Rates updated July 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Homes in North Carolina pay an average of 15.16¢ per kWh for electricity, 17% below the national average of 18.31¢. That makes North Carolina in the middle of the pack for EV charging costs.
At that rate, driving 1,000 miles a month costs between $37 (Tesla Model 3) and $74 (Ford F-150 Lightning) when you charge at home on Level 2. A Tesla Model Y saves about $106 a month compared with buying gas at $4.00 a gallon.
Calculate your own cost in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
| Model | Full charge | Per mile | Per 1,000 mi | Saved vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $13.31 | 3.7¢ | $37 | $106 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $13.31 | 3.7¢ | $37 | $106 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | $14.15 | 4.4¢ | $44 | $98 |
| Toyota bZ | $12.58 | 4.0¢ | $40 | $103 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | $14.32 | 4.5¢ | $45 | $98 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $15.33 | 5.1¢ | $51 | $92 |
| Honda Prologue | $14.32 | 4.6¢ | $46 | $96 |
| Lexus RZ | $12.97 | 4.3¢ | $43 | $100 |
| Cadillac LYRIQ | $17.18 | 5.3¢ | $53 | $90 |
| Kia EV6 | $14.15 | 4.4¢ | $44 | $99 |
| Kia EV9 | $16.81 | 5.5¢ | $55 | $88 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 9 | $18.53 | 5.5¢ | $55 | $88 |
| Nissan LEAF | $12.63 | 4.2¢ | $42 | $101 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $13.81 | 4.7¢ | $47 | $95 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | $10.95 | 4.2¢ | $42 | $101 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $22.07 | 7.4¢ | $74 | $69 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $20.72 | 6.2¢ | $62 | $81 |
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 North Carolina 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: Montana (14.99¢), Florida (15.03¢), Kansas (15.27¢), South Dakota (15.37¢). See all 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in North Carolina?
At the North Carolina average residential rate of 15.16¢/kWh, a full charge costs about $13.31 for a Tesla Model Y and $14.32 for a Chevrolet Equinox EV, including typical Level 2 charging losses.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas in North Carolina?
For 1,000 miles a month, a Tesla Model Y costs about $37 in electricity versus about $143 in gas for a 28-mpg car at $4.00 a gallon.
How does North Carolina compare with other states?
North Carolina ranks #16 of 50 states for residential electricity price (1 = cheapest), at 17% below the national average.