Rates updated July 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Homes in Tennessee pay an average of 13.71¢ per kWh for electricity, 25% below the national average of 18.31¢. That makes Tennessee one of the cheapest states in the country to charge an EV.
At that rate, driving 1,000 miles a month costs between $33 (Tesla Model 3) and $67 (Ford F-150 Lightning) when you charge at home on Level 2. A Tesla Model Y saves about $109 a month compared with buying gas at $4.00 a gallon.
Calculate your own cost in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
| Model | Full charge | Per mile | Per 1,000 mi | Saved vs gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | $12.03 | 3.4¢ | $34 | $109 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $12.03 | 3.3¢ | $33 | $110 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | $12.80 | 4.0¢ | $40 | $103 |
| Toyota bZ | $11.38 | 3.6¢ | $36 | $107 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | $12.95 | 4.1¢ | $41 | $102 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $13.86 | 4.6¢ | $46 | $97 |
| Honda Prologue | $12.95 | 4.2¢ | $42 | $101 |
| Lexus RZ | $11.73 | 3.9¢ | $39 | $104 |
| Cadillac LYRIQ | $15.54 | 4.8¢ | $48 | $95 |
| Kia EV6 | $12.80 | 4.0¢ | $40 | $103 |
| Kia EV9 | $15.20 | 5.0¢ | $50 | $93 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 9 | $16.76 | 5.0¢ | $50 | $93 |
| Nissan LEAF | $11.43 | 3.8¢ | $38 | $105 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $12.49 | 4.3¢ | $43 | $100 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | $9.90 | 3.8¢ | $38 | $105 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $19.96 | 6.7¢ | $67 | $76 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | $18.74 | 5.6¢ | $56 | $87 |
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 Tennessee 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: Utah (13.12¢), North Dakota (13.41¢), Idaho (13.73¢), Nebraska (13.78¢). See all 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Tennessee?
At the Tennessee average residential rate of 13.71¢/kWh, a full charge costs about $12.03 for a Tesla Model Y and $12.95 for a Chevrolet Equinox EV, including typical Level 2 charging losses.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas in Tennessee?
For 1,000 miles a month, a Tesla Model Y costs about $34 in electricity versus about $143 in gas for a 28-mpg car at $4.00 a gallon.
How does Tennessee compare with other states?
Tennessee ranks #5 of 50 states for residential electricity price (1 = cheapest), at 25% below the national average.