EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in Rhode Island (2026)
At 27.8¢/kWh electricity and $3.48/gallon gas, EVs cost 7.32¢/mile vs 12.43¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 41% less per mile. That's $613/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in Rhode Island
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 27.8¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 7.32¢ | $878 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $3.48/gal | 28 MPG | 12.43¢ | $1491 |
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 Rhode Island. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in Rhode Island: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in Rhode Island: What the Numbers Mean
Rhode Island's residential electricity rate of 27.8¢/kWh translates to 7.32¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. Higher electricity rates in Rhode Island mean EV fuel costs more than in most states, though the per-mile advantage over gas still holds in most scenarios.
At $3.48/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 12.43¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 5.11¢ — 41% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $613 saved.
Most Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 27.8¢/kWh | 7.32¢ | 12.43¢ | 41% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in Rhode Island?
At Rhode Island's residential electricity rate of 27.8¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 7.32¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $878 in fuel.
How does Rhode Island 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). Rhode Island's rate of 27.8¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 7.32¢/mile — 3.08¢ 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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, a 28 MPG gas car at $3.48/gallon costs 12.43¢/mile. An EV costs 7.32¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 5.11¢ — 41% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $613 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 Rhode Island: gas car approximately 22.4–24.4¢/mile all-in vs 11.3–14.3¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for Rhode Island: 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.