EV vs Gas in Iowa: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Iowa costs about $916 a year to run, including the $130 state EV fee, compared with $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $742 a year (20 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 15.99¢/kWh, gas $4.15/gal (Midwest (PADD 2) average). Change any number below.
Iowa EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $130.00 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | $65.00 / year |
Source: www.ncsl.org, checked October 24, 2026.
Charging at home vs public chargers
Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $739 a year in Iowa. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $118 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Iowa.
Nearby states
- Kansas: EV $928 vs gas $1,658 a year
- Minnesota: EV $983 vs gas $1,672 a year
- Missouri: EV $939 vs gas $1,658 a year
- Nebraska: EV $865 vs gas $1,658 a year
- North Dakota: EV $823 vs gas $1,658 a year
- South Dakota: EV $866 vs gas $1,658 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Iowa?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $916 ($786 of electricity plus the $130 state EV fee) versus $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $742 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Iowa?
$130.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $65.00 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Iowa?
About $2.29 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.