EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in Washington (2026)
At 10.2¢/kWh electricity and $4.05/gallon gas, EVs cost 2.68¢/mile vs 14.46¢/mile for a 28 MPG gas car — 81% less per mile. That's $1414/year savings on 12,000 miles.
Cost Per Mile: EV vs Gas in Washington
| Vehicle Type | Fuel Cost | Efficiency | Cost Per Mile | 12,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV (home charging) | 10.2¢/kWh | 3.8 mi/kWh | 2.68¢ | $322 |
| Gas car (28 MPG) | $4.05/gal | 28 MPG | 14.46¢ | $1736 |
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 Washington. Gas price: AAA 2024 state average.
Annual Fuel Cost in Washington: EV vs Gas
EV Cost Per Mile in Washington: What the Numbers Mean
Washington's residential electricity rate of 10.2¢/kWh translates to 2.68¢ per mile for home charging, assuming 3.8 miles per kWh. That's one of the cheapest EV fuel costs in the country — Washington drivers get more miles per dollar than almost anywhere else.
At $4.05/gallon (#{@state[:name]} average), a 28 MPG gas car costs 14.46¢ per mile. The per-mile gap between EV and gas is 11.78¢ — 81% cheaper for the EV. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $1414 saved.
Most Washington 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.
Washington vs National Average: Cost Per Mile
| Location | Electricity Rate | EV ¢/mile | Gas ¢/mile | EV Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 10.2¢/kWh | 2.68¢ | 14.46¢ | 81% less |
| National Average | 16.1¢/kWh | 4.24¢ | 11.43¢ | 63% less |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EV cost per mile in Washington?
At Washington's residential electricity rate of 10.2¢/kWh, a typical EV (3.8 miles per kWh) costs 2.68¢ per mile to charge at home. Driving 12,000 miles per year costs $322 in fuel.
How does Washington 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). Washington's rate of 10.2¢/kWh puts its EV cost at 2.68¢/mile — 1.56¢ below the national average. Washington drivers pay less for EV fuel than most of the country.
How much does an EV save per mile vs gas in Washington?
In Washington, a 28 MPG gas car at $4.05/gallon costs 14.46¢/mile. An EV costs 2.68¢/mile at home. The per-mile savings is 11.78¢ — 81% less per mile. Over 12,000 miles per year, that's $1414 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 Washington: gas car approximately 24.5–26.5¢/mile all-in vs 6.7–9.7¢/mile for an EV.
EV Cost Per Mile in Other States
Data Sources
Electricity rate for Washington: 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.