EV vs Gas in Hawaii: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Hawaii costs about $1,873 a year to run, including the $50 state EV fee, compared with $2,003 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $130 a year (51 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 48.00¢/kWh, gas $5.01/gal (West Coast less California average). Change any number below.
Hawaii EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $50.00 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | None |
Or opt into a road usage charge of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50. Per-mile charging becomes mandatory July 1, 2028.
Source: www.ncsl.org, checked October 24, 2026.
Charging at home vs public chargers
Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $1,879 a year in Hawaii. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly -$4 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Hawaii.
Nearby states
- Alaska: EV $1,202 vs gas $2,003 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Hawaii?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $1,873 ($1,823 of electricity plus the $50 state EV fee) versus $2,003 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $130 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Hawaii?
$50.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle; plug-in hybrids do not pay it, on top of normal registration. Or opt into a road usage charge of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50. Per-mile charging becomes mandatory July 1, 2028.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Hawaii?
About $4.68 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $5.01 (West Coast less California average).
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.