EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in Illinois (2026)
At 14.9¢/kWh electricity and $3.55/gallon gas, EVs cost 3.92¢/mile vs 12.68¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 69% less per mile. That's $1050/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in Illinois
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 14.9¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 3.92¢ | $471 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $3.55/gal | 28 MPG | 12.68¢ | $1521 |
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 Illinois. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in Illinois: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in Illinois: What the Numbers Mean
Illinois's residential electricity rate of 14.9¢/kWh translates to 3.92¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. That puts Illinois near the national average — a solid state for EV ownership from a fuel cost standpoint.
At $3.55/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 12.68¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 8.76¢ — 69% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $1050 saved.
Most Illinois 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.
Illinois vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 14.9¢/kWh | 3.92¢ | 12.68¢ | 69% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in Illinois?
At Illinois's residential electricity rate of 14.9¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 3.92¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $471 in fuel.
How does Illinois 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). Illinois's rate of 14.9¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 3.92¢/mile — 0.32¢ below the national average. Illinois drivers pay less for EV fuel than most of the country.
How much does an EV save per mile vs gas in Illinois?
In Illinois, a 28 MPG gas car at $3.55/gallon costs 12.68¢/mile. An EV costs 3.92¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 8.76¢ — 69% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $1050 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 Illinois: gas car approximately 22.7–24.7¢/mile all-in vs 7.9–10.9¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for Illinois: 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.