢/kWh translates to 3.74¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. That puts Colorado near the national average — a solid state for EV ownership from a fuel cost standpoint.
At $3.28/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 11.71¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 7.97¢ — 68% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $958 saved.
Most Colorado 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.
Colorado vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 14.2¢/kWh | 3.74¢ | 11.71¢ | 68% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in Colorado?
At Colorado's residential electricity rate of 14.2¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 3.74¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $448 in fuel.
How does Colorado 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). Colorado's rate of 14.2¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 3.74¢/mile — 0.5¢ below the national average. Colorado drivers pay less for EV fuel than most of the country.
How much does an EV save per mile vs gas in Colorado?
In Colorado, a 28 MPG gas car at $3.28/gallon costs 11.71¢/mile. An EV costs 3.74¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 7.97¢ — 68% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $958 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 Colorado: gas car approximately 21.7–23.7¢/mile all-in vs 7.7–10.7¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for Colorado: 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.