Determining how much money you can save by switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric one became a lot easier in June when the Department of Energy released it’s new eGallon calculator. eGallon is an easy way to compare the price of gasoline to the price of running a car on electricity in your state. Since both gas and electricity prices vary from state to state, this tool is a targeted way to hone in on what your real savings would be.
So in which state do EV drivers save the most? Washington residents save $2.93 a gallon thanks to the state’s relatively low cost of electricity and higher than average gas prices. Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming round out the top five. (Scroll down the the bottom of our infographic to find who else made the top 10.) In all but seven states, EV drivers will save $2 or more per gallon. Hawaii is the only state where the costs come out about even due to high electricity costs.
In some areas where utility companies offer tariffs to EV owners, the eGallon cost could be even lower. Charge your car at work or while shopping? Your eGallon cost will be lower still. And the relatively stable price of electricity means EV drivers are protected from spikes in gas prices. These savings are starting to woo more car buyers: EV sales doubled in the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
“Consumers can see gasoline prices posted at the corner gas station, but are left in the dark on the cost of fueling an electric vehicle,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “The eGallon will bring greater transparency to vehicle operating costs, and help drivers figure out how much they might save on fuel by choosing an electric vehicle.”
It’s all spelled out in our infographic below. Take a look, then go to energy.gov/egallon to calculate the real-time cost of driving electric in your state.
