How Much Electricity EVs Use
The average electric vehicle consumes approximately 30 kWh per 100 miles driven. For a driver covering the US average of 13,500 miles per year, that translates to about 4,050 kWh of annual electricity consumption — roughly a 35 to 40 percent increase over a typical home's annual usage of 10,000 to 11,000 kWh.
Efficiency varies by vehicle. A Tesla Model 3 uses about 25 kWh per 100 miles. A Ford F-150 Lightning uses approximately 48 kWh per 100 miles. The vehicle you drive significantly affects how much your electricity bill increases from home charging.
Monthly Cost by Electricity Rate
At the national average residential rate of 16 cents per kWh, charging an average EV (30 kWh/100 miles) for 1,125 miles per month costs approximately $54 per month. At California rates of 30 cents, the same driving costs roughly $101 per month. At Louisiana rates of 10 cents, it costs only $34 per month.
Compare these costs to gasoline: at $3.50 per gallon and 30 MPG, the same 1,125 miles costs $131 per month. Home EV charging saves roughly $30 to $100 per month compared to gasoline depending on your electricity rate and gas prices — more in high-gas-price states and less in states with cheap gas and expensive electricity.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet and adds 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. For many drivers, overnight Level 1 charging provides 30 to 40 miles of range — enough for average daily driving. Level 1 requires no installation cost but is slow for long-range vehicles or heavy driving.
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit (like a dryer outlet) and adds 25 to 40 miles of range per hour, fully charging most EVs overnight. Installing a Level 2 charger costs $500 to $2,000 including the charger unit and electrical work. If your panel has capacity, the installation is straightforward. If you need a panel upgrade, costs can reach $3,000 to $5,000.
Saving With Off-Peak Charging
If your utility offers time-of-use rates, charging during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM to 6 AM) can reduce your per-kWh cost by 30 to 60 percent compared to peak rates. Some utilities offer dedicated EV rate plans with overnight rates as low as 5 to 8 cents per kWh. At 5 cents per kWh, charging the same 1,125 miles costs only $17 per month — essentially pennies per mile.
Most EV chargers and vehicles include scheduling features that automatically begin charging at a preset time, making off-peak charging effortless.
Impact on Your Electricity Bill
EV charging typically adds $30 to $150 per month to your electricity bill. To manage this impact, consider off-peak charging, solar panels (which can effectively fuel your EV for free), and choosing the most efficient EV for your needs. Use our electricity cost calculator to model the impact of EV charging on your specific bill.