- Electric vehicles
- MY2022–2027
Cheapest EVs to Charge
The cheapest 2026 EV to charge is the Lucid Air (Pure with 19 inch wheels · RWD) at about $640 a year, $260 less than the median EV ($900) among the 66 EVs ranked.
The leader went from $700 in MY2022 (Tesla Model 3) to $640 in MY2026 (Lucid Air); the top-10 median went from $770 to $720.
Partial model year: 46 MY2027 models rated as of Sep 29, 2026. This ranking will change as EPA adds more. MY2027 is still partial: see the 2027 ranking
Lowest cost
$640/yr
Lucid Air · 2026
Median model
$900/yr
2026
Models ranked
66
2026
Model years covered
6
MY2022–2027
Top 10 for 2026
| 1 |  | $640 | 23.1 | 146 | 420 | −$260 |
| 2 |  | $670 | 24.3 | 139 | 321 | −$230 |
| 2 |  | $670 | 24.4 | 138 | 321 | −$230 |
| 4 |  | $700 | 25.5 | 131 | 314 | −$200 |
| 4 |  | $700 | 25.7 | 129 | 308 | −$200 |
| 6 |  | $730 | 26.6 | 126 | 301 | −$170 |
| 7 |  | $740 | 27.0 | 127 | 307 | −$160 |
| 7 |  | $740 | 27.0 | 126 | 374 | −$160 |
| 9 |  | $750 | 27.1 | 124 | 410 | −$150 |
| 10 |  | $760 | 27.8 | 121 | 303 | −$140 |
Year by year: leader and top-10 median
The leader of each model year and the median of that year's top 10, both computed from the same rows as the yearly rankings. The leader's name opens that year's full ranking.
| 2027 | Lucid Air partial year | $640 | $760 | 46 |
| 2026 | $640 | $720 | 66 | |
| 2025 | $640 | $750 | 68 | |
| 2024 | $660 | $770 | 58 | |
| 2023 | $650 | $770 | 41 | |
| 2022 | $700 | $770 | 32 |
Open a model year
How this list is built
Every line below is read from the list definition that produced the table.
- Classes: every EPA class except special-purpose vehicles.
- Powertrains: Electric.
- Ranked by annual fuel cost, lowest first.
- One row per model (make and model): the configuration that ranks best in this list is shown, with its trim, engine and drive named in the row.
- Ties are decided on the displayed value (whole miles, kWh per 100 miles to one decimal, cost rounded to $10): tied models share a rank, then are ordered by a tie-breaker and by name.
- Special-purpose vehicles, such as heavy-duty variants, are excluded.
- Annual cost assumes 15,000 miles a year at the EPA rating and the dated national fuel prices stamped below; it is rounded to $10 and all differences use the rounded values.
- Model years MY2022 to MY2027; a year is listed only when at least 10 models qualify.
Data and period
- EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026
- Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. average, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh)
- 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway
Frequently asked questions
Which 2026 EV is the cheapest to charge?
The cheapest 2026 EV to charge is the Lucid Air (Pure with 19 inch wheels · RWD) at about $640 a year, $260 less than the median EV ($900) among the 66 EVs ranked.
Which model years does this ranking cover?
MY2022 to MY2027. A year gets its own page only when at least 10 models qualify, so the pages cover 6 model years.
Which model year does the top 10 above show?
MY2026, the latest complete model year. MY2027 is still being rated by EPA and is listed as a partial year.
How are ties, trims and drivetrains handled?
Each model appears once, with the configuration that ranks best in this list; its trim, engine and drive are named in the row. Models with the same displayed value share a rank (1, 2, 2, 4) and are then ordered by a tie-breaker and by name. See the methodology.
How is annual fuel cost calculated?
15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating and the national average price of the fuel each car uses (premium where required), electricity at the national residential price, and the EPA utility factor for plug-in hybrids. Costs are rounded to $10. See the methodology.