EV vs Gas Cost in California (2026)
California electricity averages 30.6¢/kWh. Gas is $4.85/gallon. Driving an EV 12,000 miles costs $1,049/year vs $1,940/year for a 30 MPG gas car.
Annual savings
$891
per year
5-year savings
$4,455
fuel only
EV/mile
8.7¢
vs 16.2¢ gas
State rebate
$7,500
available
California beats the national average
National average EV fuel savings: $728/year. California comes in $163/year higher.
California: EV vs gas full breakdown
| EV | Gas car (30 MPG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel rate | 30.6¢/kWh | $4.85/gal |
| Cost per mile | 8.7¢/mile | 16.2¢/mile |
| Annual fuel (12,000 mi) | $1,049 | $1,940 |
| 5-year fuel | $5,245 | $9,700 |
| Annual fuel savings | $891/yr · $4,455 over 5 years | |
3.5 mi/kWh EV efficiency · 30 MPG gas car · home charging · 2026 EIA electricity rates and GasBuddy gas prices
California savings calculator — adjust for your situation
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Gas annual fuel
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Electricity: 30.6¢/kWh · Gas: $4.85/gal · California 2026 rates
California EV incentives (2026)
State rebate: up to $7,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP): up to $7,500 for income-qualified buyers; $4,000 for standard income. Income limits apply. Apply at cleanvehiclerebate.org.
HOV lane access
EVs can use carpool lanes solo in California.
Electricity: 30.6¢/kWh
14.5¢ above the national average of 16.1¢/kWh. A full 75 kWh battery charge costs $22.95.
Source: EIA 2026 residential rates
Gas: $4.85/gallon
$1.65 above the national average of $3.2/gal. Filling a 15-gallon tank costs $72.75 in California.
Source: GasBuddy 2026 state averages
EV charging availability in California
Well-coveredCalifornia has strong public charging infrastructure — DC fast chargers, Tesla Superchargers, and Level 2 stations are widely available along major corridors and in urban areas.
Compare other states
More California EV data