EV Charging at Home: Cost Savings vs Gas

Electric vehicles are cheaper to fuel than gas cars — but how much you save depends on your electricity rate and driving habits.

The Numbers

The average American drives 14,000 miles per year. Let's compare:

Gas car (30 MPG, $3.50/gal):

• Annual fuel cost: $1,633
• Cost per mile: $0.117

EV (3.5 mi/kWh, $0.15/kWh):

• Annual charging cost: $600
• Cost per mile: $0.043

Annual savings: $1,033

Over 8 years of EV ownership, that's over $8,000 in fuel savings alone — before accounting for lower maintenance costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements).

Solar + EV = Maximum Savings

If you have solar panels, your "fuel" is essentially free. A 7kW solar system in a high-sun state can produce enough energy to power both your home and charge your EV.

A typical EV needs about 10 kWh per day for 35 miles of driving. That's roughly 3 solar panels worth of production.

Time-of-Use Charging

If your utility offers time-of-use rates, charge your EV overnight when electricity is cheapest. Some utilities offer special EV charging rates as low as $0.08/kWh during off-peak hours.

Calculate Your Savings

Use our EV Charging Cost Calculator to compare your specific gas and electricity costs. Then run the AI Home Energy Advisor to see if solar + EV charging is the right combination for your home.

The bottom line: if you're already considering solar, an EV makes the investment even better. And if you already have an EV, solar can make your fuel costs nearly zero.