EV vs Petrol Comparison
EV vs Petrol Cost: Boston → San Francisco
How much cheaper is an electric vehicle compared to petrol on this 5200 km route? Prices updated May 11, 2026.
Cost Comparison
One-way energy cost for EV models vs petrol vehicles. Home charging at USD 0.18/kWh, DC fast at USD 0.64/kWh.
| Vehicle | Energy used | Home charge | DC fast | Saving vs car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 3 | 825.4 kWh | USD 145.68 | USD 528.25 | USD 1799.98 saved |
| Tesla Model 3 | 742.9 kWh | USD 131.11 | USD 475.43 | USD 1814.55 saved |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 1238.1 kWh | USD 218.52 | USD 792.38 | USD 1727.14 saved |
| MG4 | 764.7 kWh | USD 134.97 | USD 489.41 | USD 1810.70 saved |
| BMW iX3 | 963.0 kWh | USD 169.96 | USD 616.30 | USD 1775.70 saved |
| Petrol Car (Regular) | 433.3 L | USD 1945.67 | — | reference |
| Petrol Van (Diesel) | 577.8 L | USD 3258.09 | — | reference |
DC Fast Charging Time
Time to recharge the energy used for this 5200 km route at DC fast charge speed.
United States EV Electricity Rates
Rates used in the calculations above.
EV Questions: Boston to San Francisco
Is an EV cheaper than petrol for Boston to San Francisco?
Yes, on home charging, the best EV option for this 5200 km route costs approximately USD 131.11, compared to USD 1945.67 for a petrol car on Regular. That's a saving of USD 1814.55 per one-way trip. DC fast charging is slightly more expensive but still competitive.
How long does it take to recharge an EV for this route?
It depends on the EV and charger type. On a DC fast charger, most EVs listed here can replenish the energy used for this route in 10–40 minutes. Home AC charging typically takes several hours for the equivalent energy. See the charging time breakdown in the table above.
What is the electricity rate for EV charging in United States?
The home charging rate used here is USD 0.18/kWh. Public DC fast charging is estimated at USD 0.64/kWh. Rates may vary by charger operator and subscription plan.
Which EV is most efficient for highway driving in United States?
Among the reference models listed here, the Tesla Model 3 achieves approximately 7.0 km/kWh on highway routes, making it one of the most efficient for long-distance travel. Real-world performance may vary with speed, air conditioning, and load.
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