EV vs Gas Savings in Iowa (2026)
Iowa electricity averages 11.7¢/kWh and gas runs $3.1/gallon. Driving an EV 12,000 miles costs $401/year in fuel. A 30 MPG gas car costs $1240/year.
Annual savings
$839
per year
5-year savings
$4,195
fuel only
EV fuel/yr
$401
11.7¢/kWh
Gas fuel/yr
$1,240
$3.1/gal
Iowa beats the national average
The national average EV fuel savings is $728/year. Iowa comes in $111/year higher. The below-average electricity rate (11.7¢ vs 16.1¢ national) drives most of the advantage.
Iowa EV vs gas: the full cost breakdown
| EV | Gas car | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel rate | 11.7¢/kWh | $3.1/gal |
| Efficiency | 3.5 mi/kWh | 30 MPG |
| Annual fuel cost (12,000 mi) | $401 | $1,240 |
| 5-year fuel cost | $2,005 | $6,200 |
| EV fuel savings | $839/yr · $4,195 over 5 years | |
12,000 mi/yr · 3.5 mi/kWh EV · 30 MPG gas car · 2026 EIA and GasBuddy data · home charging only
Electricity: 11.7¢/kWh
4.4¢ below the national average of 16.1¢/kWh. At this rate, charging a 75 kWh battery pack from empty costs $8.77.
Source: EIA 2026 residential rates
Gas: $3.1/gallon
$0.1 below the national average of $3.2/gal. Filling a 15-gallon tank costs $46.5 in Iowa.
Source: GasBuddy 2026 state averages
More EV data for Iowa