EV vs Gas in Montana: Yearly Cost (2026)

An electric car in Montana costs about $884 a year to run, including the $130 state EV fee, compared with $1,787 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $903 a year (9 of 51 for EV savings).

12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 14.99¢/kWh, gas $4.47/gal (Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) 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)$884

Gas car fuel per year$1,787

EV saves per year$903

EV charging only$754

EV cost per mile$0.074

Gas cost per mile$0.149

Montana EV registration fee

Battery-electric (BEV)	$130.00 / year
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)	$70.00 / year

For vehicles under 6,000 lb; heavier EVs pay more.

Source: www.ncsl.org, checked October 24, 2026.

Charging at home vs public chargers

Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $701 a year in Montana. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $122 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Montana.

Nearby states

Arizona: EV $766 vs gas $2,003 a year
Colorado: EV $908 vs gas $1,710 a year
Idaho: EV $853 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 Montana?

Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $884 ($754 of electricity plus the $130 state EV fee) versus $1,787 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $903 a year.

How much is the EV registration fee in Montana?

$130.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $70.00 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration. For vehicles under 6,000 lb; heavier EVs pay more.

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

About $2.21 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $4.47 (Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) 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.