EV vs Gas in Colorado: Yearly Cost (2026)

An electric car in Colorado costs about $908 a year to run, including the $89 state EV fee, compared with $1,710 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $802 a year (14 of 51 for EV savings).

12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 17.00¢/kWh, gas $4.27/gal. Change any number below.

EV per year (charging + EV fee)$908
Gas car fuel per year$1,710
EV saves per year$802
EV charging only$819
EV cost per mile$0.076
Gas cost per mile$0.142

Colorado EV registration fee

Battery-electric (BEV)$89.05 / year
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)$76.05 / year

July 2026–June 2027: $63.05 EV fee plus a road usage equalization fee ($26 BEV, $13 PHEV) that rises each July through 2031–32.

Source: afdc.energy.gov, checked October 24, 2026.

Charging at home vs public chargers

Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $737 a year in Colorado. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $114 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Colorado.

Nearby states

  • Arizona: EV $766 vs gas $2,003 a year
  • Idaho: EV $853 vs gas $1,787 a year
  • Montana: EV $884 vs gas $1,787 a year
  • Nevada: EV $682 vs gas $2,003 a year
  • New Mexico: EV $789 vs gas $1,514 a year
  • Utah: EV $873 vs gas $1,787 a year
  • Wyoming: EV $833 vs gas $1,787 a year

EV vs gas in every state

Frequently asked questions

Is an EV cheaper than gas in Colorado?

Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $908 ($819 of electricity plus the $89 state EV fee) versus $1,710 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $802 a year.

How much is the EV registration fee in Colorado?

$89.05 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $76.05 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration. July 2026–June 2027: $63.05 EV fee plus a road usage equalization fee ($26 BEV, $13 PHEV) that rises each July through 2031–32.

What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Colorado?

About $2.27 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $4.27.

Electricity: EIA Electric Power Monthly (July 2026). Gasoline: EIA weekly retail prices, week of 2026-10-19. Estimates only; excludes purchase price, insurance and maintenance.