By EV Charge Cost Editorial Team. Published September 28, 2026, updated October 26, 2026.
How many EVs are SUVs?
Of the 91 EV models in our EPA data, 56 are classed as sport utility vehicles. That makes "how much does an electric SUV cost to charge" close to "how much does an EV cost to charge", with one catch: size matters. The EPA splits SUVs into small and standard classes, and the larger ones need more energy per mile: the standard-class median is 37.9 kWh/100 mi against 32.8 for small SUVs.
SUVs against cars and trucks
The table shows the median EPA rating for each body type in our data and what that costs at 18.16¢/kWh.
| Body type | Models | Median kWh/100 mi | Per 100 miles | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 27 | 33.8 | $6.14 | $69.03 | $828.38 |
| Small SUV | 30 | 32.8 | $5.96 | $67.03 | $804.34 |
| Standard SUV | 26 | 37.9 | $6.87 | $77.33 | $927.94 |
| Pickup | 6 | 48.7 | $8.85 | $99.56 | $1,194.74 |
The difference between a median car (33.8 kWh/100 mi) and a median SUV (34.9) is $27.60 a year at this price. Body type matters less than you might expect, because both groups include efficient and thirsty models. The effect of where you live is far bigger: the median SUV costs $49.96 a month in Nevada and $185.32 in Hawaii.
Popular electric SUVs
| SUV | kWh/100 mi | EPA range (mi) | Per month | Full charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 26.9 | 337 | $54.88 | $16.44 |
| Toyota bZ | 28.0 | 288 | $57.20 | $14.64 |
| Subaru Solterra | 28.9 | 278 | $59.09 | $14.60 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 29.1 | 261 | $59.42 | $13.78 |
| Kia EV6 | 31.6 | 295 | $64.52 | $16.92 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 31.6 | 206 | $64.55 | $11.82 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 32.6 | 307 | $66.64 | $18.18 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 33.6 | 240 | $68.72 | $14.66 |
| Honda Prologue | 34.1 | 294 | $69.61 | $18.19 |
| Tesla Model X | 34.2 | 329 | $69.97 | $20.46 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 34.5 | 269 | $70.48 | $16.85 |
| Nissan Ariya | 35.3 | 205 | $72.11 | $13.14 |
| Chevrolet Blazer EV | 35.6 | 283 | $72.82 | $18.32 |
| Cadillac Lyriq | 38.0 | 319 | $77.60 | $22.00 |
| Kia EV9 | 40.0 | 283 | $81.72 | $20.56 |
| Rivian R1S | 43.1 | 317 | $88.10 | $24.83 |
Each model page shows every trim, because the spread within one nameplate can be wide. Dual-motor versions, larger wheels and performance trims usually sit at the top of a model's range.
The most and least efficient SUVs
Across all SUVs, Tesla Model Y is the most efficient at 26.9 kWh/100 mi ($658.58 a year), and Audi SQ8 e-tron the least at 56.3 kWh/100 mi ($1,379.24 a year). Same class, same electricity price, a gap of $720.66 a year.
A year in the median SUV
Take the median electric SUV at 34.9 kWh per 100 miles and 13,500 miles a year. It draws about 4,714 kWh from the wall, or 393 kWh a month. At 18.16¢/kWh the year costs $855.98.
If a quarter of that energy came from public fast chargers at around $0.45 per kWh, the year would cost $1,172.26 instead. For most SUV owners, where they charge moves the bill more than which SUV they bought, so it is worth setting up home charging if you can. See public fast charging vs home charging.
Small SUV or large SUV?
The EPA's small SUV class in our data has a median of 32.8 kWh/100 mi; the standard (larger) class sits at 37.9. Over 13,500 miles that difference is $123.60 a year at the U.S. average price. If you need three rows, the larger class is the realistic choice, but it pays to compare models inside it: the spread from best to worst in each class is wider than the gap between the class medians.
What pushes an SUV's real cost up
- Frontal area. A tall, wide body pushes more air, and drag grows roughly with the square of speed, so highway-heavy drivers feel it most. See highway speed and EV efficiency.
- Wheels and tires. Big wheels are common on SUVs; our wheel size analysis shows what EPA data says about them.
- Roof boxes and bike racks. Anything that adds drag adds kWh.
- Winter. Heating a large cabin takes energy; see cold weather and charging cost.
Plug your SUV and state into the charging cost calculator for a personal figure, or browse all models on the vehicle pages.