EV Road Trip Costs Rose Alongside Charging Rates
Recent analysis shows public charging costs have climbed, impacting the total expense of long-distance electric vehicle travel.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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An analysis published in October 2026 highlights the rising expense of public fast-charging along the West Coast. During a test trip from Oregon to California, drivers encountered rates as high as 69 cents per kilowatt-hour, a sharp increase from 2022 benchmarks.
Why it matters
The cost of fueling an electric vehicle on the road has become increasingly complex as network pricing fluctuates. Rising rates reflect the substantial financial pressures on charging providers, including costs for equipment upgrades, necessary maintenance, and property ground rent.
Public charging rates in Oregon hit 61 cents per kilowatt-hour, up from 43 cents in 2022, while California sites reached 69 cents. For a 745-mile trip, costs now range from $100 to $192 depending on the network used.
The players
Electrify America
A major provider of high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure that has recently faced increased pressure to manage equipment and maintenance costs.
The details
Drivers encountered high costs during an Interstate 5 trip, notably at a charging stop at Seven Feathers where the vehicle pulled nearly 100 kilowatt-hours of energy. Higher public prices are driven by the capital-intensive nature of maintaining high-speed charging stalls. By comparison, residential home electricity has also seen increases, moving from 12-14 cents to 19-22 cents per kilowatt-hour in recent years.
Timeline
2022: Benchmarked year for EV and gas pricing comparisons.
June 2022: Period of record high gasoline prices.
October 2026: Publication of the charging cost report.
The Home Front
Road trip costs are now being weighed against the historical gasoline price peaks seen in June 2022. This shift highlights how current public charging expenses compare to the traditional costs of filling a combustion-engine vehicle.
Before planning a long trip, check current pricing across different charging networks through your mobile apps to compare rates versus the 39-cent average seen at other providers. Evaluate your vehicle's energy needs at 10% battery capacity to estimate the total cost per charge.
The takeaway
Understanding the variability in public charging rates is essential for budgeting long-distance travel expenses. Use trip-planning applications to map out routes that favor lower-cost charging stations to keep your 745-mile trip closer to the $100 estimate.
Further reading
For more tips on optimizing your battery life and energy usage, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
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