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EV vs Gas Cost Per Mile in Montana

At Montana's average prices, a Tesla Model 3 RWD costs an estimated $0.037 a mile to charge at home and a 30 mpg gas car $0.107 a mile in fuel: $830.30 a year apart over 12,000 miles. At these prices, home charging costs half or less of gasoline per mile in Montana.

An electric car plugged into a wall charger in a garage.
An electric car plugged into a wall charger in a garage.

State data

What Montana pays

Home electricity
15.0¢/kWhEIA Electric Power Monthly, table 5.6.A · EIA, July 2026 (data as of 2026-09-28)
Gasoline
$3.20/galEIA weekly regional / AAA state averages, 2025–26 reference
EV used for the page
Tesla Model 3 RWD, 25 kWh/100 miEPA, fueleconomy.gov (combined)

With electricity under 15¢/kWh (15.0¢/kWh), even a 48 kWh/100 mi F-150 Lightning costs $0.072 a mile to charge in Montana. Gasoline in Montana averages $3.20/gal, in line with the US average of $3.20/gal.

Statewide averages. Put your own rate and pump price in the calculator above.

EV vs gas cost per mile

F01

Scenario A

Sets the electricity rate. Pick US average if you're not sure.

$/kWh

From EIA for Montana. Use the rate on your bill if you know it.

Rate used: 15.0¢/kWh · Montana · EIA, July 2026 · gasoline $3.20/gal (2025–26 ref.) (data as of 2026-09-28) ·

mpg

Estimated savings per year (12,000 miles)

$830.30/ year

EV $0.037 a mile vs gas $0.107 a mile, home charging.

EV cost per mile (EPA kWh/100 mi, at the wall)
$0.037
Gas cost per mile
$0.107
EV, 12,000 miles a year
$449.70
Gas car, 12,000 miles a year
$1,280.00
Savings per year
$830.30
Prices used
electricity 15.0¢/kWh · gasoline $3.20/gal (Montana)

Estimate. Formula and sources are under “How it works”. Change any input; the result updates as you type.

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Worked example

Worked example: Model 3 RWD vs a 30 mpg car in Montana

At 15.0¢/kWh, a Model 3 RWD (25 kWh per 100 miles, EPA) draws 25 kWh from the wall for every 100 miles (the EPA measures it at the wall), so each mile costs $0.037. A 30 mpg car at $3.20/gal spends $0.107 a mile. Over 12,000 miles: $449.70 for the EV, $1,280.00 for gasoline, a difference of $830.30 a year (fuel only). A gas car would need about 85 mpg to match it.

Questions

FAQ

Is charging an EV cheaper than gas in Montana?

At Montana's average prices, yes for the page's example: $0.037 a mile for a Model 3 RWD at home against $0.107 for a 30 mpg car, $830.30 a year over 12,000 miles. The EV would lose its fuel-cost edge only above about 42.7¢/kWh, or against a gas car rated above 85 mpg. Both prices are editable above.

What about public fast charging in Montana?

Fast chargers usually charge more per kWh than a home rate. This page uses Montana's home average, 15.0¢/kWh. To see the cost per mile on the road, type the charger's price per kWh into the electricity rate field; the gas side stays at $3.20/gal.

How do time-of-use rates change this in Montana?

The EV's cost per mile moves in direct proportion to the rate you charge at. If an overnight rate were half of 15.0¢/kWh (7.5¢/kWh), the Model 3 RWD would cost $0.019 a mile instead of $0.037. Check your utility's tariff for the real overnight rate and type it in.

Bordering states

Nearby states

Same two cars, each state's own prices:

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