EV vs Gas in Tennessee: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Tennessee costs about $912 a year to run, including the $200 state EV fee, compared with $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $746 a year (19 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 13.71¢/kWh, gas $4.15/gal (Midwest (PADD 2) average). Change any number below.
Tennessee EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $200.00 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | $100.00 / year |
The EV fee rises to $274 for renewals from January 1, 2027.
Source: revenue.support.tn.gov, checked October 24, 2026.
Charging at home vs public chargers
Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $722 a year in Tennessee. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $127 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Tennessee.
Nearby states
- Alabama: EV $1,002 vs gas $1,514 a year
- Kentucky: EV $842 vs gas $1,658 a year
- Mississippi: EV $889 vs gas $1,514 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Tennessee?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $912 ($712 of electricity plus the $200 state EV fee) versus $1,658 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $746 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Tennessee?
$200.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $100.00 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration. The EV fee rises to $274 for renewals from January 1, 2027.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Tennessee?
About $2.28 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.