EV vs Gas in Virginia: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Virginia costs about $972 a year to run, including the $136 state EV fee, compared with $1,544 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $572 a year (36 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 17.55¢/kWh, gas $3.86/gal (Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) average). Change any number below.
Virginia EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $135.63 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Varies – see note |
Highway use fee for July 2026–June 2027; an opt-in mileage charge is available. Efficient hybrids pay a smaller variable fee.
Source: www.dmv.virginia.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 $804 a year in Virginia. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $112 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Virginia.
Nearby states
- Delaware: EV $977 vs gas $1,725 a year
- District of Columbia: EV $1,085 vs gas $1,725 a year
- Florida: EV $755 vs gas $1,592 a year
- Georgia: EV $1,034 vs gas $1,544 a year
- Maryland: EV $1,087 vs gas $1,725 a year
- North Carolina: EV $974 vs gas $1,544 a year
- South Carolina: EV $829 vs gas $1,544 a year
- West Virginia: EV $979 vs gas $1,544 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Virginia?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $972 ($837 of electricity plus the $136 state EV fee) versus $1,544 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $572 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Virginia?
$135.63 a year for a battery-electric vehicle, on top of normal registration. Highway use fee for July 2026–June 2027; an opt-in mileage charge is available. Efficient hybrids pay a smaller variable fee.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Virginia?
About $2.43 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $3.86 (Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) 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.