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To estimate what an electric SUV will really cost, add its purchase price, financing, charging, insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes and fees, and any home-charging equipment and installation you need. Subtract only incentives you have confirmed you qualify for, and subtract estimated resale value only if you are including it consistently. Compare the result with another SUV over the same years and annual miles—not by sticker price alone.
Your estimate will depend on the SUV, where you live, how much you drive, where you charge, local electricity rates, financing, insurance, and purchase date. The worksheet below helps you make those inputs explicit, compare options fairly, and see which assumptions matter most.
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Start with a like-for-like ownership period
Choose how long you expect to keep the SUV and how many miles you expect to drive each year. Use those same assumptions for every vehicle in the comparison. A five-year estimate for one SUV is not directly comparable to a 10-year estimate for another; nor is a 10,000-mile annual estimate comparable to a 20,000-mile one.
Decide whether to include resale value. If you do, subtract an estimated resale amount at the end of the ownership period for every vehicle. Resale estimates are uncertain, particularly for newer or changing vehicle technologies, so record the source and date of each estimate. If you leave resale out, say so: the result is your cost before resale, not a complete net cost after selling the vehicle.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Also choose whether the calculation is undiscounted or discounted. An undiscounted total simply adds costs as paid. A discounted estimate converts future costs to present-day dollars using a rate you choose. Either approach can be useful, but use the same method and assumptions for every option.
Use one cost formula for every SUV
For your chosen ownership period, calculate:
Net ownership cost = purchase price + financing cost + electricity + insurance + maintenance + repairs + taxes and fees + charging equipment and installation − verified incentives − resale value, if included.
Keep the purchase price and financing cost distinct. If you pay cash, financing cost may be zero, but the purchase price is not. If you borrow, record the amount financed, interest rate, loan term, and total interest paid over the period you expect to own the SUV. Do not add every loan payment on top of the full purchase price: loan payments include principal, which is already represented by the vehicle price. Count the principal once and add the interest as the financing cost.
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- Vehicle price: the price you expect to pay for the specific trim, including options you intend to buy.
- Financing: total interest attributable to the ownership period, based on an actual loan offer or your best available terms.
- Electricity: home, workplace, and public charging costs, calculated separately before adding them.
- Insurance: the premium from an insurer’s quote for the exact vehicle and coverage you plan to carry.
- Maintenance and repairs: expected scheduled service and a separate allowance for unscheduled repairs, using vehicle-specific information where available.
- Taxes and fees: applicable purchase taxes, title and registration charges, and recurring local fees over the chosen period.
- Charging equipment: the equipment purchase price and installation costs in separate upfront rows, if needed.
- Incentives and resale: subtract only confirmed incentives; subtract resale only if you have chosen to model it.
Then calculate cost per mile: net ownership cost divided by total miles driven during the ownership period. For example, a five-year horizon at 12,000 miles per year means 60,000 miles. Cost per mile makes it easier to compare vehicles driven the same distance, but keep the total dollar cost beside it: a lower per-mile figure can still mean a larger total expense if the ownership period or mileage is longer.
Rank #2
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
Estimate electricity using the SUV’s efficiency and your charging mix
Find the vehicle’s electricity efficiency in kWh per 100 miles for the specific trim you are considering. For a simple estimate, multiply annual miles by that figure and divide by 100. The result is the approximate annual energy needed for driving, before accounting for real-world variation.
Annual driving energy (kWh) = annual miles × vehicle efficiency (kWh/100 miles) ÷ 100.
Next, divide the driving energy among home, workplace, and public charging. Apply the price you actually expect to pay at each location. If your electricity rate changes by time of day or season, use the applicable marginal rate for the hours when you expect to charge; do not assume that a promotional or off-peak rate applies to every kilowatt-hour.
Annual charging cost = home kWh × home rate + workplace kWh × workplace rate + public kWh × public rate.
Multiply the annual amount by the number of years you will own the SUV, or calculate each year separately if you expect mileage, rates, or charging patterns to change. A useful comparison also records the share of miles or energy assigned to each charging source. Two drivers with the same SUV can face different costs if one does nearly all charging at home and the other relies on higher-priced public charging.
Rank #3
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Illustrative electricity figures are not your tariff
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) consumer example uses electricity at 12.3 cents per kWh and says adding 100 miles of range costs $2.46. AFDC also gives 5,000 kWh as an illustrative annual amount for an average all-electric vehicle traveling 15,000 miles. These are examples, not a current universal rate or an SUV-specific forecast. Replace them with the selected SUV’s efficiency, your utility’s current rate, and your expected charging mix.
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For a location-specific comparison, the Department of Energy’s AFDC Vehicle Cost Calculator accepts vehicle purchase price, fuel type, electricity efficiency, range, fuel prices, and driving habits. It supports comparisons of up to eight vehicles, including custom entries. Treat its result as a structured estimate: review the inputs and replace them when you have better vehicle, rate, insurance, or financing information.
Work out whether you need home charging equipment
A home Level 2 charger is not a required cost for every EV owner. AFDC says Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet, does not require special equipment, and most EVs come with a cordset. That may suit some drivers, depending on daily mileage, charging time, and access to an outlet. Renters or apartment residents may instead use workplace or public charging if those options are practical and reliably available.
Level 2 equipment can generally charge a fully depleted EV overnight, although actual charging time depends on the vehicle and charger. Public charging ranges from lower-power options to DC fast charging, and stations differ in connector compatibility, availability, network access, and price. Check the exact SUV’s compatible connector and the stations you expect to use; do not assume every station or advertised rate will work for your vehicle.
Separate the charger from installation
AFDC gives a typical Level 2 equipment cost of $500 to $4,000 before installation and incentives. That is an equipment-only range, not a turnkey installed price. Put the charger itself and electrician, permit, or other installation costs on separate rows. Installation needs depend on the home’s electrical setup and local rules, so obtain a quote from a licensed electrical contractor and confirm whether permits are required. AFDC advises choosing equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL Solutions, and recommends ENERGY STAR-rated products.
Rank #4
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and plugs into a 240V outlet with a 14-50 receptacle, requiring a 40A or 50A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter
Ask your utility whether it offers a relevant rate plan, and use its current tariff rather than assuming that nighttime charging automatically lowers the bill. AFDC notes that charging at night may take advantage of low, stable residential rates, but the actual price depends on the utility and plan. Include any recurring plan fee or other condition if it changes your bill.
Use real insurance, maintenance, and repair inputs
Insurance requires a quote for your circumstances
Insurance costs vary with the driver, location, coverage, insurer, and vehicle. Get quotes for the exact SUV and comparable coverage limits and deductibles, then multiply the annual premium by the ownership years—or use year-by-year premiums if you have a reason to expect them to change. A generic estimate cannot replace a quote. When comparing an EV with a gasoline or hybrid alternative, keep the coverage assumptions consistent.
Lower routine service does not mean zero upkeep
AFDC explains that all-electric vehicles typically need less scheduled maintenance than comparable conventional vehicles. They have fewer moving parts and fewer routine fluids, and regenerative braking can reduce brake wear. The SUV still needs attention to items such as tires and other vehicle-specific service, and it can incur repair costs.
AFDC’s consumer chart reports average maintenance costs of $0.101 per mile for gasoline vehicles, $0.090 per mile for plug-in hybrids, and $0.061 per mile for all-electric vehicles. The retrieved page text does not give a publication year for these figures. They are broad averages, not a forecast for a particular SUV, driver, or repair history. Use them as context, not as a substitute for a vehicle-specific service schedule and your own repair estimate.
Treat battery warranty and replacement as separate questions
AFDC says batteries eventually wear, but comprehensive battery failure data are not available and manufacturers typically do not publish replacement pricing. It notes that many manufacturers offer battery warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles; check the exact vehicle’s warranty, including its coverage terms and any mileage or time limit. Do not build a universal battery replacement bill or failure probability into the estimate when you do not have a defensible vehicle-specific figure.
Best Value
- WORKS WITH EVERY TESLA + OTHER EVs: Built-in Tesla-style plug (NACS standard) connects directly to Tesla Model S, 3, X and Y - and any EV with a NACS port - no adapter needed. The plug even has a button to pop open your Tesla’s charge port. Non-Tesla J1772 vehicles can charge with a NACS-to-J1772 adapter (not included). The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? Your can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car’s port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Count taxes, fees, and incentives using your purchase location and date
Taxes and fees can change the comparison, so use the rules that apply where you will register the SUV. Record the amounts you can verify for purchase taxes, title, registration, and recurring charges over the ownership period. If you are comparing vehicles with different prices or powertrains, confirm that each fee is calculated correctly for that option and location.
Incentives are especially date-sensitive. AFDC’s consumer page says its cited federal clean-vehicle credits applied to qualifying vehicles acquired before September 30, 2025, and that the cited residential charging-property credit covered qualifying property placed in service by June 30, 2026, subject to location and other eligibility rules. Both dates have passed. Do not subtract either credit from a later purchase or installation based on that older eligibility window. Check current IRS and Treasury rules, as well as applicable state, utility, and local programs, for the transaction date and your specific vehicle, property, and buyer eligibility. Until eligibility and amount are confirmed, enter zero for that incentive.
Compare the alternatives without hiding assumptions
For each option, keep the ownership years and annual mileage fixed, and fill the same rows. A useful comparison includes the SUV’s size and trim, efficiency and range, purchase price, loan terms, charging access and rates, charger costs, insurance quotes, maintenance and repair exposure, local taxes and fees, verified incentives, and estimated resale value if included.
| Input | What to enter for each vehicle | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership horizon and miles | Same years and annual mileage for every option | Determines the period over which costs accrue and the denominator for cost per mile. |
| Price and financing | Expected transaction price, amount financed, rate, loan term, and interest paid during ownership | Separates the vehicle’s price from the cost of borrowing. |
| Energy use and rates | Vehicle efficiency, expected energy by charging source, and actual rates; for combustion options, fuel economy and local fuel prices | Turns driving habits and local energy prices into operating cost. |
| Insurance | Quote for the exact vehicle with the same coverage assumptions | A generic average may not reflect your driver profile or location. |
| Service and repairs | Vehicle-specific scheduled service and a clearly identified repair allowance | Lower routine maintenance does not eliminate tires, repairs, or other upkeep. |
| Taxes, fees, equipment | Local charges; separate charger equipment and installation rows where applicable | Location and home setup can change the upfront and recurring total. |
| Incentive and resale | Confirmed incentive eligibility and amount; consistent resale method if used | Prevents expired or ineligible credits and mismatched resale assumptions from distorting the result. |
A gasoline SUV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid is worth including only if it is a genuine option for you. The Department of Energy’s 2025 small-SUV total-cost model illustrates why there is no single EV-saving figure: over a modeled 15-year period, it estimated 51.8 cents per mile for a BEV300 and 45.3 cents per mile for a BEV200. The analysis included categories such as vehicle, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and taxes and fees. It attributed part of the modeled BEV300 result to an assumed battery cost of $170 per kWh and reported modeled parity with a hybrid electric vehicle at $102 per kWh. These are model outputs under specified assumptions, not retail battery prices or a direct estimate for an individual buyer in 2026.
A separate DOE fact sheet dated June 24, 2024 summarized an Argonne National Laboratory ZIP-code analysis from February 2024. In the national aggregation, pickups had the greatest potential fuel-cost savings from replacing same-size gasoline vehicles with EVs, followed by vans and SUVs; greater electrification was associated with greater savings. The result varied by ZIP code and powertrain and does not establish a dollar amount for an individual SUV owner. It is a reason to examine local energy costs and driving patterns, not to assume a particular saving.
Turn the estimate into a decision
Once the worksheet is filled, compare both total net cost and cost per mile. Then test the assumptions most likely to change your result. For example, recalculate electricity with a different home/public charging split, use a higher or lower annual mileage, or remove an unconfirmed incentive. This makes it clear whether the result depends on one optimistic input or remains similar across plausible scenarios.
- Check the inputs first: confirm the exact trim and efficiency, current electricity tariff, local fees, insurance quote, and loan terms.
- Separate known costs from estimates: mark dealer or insurer quotes as confirmed and keep modeled resale, future repair, and future rate assumptions visible.
- Inspect charging practicality: account for time, access, connector compatibility, and public-network pricing as well as energy cost.
- Report the method: state the ownership years, annual miles, whether resale is included, and whether totals are discounted.
The AFDC calculator can help organize vehicle and driving inputs, while the DOE total-cost study is useful for understanding cost categories and how assumptions affect modeled results. Neither replaces your own quotes and local prices. The most useful answer is the one another buyer could reproduce from your stated assumptions—and update when a rate, quote, incentive rule, or vehicle choice changes.
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