Summary
This analysis builds on a previous report, which analyzed the average total cost of ownership for the same electric and gasoline vehicle. Since EV drivers in California often experience a different cost of living than the rest of the country, including higher electricity prices on average and higher vehicle registration fees, we decided to analyze the total cost of vehicle ownership in this state specifically. The previous report details the assumptions made and the sources used to estimate the average cost of ownership for the average driver in the US. This new analysis is specific to California, and changes to the concepts and sources of this analysis are detailed here.
Changes since previous analysis
The sales tax on vehicle purchases was changed from the national rate to the average California and local tax rate (8.99%), according to Tax Basis. This figure does not include the federal tax credit for electric vehicles. The analysis assumed a loan term of 60 months, an interest rate of 10%, and a down payment of 20%. It also uses the average miles driven annually in California, which is 12,524 according to the Federal Highway Administration. Initial registration, title, and license fees, as well as annual registration fees for both vehicles, are calculated from California DMV status calculator. AAA's Your Driving Expenses was used to estimate annual insurance and maintenance costs in California for both vehicles, assuming 15,000 miles driven annually, given the calculator's limited parameters.
To calculate EV charging costs, the analysis uses average residential electricity rates in California in November 2025, according to US Energy Information Administration. For the baseline analysis, it was assumed that 88% of charging is done at home. In the second analysis, it was assumed that 0% of charging was done at home and 100% of charging was done in public. The average cost per kilowatt hour for public charging in California was taken from AAA on January 29, 2026. This source provides the most comprehensive data known on public charging prices. However, it includes Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging prices, even though Level 1 and Level 2 are generally not the most popular charging methods.
Therefore, this average price may be lower than the real world prices that drivers usually pay. For a gas car, the average price of gasoline in California was and taken from AAA January 29, 2026.
Total cost of proprietary data
Below are the results tables and a summary chart showing the 7-year and 10-year costs of owning a gas and electric Chevrolet Equinox in California.
Results
Although the total cost of ownership for both vehicles is higher in California than the national average, there are still cost savings for driving an EV in California. An EV driver who charges mostly at home will save $12,417 over 10 years compared to a gas car driver, and an EV driver who only charges in public will save $9,366 over 10 years. A gas car driver will pay more in fuel and maintenance costs, while an EV driver will pay more in insurance and registration fees. This analysis shows that driving an EV is not necessarily more expensive than driving the same gas car in California.
The report was completed in January 2026.