Prospective electric vehicle (EV) shoppers often ask, “How much does it cost to drive an electric car?” Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. To determine the cost to drive an electric car, you need to consider factors such as the specific EV model, electricity, maintenance, and insurance costs. The cost of driving an EV is also affected by the location where you reside. We have compiled estimated costs for driving each EV model, localized to each state. In this article, we will focus on California, which has the highest number of EVs. However, if you want to learn the cost to drive an EV in your location, visit Electric Driver. We provide detailed information on our methodology, including our calculations and top-ten rankings. Keep in mind that the figures we provide are estimates.
Most Affordable Electric Vehicles to Drive Definitions
Electric car models: Each electric vehicle model you evaluate will have distinct expenses for electricity, upkeep, and insurance.
Electricity cost per mile (est.): To calculate the cost per mile for an electric car, consider its mileage per kilowatt and the electricity rates in your area. We assume you’ll buy electricity from your local utility for our rankings.
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): Electric cars require less maintenance and have lower costs than gas-powered vehicles, with an average maintenance cost of $0.06 per mile compared to $0.101 per mile for gas cars. Factors considered in estimating maintenance costs include price, warranty, and NHTSA complaints.
Insurance cost per mile (est.): We use state automotive insurance averages and factors like car price, performance, and safety ratings to estimate insurance premiums for electric cars in each state.
Location: Electric Driver adjusts cost-to-drive calculations based on your location, affecting expenses for electricity, insurance, and maintenance. Check cost-to-drive estimates for your state on Electric Driver.
Ten Most Affordable Electric Vehicles to Drive
To determine our top ten rankings, we choose the best model trim available. For instance, a Tesla Model 3 is available in base, long range, or performance trims. We only show the most cost-effective option, which happens to be the base trim, and exclude the other trims.
9. 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range (tie)
2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor cost to drive (est.): $0.209 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.051
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.025
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.133
9. 2023 Kia EV6 Wind RWD
2023 Kia EV6 Wind RWD cost to drive (est.): $0.209 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.06
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.028
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.121
7. 2023 Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD (tie)
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range RWD cost to drive (est.): $0.2 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.062
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.028
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.11
7. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range (tie)
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range cost to drive (est.): $0.2 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.062
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.028
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.11
6. 2023 Tesla Model 3
2023 Tesla Model 3 cost to drive (est.): $0.198 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.053
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.031
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.114
5. 2023 Kia Niro EV
2023 Kia Niro EV cost to drive (est.): $0.197 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.064
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.028
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.105
4. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV cost to drive (est.): $0.191 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.066
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.031
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.094
3. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric cost to drive (est.): $0.19 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.061
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.028
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.101
2. 2023 Nissan Leaf S
2023 Nissan Leaf S cost to drive (est.): $0.188 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.062
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.031
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.095
1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV cost to drive (est.): $0.187 per mile
Electricity cost per mile (est.): $0.063
Maintenance cost per mile (est.): $0.031
Insurance cost per mile (est.): $0.093
At the time of writing, we have compiled a list of the ten most affordable electric vehicles to operate. Please note that expenses such as electricity, insurance, and maintenance may vary over time and by location. However, all the electric vehicles on our list offer low operating costs. We highly recommend using our Electric Driver to receive personalized recommendations and localized estimates for operating costs of electric vehicles.