How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle in California?

California leads the nation in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with more drivers making the switch every year. But for many homeowners—especially in Southern California—the big question remains: How much does it actually cost to charge an EV compared to fueling a gas car?

The short answer: even with California’s higher electricity rates, charging an EV at home is still significantly more affordable than buying gasoline. And with the right setup, like a Level 2 charger or solar panels, you can drive for pennies per mile.

The Basics of EV Charging Costs

Unlike gasoline cars, EVs run on kilowatt-hours (kWh). To understand costs, you’ll want to know two things:

1. Your electricity rate (average in California is around $0.26 per kWh, versus $0.13 nationally).
2. Your car’s battery size (measured in kWh) and how much range it provides.

For example:

• A 40 kWh EV battery (around 150 miles of range) costs about $10 to fully charge at California’s average rate.
• Larger batteries, like 75–100 kWh packs, can cost $20–$26 for a full charge at home.

By comparison, a 25 mpg gas car in California at $5 per gallon costs $30 for 150 miles of range—roughly 3x more expensive.

Cost Per Mile Comparison

Here’s what it looks like per 150 miles of driving:

Key takeaway: EV charging is less than half the cost of gasoline, even in California.

Types of Charging Options

1. Home Charging

• Cheapest option.
• With a Level 2 charger, you can fully charge overnight (8–12 hours).
• Installation costs: $1,000–$2,500, but long-term savings quickly outweigh the expense.

2. Public Level 2 Charging

• Found in shopping centers, workplaces, and parking structures.
• Convenient but slightly pricier than home charging.

3. DC Fast Charging

• Charges an EV up to 80% in 30–60 minutes.
• Best for road trips, but costs up to 40–50% more per kWh than home charging.

How Policy Affects Charging Costs

California is shifting its billing structure to include a fixed monthly charge (about $24–$34 depending on utility), while lowering per-kWh rates. This is a win for EV owners, who use more electricity and will see their per-mile charging costs drop—saving around $28–$44 per month compared to the current system.

Maximizing Savings with Solar Energy

Pairing EV charging with solar panels is the ultimate money-saver:

• Solar panels generate free electricity during the day.
• Excess power can be stored in a home battery and used to charge your EV at night.
• This turns your EV into a true zero-emissions vehicle while cutting your energy bills dramatically.

The Real-World Costs for Southern California Drivers

• Typical EV drivers spend $30–$60 per month on electricity for charging—less than half of what they’d spend on gasoline.
• Gas-powered cars average $150–$250 per month in fuel costs, depending on mileage.
• Even with high California rates, EV owners save $1,000–$1,500 annually in fueling costs alone.

Get Started with Smart EV Charging Through US Power

Charging an EV in California costs between $7 and $16 per 150 miles, depending on where and how you charge. Compared to gasoline’s $30 for the same distance, EVs clearly come out ahead.

And when you combine EV charging with solar power, you can drive on sunshine—virtually free, clean, and sustainable energy.

At US Power, we help homeowners in Southern California make EV ownership even more affordable by:

• Installing Level 2 home chargers for faster, cheaper charging.
• Designing solar + storage systems to cut energy bills.
• Handling permits, rebates, and installations from start to finish.

Contact US Power today for a free consultation and learn how to maximize your EV and solar savings.