EV vs Gas in Kentucky: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Kentucky costs about $842 a year to run, including the $126 state EV fee, compared with $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $816 a year (12 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 13.81¢/kWh, gas $4.15/gal (Midwest (PADD 2) average). Change any number below.
Kentucky EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $126.00 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | $126.00 / year |
Includes plug-in hybrids; indexed each year (5% cap). $126 is the last confirmed amount.
Source: afdc.energy.gov, 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 $652 a year in Kentucky. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $126 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Kentucky.
Nearby states
- Alabama: EV $1,002 vs gas $1,514 a year
- Mississippi: EV $889 vs gas $1,514 a year
- Tennessee: EV $912 vs gas $1,658 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Kentucky?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $842 ($716 of electricity plus the $126 state EV fee) versus $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $816 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Kentucky?
$126.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $126.00 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration. Includes plug-in hybrids; indexed each year (5% cap). $126 is the last confirmed amount.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Kentucky?
About $2.10 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.