Rates updated July 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Homes in California pay an average of 33.61¢ per kWh for electricity, 84% above the national average of 18.31¢. That makes California one of the most expensive states to charge an EV at home.
At that rate, driving 1,000 miles a month costs between $81 (Tesla Model 3) and $163 (Ford F-150 Lightning) when you charge at home on Level 2. A Tesla Model Y saves about $60 a month compared with buying gas at $4.00 a gallon.
Calculate your own cost in California
Enter the rate from your own bill for the most accurate number. Utility rates within a state can differ widely from the average.
Assumes Level 2 home charging at 90% efficiency and EPA-rated range. Electricity rates: EIA residential averages, July 2026.
Cost to charge popular EVs in California
| Model | Full charge | Per mile | Per 1,000 mi | Saved vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $29.50 | 8.3¢ | $83 | $60 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $29.50 | 8.1¢ | $81 | $62 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | $31.37 | 9.9¢ | $99 | $44 |
| Toyota bZ | $27.90 | 8.9¢ | $89 | $54 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | $31.74 | 10.0¢ | $100 | $43 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $33.98 | 11.3¢ | $113 | $30 |
| Honda Prologue | $31.74 | 10.3¢ | $103 | $40 |
| Lexus RZ | $28.76 | 9.6¢ | $96 | $47 |
| Cadillac LYRIQ | $38.09 | 11.7¢ | $117 | $26 |
| Kia EV6 | $31.37 | 9.8¢ | $98 | $45 |
| Kia EV9 | $37.27 | 12.2¢ | $122 | $21 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 9 | $41.08 | 12.3¢ | $123 | $20 |
| Nissan LEAF | $28.01 | 9.2¢ | $92 | $50 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $30.62 | 10.5¢ | $105 | $38 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | $24.27 | 9.3¢ | $93 | $50 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $48.92 | 16.3¢ | $163 | $-20 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $45.93 | 13.7¢ | $137 | $6 |
Full charge = 0 to 100% of usable battery at 90% charging efficiency. Most owners charge from about 20% to 80%, which costs roughly 60% of the full-charge figure.
How to pay less than the California average
- Ask your utility about an EV or time-of-use plan. Off-peak overnight rates are often far below the average. Our time-of-use savings calculator shows what that's worth.
- Schedule charging in your car's app or charger app so it starts after peak hours end.
- Check for charger rebates from your utility before you buy hardware. Many utilities offer them even though the federal charger credit has ended.
- Charge at home, not on fast chargers. Public DC fast charging averages around 41¢/kWh, more than double most home rates.
Nearby rates
States with similar electricity prices: Massachusetts (30.49¢), Maine (32.41¢), Hawaii (48.00¢). See all 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in California?
At the California average residential rate of 33.61¢/kWh, a full charge costs about $29.50 for a Tesla Model Y and $31.74 for a Chevrolet Equinox EV, including typical Level 2 charging losses.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas in California?
For 1,000 miles a month, a Tesla Model Y costs about $83 in electricity versus about $143 in gas for a 28-mpg car at $4.00 a gallon.
How does California compare with other states?
California ranks #49 of 50 states for residential electricity price (1 = cheapest), at 84% above the national average.