EV vs. Gas Cost in Washington (2026)
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Calculate your Washington EV vs gas costsIn Washington, gas averages about $5.13/gallon and home electricity about $0.14/kWh. Driving 13,000 miles a year, that's roughly $2,668 in gas versus about $535 to charge an EV at home — about $2,133/year before purchase price, maintenance, and resale.
The federal EV tax credit is now $0 (it ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025), so these numbers don't assume a $7,500 discount that no longer exists.
In Washington, home electricity averages about $0.14/kWh while gas runs around $5.13/gallon (AAA average, as of Aug 2026 — gas prices change often; edit for your area). At those prices, charging at home costs a fraction of what it costs to fuel a comparable gas car per mile.* Whether an EV actually pays off for you depends on your annual miles, how long you keep the car, and the vehicle prices you compare — run your own numbers to see your break-even point.
* This is a general cost comparison based on average state electricity and gas prices, not a calculated break-even. Actual savings depend on your specific vehicles, mileage, charging mix, and how long you keep the car, and energy prices change over time. Use the calculator above for a result based on your real situation.
What it costs to charge an EV in Washington
Annual home charging: About $535/year for 13,000 miles at ~3.4 mi/kWh and $0.14/kWh.
Full charge: About $11 for a full charge of a typical 75 kWh EV.
Per mile: In Washington, home charging costs about 4.1¢/mile versus about 19¢/mile for gas.
Overnight and time-of-use rates can be much lower; public DC fast charging typically costs two to three times as much per kWh as home charging.
* Based on a typical EV (~3.4 mi/kWh, 75 kWh battery) and 13,000 miles/year, at Washington’s average electricity and gas prices. Your vehicle, driving, and local rates vary — use the calculator above for your exact numbers.
Frequently asked
- Is an EV worth it in Washington?
- Fuel-only savings are roughly $2,133/yr at home vs gas at $5.13/gal; total depends on price, miles, years — run your numbers above.
- How much does it cost to charge an EV in Washington?
- About $535/year for 13,000 mi at $0.14/kWh and ~3.4 mi/kWh; time-of-use/overnight rates can be much lower.
- Are there EV tax credits in Washington in 2026?
- Federal $7,500/$4,000 credits ended Sept 30, 2025; some state/utility rebates may still apply — check your utility and state energy office.
State & local incentives
EV rebates, credits, and fees change often — many states and local utilities offer their own, and some states charge an EV-specific annual registration fee. Before you buy, check the current rules for Washington in the U.S. Department of Energy's official database.
See how Washington’s EV registration fee compares to every other state →