DriveCosts

EV vs gas road trip

EV vs Gas Road Trip Cost

On long road trips, EV charging cost gets closer to gas because you'll mostly use DC fast chargers. EVs still usually win on cost — but they add charging time. Here's the side-by-side math.

  • Updated for 2026
  • US units
  • US avg fuel prices
  • EPA-style MPG
  • Transparent assumptions

How to read this guide

Examples
Numbers shown in this guide are illustrative estimates, not personalized quotes.
Use the calculators
For exact figures use the linked calculators with your real MPG, miles and local fuel price.
Updated periodically
Content is reviewed against recent EPA, DOE, AAA and EIA references.

Per-mile road trip cost

EV on DC fast charging (~$0.45/kWh, 3.0 mi/kWh under highway speeds): ~$0.15/mile. Gas car at 32 MPG and $3.45/gal: $0.108/mile. Highway EV trips are NOT always cheaper — it depends on the charger network.

Where EVs win

Tesla Supercharger pricing ($0.30–$0.36/kWh) still beats gas. Off-peak charging rates and free destination charging (hotels, malls) tip EVs decisively cheaper.

Sample 1,000-mile trip

EV at Supercharger pricing: ~$110. EV at Electrify America peak: ~$150. Gas 32 MPG car: ~$108. Gas 22 MPG SUV: ~$157. Use the EV Charging Cost Calculatorto plan your own.

Vehicle1,000-mile costCharge/fuel stopsTime penalty
Tesla Model Y (Supercharger)$1103~60 min
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (EA)$1503~55 min
Toyota Prius (gas)$601–2~10 min
Toyota Camry (gas)$1082–3~15 min
Honda Pilot (gas SUV)$1572–3~15 min

Estimates at typical 2026 US pricing. Time penalty = extra time vs a non-stop drive.

Vehicles to consider

ev · electric

Tesla Model Y

122 MPGe combined

See fuel cost
ev · electric

Tesla Model 3

132 MPGe combined

See fuel cost
ev · electric

Hyundai Ioniq 5

105 MPGe combined

See fuel cost
ev · electric

Kia EV6

117 MPGe combined

See fuel cost
sedan · regular

Toyota Camry

32 MPG combined

See fuel cost
hybrid · regular

Toyota Prius

57 MPG combined

See fuel cost

Browse all 180+ vehicles →

Popular routes

LA → Las Vegas

SF → LA

Miami → Orlando

Browse all road trip routes →

Frequently asked questions

Is an EV cheaper for road trips?

Usually 10–40% cheaper than a gas SUV, roughly tied with an efficient gas sedan when relying on DC fast charging.

How much extra time does an EV add on a road trip?

About 15–25 minutes per 250 miles of driving for a 20-minute fast charge stop.

What's cheaper — Supercharger or Electrify America?

Tesla Supercharger is usually $0.10–$0.15/kWh cheaper than Electrify America peak pricing.

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