#1 1
2025 Lucid Air
$500/yr EPA fuel cost · 512 mi range
Among the cheapest EVs in America to run — about $42/month in electricity at EPA estimates.
Full specs →Database / Cost by state / California
Electric cars in California
At 34.74¢/kWh — the 4th-priciest electricity in the US — efficiency is everything. These are the cheapest EVs to run.
California charging snapshot
Residential electricity: 34.74¢/kWh (50 cheapest of 51) → $118 per 1,000 miles in a median-efficiency EV.
For comparison, a 30-mpg gas car at $3.20/gal costs $106.67 per 1,000 miles. In California, the EV costs $118 — $11 more. EIA June 2026 residential average; EV at 34 kWh/100 mi.
Residential electricity: 34.74¢/kWh (50 cheapest of 51) → $118 per 1,000 miles in a median-efficiency EV.
For comparison, a 30-mpg gas car at $3.20/gal costs $106.67 per 1,000 miles. In California, the EV costs $118 — $11 more. EIA June 2026 residential average; EV at 34 kWh/100 mi.
California EV incentives
MyFirstEV
$3,500 new / $1,750 used
$3,500 new / $1,750 used
CA residents acquiring their FIRST zero-emission vehicle; no income cap; new vehicles MY2026+ with MSRP ≤$50,000 (waived for CA-headquartered OEMs: Rivian, Lucid); used vehicles ≤$25,000, ≥2 model years old, manufacturer…
Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
up to $12,000 vehicle grant + $2,000 charging incentive
up to $12,000 vehicle grant + $2,000 charging incentive
CA resident; household income at or below 300% Federal Poverty Level; apply BEFORE purchasing; replacement vehicle ≤$45,000; used replacements ≤8 model years old / ≤75,000 miles; have not previously used a CARB incentive…
Programs change — confirm current rules with the program administrator before buying. Federal EV tax credits ended Sept 30, 2025.
Cheapest EVs to run in California
#2 2
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
$550/yr EPA fuel cost · 342 mi range
Among the cheapest EVs in America to run — about $46/month in electricity at EPA estimates.
Full specs →#3 3
2026 Tesla Model 3
$550/yr EPA fuel cost · 363 mi range
Among the cheapest EVs in America to run — about $46/month in electricity at EPA estimates.
Full specs →#4 4
2026 Tesla Model Y
$550/yr EPA fuel cost · 357 mi range
Among the cheapest EVs in America to run — about $46/month in electricity at EPA estimates.
Full specs →#5 5
2026 Toyota bZ
$550/yr EPA fuel cost · 314 mi range
Among the cheapest EVs in America to run — about $46/month in electricity at EPA estimates.
Full specs →Questions, answered
How much does it cost to charge an EV in California?
About $118 per 1,000 miles at the EIA residential average of 34.74¢/kWh (median EV efficiency, June 2026).
Does California have an EV rebate?
See the programs above. Yes — listed with amounts and eligibility.
What is the best EV for California?
The 2025 Lucid Air: $500/yr EPA fuel cost, the lowest of any EV we track.
Other states: Texas · Florida · Washington · New York · New Jersey · Illinois · Colorado · Massachusetts · Virginia
Electricity: EIA Electric Power Monthly, June 2026 residential average (preliminary). Incentives verified October 2026.