Rates updated July 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Homes in Illinois pay an average of 19.22¢ per kWh for electricity, 5% above the national average of 18.31¢. That makes Illinois in the middle of the pack for EV charging costs.
At that rate, driving 1,000 miles a month costs between $46 (Tesla Model 3) and $93 (Ford F-150 Lightning) when you charge at home on Level 2. A Tesla Model Y saves about $96 a month compared with buying gas at $4.00 a gallon.
Calculate your own cost in Illinois
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 Illinois
| Model | Full charge | Per mile | Per 1,000 mi | Saved vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $16.87 | 4.7¢ | $47 | $96 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $16.87 | 4.6¢ | $46 | $96 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | $17.94 | 5.6¢ | $56 | $86 |
| Toyota bZ | $15.95 | 5.1¢ | $51 | $92 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | $18.15 | 5.7¢ | $57 | $86 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $19.43 | 6.5¢ | $65 | $78 |
| Honda Prologue | $18.15 | 5.9¢ | $59 | $84 |
| Lexus RZ | $16.44 | 5.5¢ | $55 | $88 |
| Cadillac LYRIQ | $21.78 | 6.7¢ | $67 | $76 |
| Kia EV6 | $17.94 | 5.6¢ | $56 | $87 |
| Kia EV9 | $21.31 | 7.0¢ | $70 | $73 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 9 | $23.49 | 7.0¢ | $70 | $73 |
| Nissan LEAF | $16.02 | 5.3¢ | $53 | $90 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $17.51 | 6.0¢ | $60 | $83 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | $13.88 | 5.3¢ | $53 | $90 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $27.98 | 9.3¢ | $93 | $50 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $26.27 | 7.8¢ | $78 | $64 |
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 Illinois 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: Delaware (18.48¢), Wisconsin (19.06¢), Ohio (19.45¢), Maryland (21.41¢). See all 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Illinois?
At the Illinois average residential rate of 19.22¢/kWh, a full charge costs about $16.87 for a Tesla Model Y and $18.15 for a Chevrolet Equinox EV, including typical Level 2 charging losses.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas in Illinois?
For 1,000 miles a month, a Tesla Model Y costs about $47 in electricity versus about $143 in gas for a 28-mpg car at $4.00 a gallon.
How does Illinois compare with other states?
Illinois ranks #35 of 50 states for residential electricity price (1 = cheapest), at 5% above the national average.