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EV charging costs in Iowa

Residential electricity in Iowa averaged 17.06¢ per kilowatt-hour in August 2026, 6% below the national average. Across 70 current electric cars, a year of home charging runs from $504 (2027 Lucid Air Pure RWD) to $1,388 (2025 GMC Hummer EV SUV 2X).

Assumptions: 12,000 miles a year, home Level 2 charging, and EPA combined consumption measured at the wall (so charging losses are already included). Gasoline comparison uses $3.50 a gallon at 30 MPG. Change any of these in the calculator.

Every model, cheapest first

A 30 MPG gasoline car covering the same 12,000 miles costs $1,400 a year in fuel at $3.50 a gallon, so in Iowa the average electric car on this list is $634 a year cheaper to fuel.

Questions

What is the average electricity rate in Iowa?

17.06¢ per kilowatt-hour for residential customers in August 2026, per EIA's Electric Power Monthly.

Is it cheaper to charge at home or use public chargers?

Home charging at the residential rate is almost always cheaper. Public DC fast charging is typically priced several times higher per kilowatt-hour.

Does my utility offer a cheaper EV rate?

Many do, and in high-rate states the overnight EV rate can be less than half the state average used here. It is worth checking your utility's rate schedule before assuming the average applies to you.