EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in Virginia (2026)
At 13.5¢/kWh electricity and $3.12/gallon gas, EVs cost 3.55¢/mile vs 11.14¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 68% less per mile. That's $911/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in Virginia
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 13.5¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 3.55¢ | $426 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $3.12/gal | 28 MPG | 11.14¢ | $1337 |
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 Virginia. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in Virginia: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in Virginia: What the Numbers Mean
Virginia's residential electricity rate of 13.5¢/kWh translates to 3.55¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. That puts Virginia near the national average — a solid state for EV ownership from a fuel cost standpoint.
At $3.12/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 11.14¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 7.59¢ — 68% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $911 saved.
Most Virginia 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.
Virginia vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 13.5¢/kWh | 3.55¢ | 11.14¢ | 68% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in Virginia?
At Virginia's residential electricity rate of 13.5¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 3.55¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $426 in fuel.
How does Virginia 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). Virginia's rate of 13.5¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 3.55¢/mile — 0.69¢ below the national average. Virginia drivers pay less for EV fuel than most of the country.
How much does an EV save per mile vs gas in Virginia?
In Virginia, a 28 MPG gas car at $3.12/gallon costs 11.14¢/mile. An EV costs 3.55¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 7.59¢ — 68% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $911 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 Virginia: gas car approximately 21.1–23.1¢/mile all-in vs 7.6–10.6¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for Virginia: 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.