The EV Miles Report 2025

Which electric vehicle is the most economical to charge and drive? And in which state is it cheapest to run an EV?

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to transform America’s automotive landscape, with adoption rates steadily rising. As of late 2024, EVs accounted for approximately 10.6% of all new vehicle sales in the United States, a significant increase from 7.6% in 2022. This growth continues despite recent shifts in federal policy, including the 2025 rollback of several EV tax incentives and emissions standards under the new Trump administration.

Despite these policy changes, consumer interest in EVs remains strong, driven by declining battery costs, an expanding charging infrastructure, and the long-term economic benefits of electric transportation. However, many potential buyers still hesitate, concerned about charging convenience and the upfront costs compared to traditional gasoline or diesel options.

Younger drivers in particular are gravitating toward electric vehicles, with recent surveys showing that over 60% of Gen Z and nearly 70% of Millennials would consider an EV purchase. Unlike older generations who developed driving habits with conventional vehicles, these newer drivers often see EVs as a natural entry point into vehicle ownership.

For those who’ve recently passed their driving test or are considering a vehicle upgrade, understanding the economic landscape of electric vehicles is crucial. Cost efficiency can vary significantly between models and regions, influenced by local electricity rates, state incentives, and available infrastructure, creating a complex decision-making process for potential buyers.

Our updated report reflects current electricity rates, recent technological advancements in battery efficiency, and the latest vehicle offerings, giving you the most accurate picture of EV economics in today’s market.

The top three cheapest electric vehicles to run

In this section, we’ll look at the most efficient electric vehicles to run, ranked according to how much it would cost to drive them 100 miles. Energy rates vary by state so we have used national energy prices to calculate this ranking.

1. Tesla Model 3The standard Tesla Model 3 is the most economical electric vehicle to drive in 2025. With a usable battery capacity of 57.5 kWh and a real-world range of 260 miles, it costs just $3.60 to drive 100 miles. That translates to an impressive 2,781 miles per $100 of electricity—making it the most efficient choice for EV owners nationwide.

2. Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual MotorNext is the Long Range version of the Model 3, which offers extended range and dual-motor all-wheel drive. With a larger 75 kWh battery and 325 miles of range, the cost to drive 100 miles is slightly higher at $3.75, still equating to a strong 2,665 miles per $100.

3. BMW i4 eDrive35Rounding out the top three is the BMW i4 eDrive35, with a 67.1 kWh battery and a real-world range of 265 miles. Drivers can expect to pay $4.12 per 100 miles, which still allows for 2,429 miles per $100—a solid choice for those seeking luxury and efficiency.

Electric vehicles ranked by cost to run

The three best states for running an EV

Here we consider the difference in cost for running an electric vehicle in different parts of the country. By comparing energy prices in each state and using a Tesla Model 3 as our example EV, we can reveal the cheapest states for owning and running an electric car.

North Dakota is the best state for running electric vehicles, with Tesla Model 3 owners able to get approximately 4,003 miles out of a $100 charge. That’s 40 miles for every dollar! However, hot on their heels is Nebraska where owners can travel 3,791 miles per $100, followed by Idaho with 3,726 miles per $100.

In North Dakota, you can charge up your Tesla Model 3 for just $5.87, which is slightly cheaper than Nebraska at $6.20 and Idaho at $6.31. In every other state, this cost would be above $6.34, with the cost in 15 states being over $10. The most expensive state to charge a Tesla Model 3 is Hawaii where it would cost $24.35, though this is still much cheaper than it would cost to fill up a comparable car with gas.

The cost to drive a Tesla in each US state

The states where EV running costs have risen the most

Having produced a similar report in 2024, we can now compare our data from year to year and reveal the states where running costs have risen the most.

Oregon has seen the biggest increase in the cost of charging up an electric vehicle, as energy prices have risen by a whopping 11.97% since last year. This brings the cost to run a Tesla for 100 miles up to $3.45, whereas it was previously $3.09, which equates to 347 fewer miles per $100.

New Jersey takes second place with a price increase of 10.99%, while Kansas takes third place with an increase of 8.88%. In total, there are nine states where the cost of electricity has risen by more than 7% in the last year, while there are several states where the cost of charging an EV actually fell.Rhode Island had the biggest decrease in charging costs, with a 17.98% drop in energy prices. This results in 290 more miles per $100 of charge. Alaska follows with a 7.60% decrease, and Florida rounds out the top three with a 6.58%drop in energy prices. Overall, there were 10 states with a decrease in electricity costs.

States where EV costs have risen the most

The Previous EV Miles Reports

If you want to read our previous report you can download it here:

Read the 2021 Report

Read the 2022 Report

Who is behind this study?

Zutobi is an online driver’s education company with the goal to make the roads a safer place. Instead of just helping students prepare for the permit test, our top priority is to teach about driving safety practices and driver safety to create better, and safer, drivers.

Methodology

We wanted to update our 2024 report on the cost of charging electric vehicles in the USA with the most recent data. To do this, we used data from the same sources, which had been updated since our first iteration of the study. The pricing data was taken from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, while the data for the real range and usable battery capacity was taken from Electric Vehicle Database. We also increased the number of vehicles in our study to give a more comprehensive view of the current EV landscape.