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Electric Vehicle vs. Gas Car Charging Costs in Texas

May 15, 2026Get Electricity StaffElectricity Guide

Electric Vehicle vs. Gas Car Charging Costs in Texas

With gasoline prices fluctuating unpredictably, many Texans are considering a switch to electric vehicles (EVs). But while driving past gas pumps is satisfying, it is important to understand the actual numbers: Is charging an electric car in Texas genuinely cheaper than fueling a gasoline car?

Because Texas operates a deregulated retail electricity market, the cost to charge an EV at home varies significantly depending on your retail provider and the plan you choose. With the right strategy, home charging can reduce your per-mile fuel costs by up to 70%.

In this guide, we break down the fuel and maintenance math comparing EVs with gasoline-powered vehicles in Texas, and explain how to choose the right energy plan to maximize your savings.

EV vs. Gas Cost Comparison at a Glance

Below is an interactive comparison detailing refueling and maintenance costs for an electric vehicle versus a gas-powered car in Texas:

1. Fuel Costs: Home Charging vs. The Pump

Home Charging Economics

When you charge your EV at home, you are billed for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed. The average EV gets about 3 to 4 miles of range per kWh.

  • Standard Charging Rate: If your retail electricity rate is 13¢ per kWh, driving 200 miles requires about 50 to 60 kWh, costing approximately $6.50 to $7.80.
  • Super-Peak Charging: If you are on an unhedged variable plan during a summer demand spike, charging costs can rise. That is why locking in a fixed rate or using EV-specific plans is critical.

Gasoline Fueling Economics

  • Standard Fuel Cost: For a comparable 200-mile range, a gasoline car that averages 25 MPG requires 8 gallons. At $3.25 per gallon, that trip costs $26.00—roughly three to four times the cost of home EV charging.
  • Annual Savings: The average Texan driving 12,000 miles per year spends about $1,560 on gasoline, compared to just $390–$468 on home electricity for an EV.

2. Public Fast Charging vs. Home Charging

While home charging is highly economical, public Direct Current (DC) fast-charging networks (like Tesla Superchargers or Electrify America) charge a premium for speed.

  • Public Rates: DC fast chargers in Texas typically charge 35¢ to 45¢ per kWh.
  • Cost Impact: Charging a 60 kWh battery at a public station costs $21.00 to $27.00. This is still slightly cheaper than gasoline, but it reduces your savings margin significantly.
  • The Rule of Thumb: To maximize your EV ROI, aim to do 80% or more of your charging at home overnight.

3. Maintenance Savings: Simplicity Pays Off

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. EVs do not contain:

  • Spark plugs
  • Alternators
  • Fan belts
  • Oil filters (no oil changes required)
  • Catalytic converters

Additionally, EVs use regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy back into battery storage when slowing down. This process dramatically reduces wear and tear on brake pads and rotors, extending their lifespan. On average, EV owners save around $330 per year in routine maintenance costs.

How to Maximize Your EV Savings with GetElectricity

To get the most out of your electric vehicle in Texas, you need the right electricity plan.

  • Time-of-Use EV Plans: Many Texas providers offer plans specifically tailored to EV owners, featuring discounted or even free electricity between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. By scheduling your EV to charge during these hours, you can drive almost entirely for free.
  • Flat-Rate Protection: If you prefer a standard fixed plan, GetElectricity helps you lock in a low baseline rate so that charging your vehicle doesn't push you into higher, tiered pricing brackets.
  • Smart Charge Tracking: We analyze your household usage profile to ensure your EV charging doesn't trigger peak-demand delivery charges from your TDU.

Find the perfect plan for your home and electric vehicle. Compare rates on GetElectricity today.