Gas, hybrid or electric car: which is cheapest to drive in your state?

Driving 100 miles costs about $14.44 in gas for a car that gets 30 mpg, $8.66 for a hybrid that gets 50 mpg, and about $5.49 in electricity for an EV charged at home that uses 30 kWh per 100 miles. That is U.S. average gas for the week of October 12, 2026 and home electricity for July 2026.

Public fast charging usually costs more than charging at home, so a road trip on fast chargers costs more than the home number.

What does 100 miles cost in each state?

Cost to drive 100 miles. Sorted by how much the EV saves over the gas car, most first. Tap a column name to sort by it. Your own cost depends on your car's rating, shown on its window sticker and on fueleconomy.gov.

Gas is the EIA weekly average for regular, using the state number where EIA publishes one and the regional average otherwise. Electricity is the EIA average home price. See gas prices by state and EV charging cost by state.

What are the pros of an electric car?

• Lower fuel costs. Charging at home usually costs less than buying gasoline for the same distance. Your savings depend on local electricity prices and the vehicle.
• Less maintenance. Electric cars do not need engine oil changes. They have fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear.
• Home charging. If you have a place to plug in, you can charge overnight instead of stopping at a gas station.
• No tailpipe pollution. Electric cars produce no exhaust while driving. Generating the electricity can still produce emissions.
• Quiet driving. Electric motors run quietly and use energy more efficiently than gasoline engines.

What are the cons of an electric car?

• Longer stops on road trips. Even fast charging usually takes longer than filling a gas tank. Charging time depends on the car, charger and battery level.
• Fewer chargers in rural areas. Public fast chargers are concentrated along major highways and around population centers. Some rural routes have long gaps between chargers.
• Less range in cold weather. Cold batteries and cabin heating can reduce how far you drive on a charge. Highway speeds and steep climbs can also reduce range.
• Higher purchase price for many models. Many electric cars still cost more to buy than comparable gasoline cars. Compare the actual vehicles before deciding.
• Home charging is not available to everyone. If you rent or park on the street, installing a charger may be difficult. You may need to depend on public stations.

What are the pros of a gas car?

• Quick refueling. You can fill a gas tank in minutes instead of waiting for a battery to charge.
• Established fueling network. Gas stations make it easier to travel without planning stops around electric chargers.
• No home charging needed. You can keep a gas car fueled without a driveway, garage or electrical outlet near your parking space.
• Lower purchase price in many comparisons. Comparable gasoline models often cost less upfront than electric versions.

What are the cons of a gas car?

• Higher fuel costs in many cases. Gasoline generally costs more per mile than home electricity. Gas prices also change with crude oil prices and supply conditions.
• More routine maintenance. Gas engines need oil changes and other engine maintenance that fully electric cars do not.
• Exhaust emissions. Burning gasoline releases carbon dioxide and pollutants that contribute to smog.
• Lower energy efficiency. Gas engines lose much of their energy as heat. Electric vehicles use a larger share of their stored energy to move the car.

What are the pros of a hybrid?

• Better gas mileage. Hybrids usually use less gasoline than similar gas cars. They recover energy during braking and use an electric motor to help the engine.
• No charging needed. You fill the tank at a gas station. The battery charges while you drive and brake. You never need to plug in.
• Less brake wear. Regenerative braking helps slow the car. This can make the brakes last longer.
• Lower emissions. Hybrids generally produce less exhaust pollution than similar gas cars because they burn less gasoline.

What are the cons of a hybrid?

• Higher purchase price. Some hybrids cost more than similar gas cars. Fuel savings may make up the difference over time.
• Still needs gas and maintenance. Hybrids have gasoline engines. You still need oil changes and other engine maintenance.
• Still produces exhaust. A regular hybrid burns gasoline. It does not have zero tailpipe emissions like a fully electric car.
• Battery replacement may be expensive. Hybrid batteries are designed to last for years, but they can wear out. Check the battery warranty before buying.

What about plug-in hybrids? A plug-in hybrid is different. You can charge it from an outlet and drive some distance on electricity alone. When the battery runs low, it can use gasoline. A regular hybrid never needs to be plugged in.

Which is better for a long road trip?

A gas car is convenient when you need quick stops or drive through areas with few chargers. A regular hybrid offers the same gas-station convenience while usually using less fuel. An electric car can work well if compatible fast chargers are available along your route. Check your vehicle's range and fueling or charging options before leaving.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Vehicles for Consumers
• U.S. Department of Energy, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles
• U.S. Department of Energy, Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
• U.S. Department of Energy, Charging Electric Vehicles in Public
• U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Vehicle Purchase Costs
• EPA, Electric Vehicle Myths
• EPA, Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
• EPA, Smog Vehicle Emissions
• U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Vehicle and Gasoline Vehicle Efficiency
• EIA, Gasoline Price Fluctuations
• U.S. Department of Energy, Hybrid Electric Vehicles
• U.S. Department of Energy, Emissions from Electric Vehicles
• U.S. Department of Energy, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles