Electricity rates in Washington and what they mean for charging an EV

Average residential price, how it moved over the past year, the state's EV registration fee, and the annual home-charging cost of every current electric car.

Washington sits at 14.91¢ per kWh on a scale running from 13.11¢ in Nevada to 52.72¢ in Hawaii.

Households in Washington pay an average of 14.91¢ per kilowatt-hour, against a national average of 19.42¢. That is 23% below the U.S. figure, and it moved up 15% from 12.96¢ a year earlier.

EV registration fees in Washington

Most states charge electric vehicles an extra registration fee to make up for the gasoline tax they do not pay. What Washington currently has on the books, per the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center:

Electric Vehicle (EV) Fee

Owners of all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, except motorcycles, with an all-electric range of at least 30 miles must pay an annual registration fee of $150 and a $75 transportation electrification fee in addition to standard vehicle fees. The transportation electrification fee contributes to state programs supporting the adoption of EVs and deployment of EV charging infrastructure. Hybrid electric vehicles with an all-electric range of less than 30 miles and electric motorcycles are subject to an annual fee of $75 and $30, respectively, in addition to standard fees. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.17.323-324)

Most efficient, median and least efficient of the 223 electric cars on sale, charged at Washington prices.

Annual home-charging cost in Washington, by car

At 14.91¢/kWh and 12,000 miles a year. Sorted from most to least efficient.

States that pay about the same

Cheapest in the country: Nevada (13.11¢), Nebraska (13.25¢), Utah (13.37¢). Most expensive: Hawaii (52.72¢), California (34.74¢), Massachusetts (29.61¢). See all 51 →

Questions people ask about electricity and EVs in Washington

How much is electricity in Washington?

Households in Washington pay an average of 14.91¢ per kilowatt-hour, against a U.S. average of 19.42¢. That is 23% below the national figure, making it the 13th cheapest of 51 including DC. Prices moved up 15% over the past year, from 12.96¢.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Washington?

At 14.91¢ per kWh and 12,000 miles a year, home charging runs from $413 a year for the most efficient car on sale (the Lucid Air Pure) to $1,182 for the least efficient (the GMC Hummer EV SUV 2M20). Public DC fast charging costs substantially more per kWh than charging at home.

Does Washington charge an EV registration fee?

Yes. Washington charges an annual fee on electric vehicles of $30 to $150, on top of normal registration, to make up for the gasoline tax an EV does not pay. The exact amount depends on the vehicle type — the statutory text is quoted in full above.

Is Washington a cheap place to run an electric car?

On electricity price alone, yes. Charging a typical EV for a year costs $635 here, compared with $827 at the national average price. Registration fees and insurance vary by state too and are not included in that figure.

Electricity price is the state-wide average residential rate from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly table 5.6.A (May 2026). Your own utility's rate — and any time-of-use plan you are on — can differ substantially. Energy use per 100 miles is derived from EPA ratings; see any car's page for the method.