“I used to plan around gas all the time. Now I charge at home for $18 a week and I’m good to go.”
Mili didn’t buy her EV on impulse. She’s a mechanical engineer — she made a spreadsheet first. She calculated her weekly mileage, compared the cost of home charging against what she was spending on gas, and ran the numbers until the numbers couldn’t be denied.
“As an engineer, I look at everything in numbers,” she says. “Driving an EV helps me manage my budget better.” Charging her Chevy Equinox EV at home runs about $18 a week. Over a year, she saves roughly $1,200 compared to what gas was costing her — savings that go straight to her mortgage and loans.
Her routine is simple. She plugs in overnight and wakes up with a full charge, even during a Chicago winter. “No gas stops, no maintenance stress,” she says. “It’s one less thing to think about.”
Mili with her Chevrolet Equinox EV
The thing Mili didn’t expect was how little she thinks about any of it now. No detours. No scheduling. No mental load. She plugs in at night the same way she plugs in her phone.
As a mechanical engineer, she appreciates the engineering behind the car, but it’s the economics she keeps coming back to. “Once you do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner,” she says. “The math gets better every year.”
$1,200
Saved on gas in year 1
315 mi
Weekly drive on one charge
0
Number of regrets
On switching from gas to electric:
“When I saw the long-term savings, it just made sense. The Equinox EV fits my lifestyle and my budget.”
Lifetime Savings of EV Ownership
Gas costs, maintenance, incentives: see how the numbers add up over the years you own an EV. Plug your driving into the calculator to see what you'd save.
Rebates & Incentives
Federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility programs that can take thousands off the cost of an EV. What's available depends on where you live — find every program you qualify for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
Most drivers spend $30–60/month on electricity for a full charge every night. That’s roughly a third of what a typical gas car costs in fuel.
Do I need a garage to own an EV?
No. Millions of EV drivers charge at apartments, workplaces, and public stations. Many never charge at home at all.
How far can an EV go on a single charge?
Most new EVs get 250–400+ miles per charge. For daily driving, most people charge once or twice a week.
Can I take an EV on a road trip?
Yes. Fast-charging networks cover major highways. A typical stop takes 20–30 minutes — enough for coffee and a stretch.
Are used EVs a good deal?
Used EV prices have dropped significantly. Many 2–3 year old models still have 90%+ battery health and qualify for federal tax credits.
What incentives are available for EVs?
Federal tax credits up to $7,500, plus state and utility rebates that vary by location. Use our incentive finder to see what you qualify for.