EV vs Gas in Illinois: Yearly Cost (2026)

An electric car in Illinois costs about $991 a year to run, including the $100 state EV fee, compared with $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $667 a year (27 of 51 for EV savings).

12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 19.22¢/kWh, gas $4.15/gal (Midwest (PADD 2) average). Change any number below.

Miles driven per yearmiHome electricity rate$/kWhShare charged at home%Public fast-charging price$/kWhEV efficiencymi/kWhYearly EV registration fee$State EV surcharge on top of normal registrationGas price$/galGas car fuel economympg

EV per year (charging + EV fee)$991

Gas car fuel per year$1,658

EV saves per year$667

EV charging only$891

EV cost per mile$0.083

Gas cost per mile$0.138

Illinois EV registration fee

Battery-electric (BEV)	$100.00 / year
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)	None

$100 flat fee for electric vehicles. Check whether your plug-in hybrid is charged.

Source: www.ncsl.org, checked October 24, 2026. This fee is indexed or recently changed – confirm the current amount with your state DMV before relying on it.

Charging at home vs public chargers

Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $832 a year in Illinois. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $106 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Illinois.

Nearby states

Indiana: EV $1,052 vs gas $1,658 a year
Michigan: EV $1,282 vs gas $1,658 a year
Ohio: EV $1,098 vs gas $1,620 a year
Wisconsin: EV $1,061 vs gas $1,658 a year

EV vs gas in every state

Frequently asked questions

Is an EV cheaper than gas in Illinois?

Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $991 ($891 of electricity plus the $100 state EV fee) versus $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $667 a year.

How much is the EV registration fee in Illinois?

$100.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle; plug-in hybrids do not pay it, on top of normal registration. $100 flat fee for electric vehicles. Check whether your plug-in hybrid is charged.

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

About $2.48 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $4.15 (Midwest (PADD 2) 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.