One of the biggest ongoing costs of owning any vehicle is keeping it fueled up and ready for the road. Electric vehicles (EVs) promise lower “fuel” costs since they don’t run on gasoline, but does that really translate to savings for Illinois drivers? The answer: it depends on what kind of EV you bought, how you charge, and where you live.
An Illinois driver recently shared online that their electric bill went up about $70 a month after switching to at-home charging — compared with the $330 they had been paying in gas. Some skeptics argue the savings aren’t always so clear-cut. One Chicago commuter pointed out that public fast charging can be pricey and inconvenient. Another noted that the cost of installing a home EV charger in their Naperville townhouse nearly erased their first year’s fuel savings.
Why Illinois Drivers Consider EVs in the First Place
Lower fueling costs are usually the top reason Illinoisans look into going all-electric. When gas hit an all-time high of over $5 per gallon in June 2022, drivers across the state were squeezed hard. Prices have since dropped closer to $3.50 in Chicagoland and around $3.25 statewide, but volatility keeps many residents exploring EVs or hybrids as alternatives.
Yet not every Illinoisan is sold. A 2024 survey showed that more than 40% of U.S. adults are still hesitant about EVs, with one in five saying charging costs are a dealbreaker.
Expert Take: Charging vs. Gas in Illinois
So is it actually cheaper here? According to Maria Kostas, an EV policy analyst who’s worked with the Illinois Commerce Commission, electricity usually beats gasoline on a per-mile basis.
“The cost per kilowatt-hour is lower than the equivalent per gallon of gas,” Kostas said. “And when you factor in time-of-use rates from utilities like ComEd or Ameren, most drivers can save even more by charging overnight.”
Illinois auto journalist David Harmon, who has covered EVs for more than a decade, added: “Even with Illinois’ higher-than-average electricity rates, charging at home almost always comes out cheaper than filling a gas tank — especially since gas in Chicago regularly runs 30 to 40 cents more per gallon than the national average.”
The Math: Illinois vs. National Averages
To put numbers on it, here’s a cost breakdown using national averages, adjusted for Illinois electricity and gas pricing.
| Category | Electric Vehicle | Gasoline Car |
|---|---|---|
| Miles driven monthly | 1,250 | 1,250 |
| Energy use | 3 mi/kWh | 25 mpg |
| Fuel required | 417 kWh | 50 gallons |
| Cost per unit | $0.18/kWh (IL avg.) | $3.25/gal (IL avg.) |
| Monthly total | $75 | $162 |
That’s roughly $75 a month for home charging versus $162 for gas — a difference of about $1,050 annually.
Why Costs Vary So Much in Illinois
Gas and electricity costs are all over the map here:
- Chicago & suburbs: Higher electric rates under ComEd, around 18 cents/kWh, and higher gas prices.
- Downstate (Ameren territory): Electricity closer to 15–16 cents/kWh, gas usually cheaper than Chicago.
- Rural co-ops: Some offer discounted “time-of-use” EV plans that make overnight charging far cheaper.
If you’re charging on the road, though, it’s a different story. Public fast-charging in Illinois averages 36 cents/kWh — more than double home rates. A DC fast charge in Springfield, for example, might run $15–$25 for a full session.
Home vs. Public Charging in Illinois
- Home charging: Cheapest if you can install a Level 2 charger. ComEd and Ameren both have rebate programs and off-peak rates.
- Public Level 2: Found at malls, libraries, and some workplaces. Usually costs a couple of dollars for a few hours of charging.
- Public DC fast charging: Convenient for long trips but costs much more. Expect $10–$30 per session depending on provider. Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and EVgo all operate across Illinois.
Upfront Charger Costs (and Incentives)
Installing a home Level 2 charger in Illinois runs about $700–$1,200 if your electrical panel doesn’t need an upgrade. If it does, expect to pay several thousand. Incentives can help:
- ComEd EV rebate program offers bill credits for home charging setups.
- State of Illinois rebate: The Illinois EPA has offered up to $4,000 for new EV purchases and $1,500 for used ones (rebates reopen Oct. 2025).
It’s worth checking your utility, since some offer time-of-use discounts or even unlimited charging plans for a flat monthly fee.
Level 2 vs. Level 3: Speed vs. Cost
- Level 2 (home or workplace): Delivers 7–11 kW. Two hours adds 30–40 miles of range. Costs just a few bucks.
- Level 3 (DC fast): Delivers 50–350 kW. Adds 200+ miles in 20–30 minutes but costs far more. Rarely worth it for everyday Illinois commuters.
Illinois-Specific Tips to Save on EV Charging
- Charge overnight: Both ComEd and Ameren offer cheaper rates after 9 or 10 p.m.
- Look for free charging: Many Park District lots, municipal buildings, and some big-box stores provide free Level 2 charging.
- Stack rebates: Combine state EV purchase rebates with federal tax credits and utility incentives.
- Consider solar: Homeowners installing solar panels in Illinois can dramatically cut long-term charging costs, especially with net metering programs.
Bottom Line for Illinois Drivers
Charging an EV in Illinois generally costs about half as much as fueling a gas vehicle — but your personal results depend on where you live, how you drive, and how you charge.
If you can install a home charger and take advantage of overnight utility rates, your annual savings can easily exceed $1,000. But if you rely heavily on public fast charging in Chicago or downstate, the cost advantage shrinks quickly.
As Harmon summed it up: “EVs in Illinois are a money-saver for most drivers, but only if you plug in smart.”