EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in South Carolina (2026)
At 13.2¢/kWh electricity and $2.92/gallon gas, EVs cost 3.47¢/mile vs 10.43¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 67% less per mile. That's $834/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in South Carolina
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 13.2¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 3.47¢ | $417 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $2.92/gal | 28 MPG | 10.43¢ | $1251 |
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 South Carolina. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in South Carolina: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in South Carolina: What the Numbers Mean
South Carolina's residential electricity rate of 13.2¢/kWh translates to 3.47¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. That puts South Carolina near the national average — a solid state for EV ownership from a fuel cost standpoint.
At $2.92/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 10.43¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 6.96¢ — 67% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $834 saved.
Most South Carolina 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.
South Carolina vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 13.2¢/kWh | 3.47¢ | 10.43¢ | 67% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in South Carolina?
At South Carolina's residential electricity rate of 13.2¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 3.47¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $417 in fuel.
How does South Carolina 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). South Carolina's rate of 13.2¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 3.47¢/mile — 0.77¢ below the national average. South Carolina drivers pay less for EV fuel than most of the country.
How much does an EV save per mile vs gas in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a 28 MPG gas car at $2.92/gallon costs 10.43¢/mile. An EV costs 3.47¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 6.96¢ — 67% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $834 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 South Carolina: gas car approximately 20.4–22.4¢/mile all-in vs 7.5–10.5¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for South Carolina: 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.