Charging Cost Guide

Public Charging vs. Gas: The Real Math

Home charging is cheaper than gas in almost every case. Public charging is more complicated. Here's what you'll actually pay if you charge exclusively in public.

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Home Charging: ~$0.03-0.05 Per Mile

At $0.12/kWh average and 3.5 miles/kWh, home charging costs about $0.03-0.04/mile — far cheaper than any other option.

Public Level 2: ~$0.06-0.10 Per Mile

At $0.25-0.35/kWh, Level 2 public charging runs $0.07-0.10/mile. Still cheaper than gas in most cases, especially for fuel-efficient ICE cars.

DC Fast Charging: ~$0.10-0.18 Per Mile

At $0.40-0.60/kWh (or per-minute pricing), DCFC can approach or exceed the cost of a 35 mpg gas car at $3.50/gallon.

Gas Benchmark: ~$0.09-0.13 Per Mile

A 30 mpg car at $3.50/gallon costs $0.117/mile. A 25 mpg car at $4/gallon costs $0.16/mile. Level 2 public charging typically beats this.

DCFC Reliance Closes the Gap

If you charge exclusively at DC fast chargers, your fuel costs may only be 10-20% lower than a comparable gas car — or even equal on some networks.

The Real Win Is Time, Not Just Money

Charging at work or during errands means you're not making dedicated fuel stops. Even if the per-mile cost is similar, you're recovering time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth owning an EV if I can only charge in public?▾

Financially, Level 2 public charging still saves money over gas for most drivers. The bigger question is convenience — if public chargers are readily available at your regular stops, the friction is low. If you're making dedicated charging trips, the math changes.

How does Electrify America pricing work?▾

Electrify America charges per kWh (around $0.48/kWh as of 2025) for non-members, or $0.36/kWh with a $4/month membership. At $0.48/kWh and 3.5 mi/kWh, that's $0.137/mile — comparable to a 25 mpg car at $3.42/gallon.

Do workplace chargers usually cost money?▾

Many employers offer free Level 2 charging as a benefit. Some charge a flat daily fee ($1-3). If you have free workplace charging, your fuel cost drops dramatically even without home charging.

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OFFO provides AI-powered analysis for informational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or automotive advice.