Rates updated July 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Homes in Iowa pay an average of 15.99¢ per kWh for electricity, 13% below the national average of 18.31¢. That makes Iowa in the middle of the pack for EV charging costs.
At that rate, driving 1,000 miles a month costs between $39 (Tesla Model 3) and $78 (Ford F-150 Lightning) when you charge at home on Level 2. A Tesla Model Y saves about $104 a month compared with buying gas at $4.00 a gallon.
Calculate your own cost in Iowa
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 Iowa
| Model | Full charge | Per mile | Per 1,000 mi | Saved vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $14.04 | 3.9¢ | $39 | $104 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $14.04 | 3.9¢ | $39 | $104 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | $14.92 | 4.7¢ | $47 | $96 |
| Toyota bZ | $13.27 | 4.2¢ | $42 | $101 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | $15.10 | 4.7¢ | $47 | $96 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $16.17 | 5.4¢ | $54 | $89 |
| Honda Prologue | $15.10 | 4.9¢ | $49 | $94 |
| Lexus RZ | $13.68 | 4.5¢ | $45 | $97 |
| Cadillac LYRIQ | $18.12 | 5.6¢ | $56 | $87 |
| Kia EV6 | $14.92 | 4.7¢ | $47 | $96 |
| Kia EV9 | $17.73 | 5.8¢ | $58 | $85 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 9 | $19.54 | 5.8¢ | $58 | $85 |
| Nissan LEAF | $13.33 | 4.4¢ | $44 | $99 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $14.57 | 5.0¢ | $50 | $93 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | $11.55 | 4.4¢ | $44 | $99 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $23.27 | 7.8¢ | $78 | $65 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $21.85 | 6.5¢ | $65 | $78 |
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 Iowa 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: Texas (15.88¢), Oregon (15.97¢), Missouri (16.09¢), New Mexico (16.09¢). See all 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Iowa?
At the Iowa average residential rate of 15.99¢/kWh, a full charge costs about $14.04 for a Tesla Model Y and $15.10 for a Chevrolet Equinox EV, including typical Level 2 charging losses.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas in Iowa?
For 1,000 miles a month, a Tesla Model Y costs about $39 in electricity versus about $143 in gas for a 28-mpg car at $4.00 a gallon.
How does Iowa compare with other states?
Iowa ranks #24 of 50 states for residential electricity price (1 = cheapest), at 13% below the national average.