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If you are thinking about switching to an Electric Vehicle (EV), you already know it reduces your carbon footprint. But the biggest question for most Chicagoland homeowners is …
Does an EV actually save you money?
The short answer? Yes. When you charge at home, “refueling” an EV costs a fraction of what you pay at the gas pump. However, calculating the exact savings can be confusing.
Below, we break down the real numbers for 2025, compare gas vs. electric costs specifically for Illinois drivers, and explain why where you charge matters just as much as what you drive.
The Real Cost of Charging at Home
The cost to charge an EV depends entirely on the price of electricity.
- National Average: ~17.6 cents per kWh
- Chicago Area Average: ~16.1 cents per kWh
Because we live in the Chicago area, we actually pay slightly less than the national average.
Example: Charging a 2025 Tesla Model 3 (Long Range)
The Long Range Model 3 has a battery capacity of approximately 80 kWh and a range of over 340 miles.
- Math: 80 kWh (battery size) x $0.161 (Chicago electric rate)
- Cost to Fill Up: ~$12.88
Compare that to filling up a gas tank. At roughly $3.10 per gallon (current late 2025 average), filling a standard 15-gallon gas tank costs $46.50.
Breakdown: Gas vs. Electric in Chicago
To see the real savings, you have to look at the annual cost. Here is how a standard gas sedan compares to an EV for a typical driver covering 15,000 miles per year.
| Comparison | Gas Car (25 MPG) | Electric Vehicle (Model 3) |
| Fuel Price | $3.10 / gallon | $0.16 / kWh (Home Rate) |
| Efficiency | 25 Miles / Gallon | ~3.5 Miles / kWh |
| Fuel Needed (15k miles) | 600 Gallons | 4,285 kWh |
| Annual Cost | $1,860 | $685 |
| Cost Per Mile | $0.12 | $0.04 |
The bottom line? Driving an EV in the Chicago area costs roughly 4 cents per mile, whereas driving a gas car costs roughly 12 cents per mile. By switching to electric and charging at home, you can save over $1,000 per year just on fuel.
Home Charging vs. Public Charging
Not all charging costs are equal. One common mistake new EV owners make is relying on public chargers, which are significantly more expensive. Here’s how home level 2 charging compares to public fast charging.
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Home Charging (Level 2):
The cheapest and most convenient option. You pay the residential rate (~16¢/kWh), and you wake up every morning with a full “tank.”
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Public Fast Charging (DC Fast):
Great for road trips, but costly. Rates at public stations often range from $0.35 to $0.48 per kWh. This is nearly double or triple the cost of charging at home.
If you rely solely on public charging, your “fuel” savings can disappear quickly. The key to maximizing ROI on an electric car is having a reliable Level 2 charger installed in your own garage. You should also consider that home EV chargers are becoming a desirable feature for homebuyers in the North Shore area. Installing one will increase the value of your home.
Learn more about electric car charging installations from Current Electrical Contractors.
Ready to Stop Paying for Gas?
At Current Electrical Contractors, we specialize in professional EV charger installations from Evanston to Highland Park and throughout the Chicago area. We ensure your electrical panel can handle the load and that your charger is installed safely and to code.
Contact us today for a free estimate and start saving on your commute!
