EV vs Gas Cost Comparison in South Carolina
See whether an EV beats gas in South Carolina for 2026: about $667 a year in fuel savings at $0.137/kWh vs $2.9/gal. Compare full 5-year ownership cost, maintenance, and incentives.
Data last updated July 2026. Sources & methodology
What South Carolina Residents Should Know
Electricity in South Carolina averages $0.137 per kWh — below the national average — while regular gasoline runs $2.90 per gallon, which is below the U.S. mean. At these rates, an average EV costs roughly $0.04 per mile to drive compared to about $0.10 per mile for a 30-mpg gas car. Over 12,000 miles a year, that translates to approximately $720 in annual fuel savings for the EV owner.
While South Carolina does not widely offer time-of-use electricity plans, the flat residential rate still makes EV ownership cost-effective for most drivers. Charging at home with a Level 2 charger takes about 8 hours for a full battery, and the average monthly electricity increase is roughly $41 for every 1,000 miles driven. Many EV owners find that their overall transportation costs drop substantially even without TOU incentives.
Fuel is only part of the story. EVs skip oil changes and spark plugs and wear brakes far more slowly thanks to regenerative braking, typically saving another $0.04–$0.06 per mile in maintenance — roughly $500–$700 a year at 12,000 miles. The EV case is strongest for South Carolina drivers who can charge at home and keep the vehicle for several years; if you rely mostly on public fast charging or drive very little, the advantage narrows.
Avg. Electricity Rate
$0.137/kWh
Avg. monthly bill: $155
Regular Gas Price
$2.90/gal
Natural gas: $1.15/therm
Incentives in South Carolina
Federal clean energy tax credits ended in late 2025 under legislation passed in July 2025; they are shown below for reference since recent purchasers may still claim them. State programs are governed separately and many remain active — always verify current details with the program before purchasing.
| Incentive | Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (30D)Ended | tax credit | $7,500 | Federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new qualifying EVs. Ended September 30, 2025 — vehicles acquired after that date do not qualify. Buyers with a binding contract and payment made by the deadline may still claim it for 2025. |
| Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (25E)Ended | tax credit | 30% | Federal tax credit of up to $4,000 (30% of sale price) for qualifying used EVs bought from licensed dealers. Ended September 30, 2025 — vehicles acquired after that date do not qualify. |
EV vs Gas Cost in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it cheaper to drive an EV or a gas car in South Carolina?
- At South Carolina's $0.137/kWh electricity and $2.90/gal gas, an EV costs about $0.04 per mile versus roughly $0.10 per mile for a 30-mpg gas car — so driving electric is cheaper for most drivers.
- How much can I save per year driving an EV in South Carolina?
- Over 12,000 miles a year, an EV owner in South Carolina saves roughly $667 in fuel compared with a gas car, before factoring in lower maintenance costs.
- What is the average electricity rate in South Carolina?
- Residential electricity in South Carolina averages about $0.137 per kWh, and the typical monthly bill is around $155.
- Are there EV incentives in South Carolina?
- South Carolina does not currently offer statewide EV purchase incentives, and the federal clean-vehicle credits ended September 30, 2025. Some local utilities offer EV rate plans or charger rebates, so check with yours.
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