EV vs Gas in Washington: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Washington costs about $970 a year to run, including the $225 state EV fee, compared with $2,133 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $1,163 a year (3 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 14.71¢/kWh, gas $5.33/gal. Change any number below.
Washington EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $225.00 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | $225.00 / year |
$150 EV fee plus $75 transportation electrification fee; plug-in hybrids with 30+ miles of electric range pay both.
Source: afdc.energy.gov, checked October 24, 2026.
Charging at home vs public chargers
Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $785 a year in Washington. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $123 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Washington.
Nearby states
- California: EV $1,478 vs gas $2,412 a year
- Oregon: EV $930 vs gas $2,003 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Washington?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $970 ($745 of electricity plus the $225 state EV fee) versus $2,133 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $1,163 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Washington?
$225.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $225.00 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration. $150 EV fee plus $75 transportation electrification fee; plug-in hybrids with 30+ miles of electric range pay both.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Washington?
About $2.42 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $5.33.
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.