BEV: $214.50/year ($17.88/month)
PHEV: $107.25/year ($8.94/month)
North Carolina EV Charging Costs (2026)
Data updated: March 5, 2026
North Carolina is a strong EV growth market where charging economics are shaped by utility territory and trip patterns more than by a single statewide average. In practice, drivers in metro corridors and suburban counties can see different cost outcomes based on available utility programs, delivery charges, and charging time windows. The most reliable strategy is to evaluate full-bill impact and then schedule charging for lower-cost periods.
Average Rate
$0.13/kWh
Rank #12 out of 50
EV Adoption
3.1%
State adoption estimate
North Carolina Electricity Rates
Current rates by utility territory, with EV program details.
$0.13/kWh
$0.05/kWh below US average
Public Level 2 (est.): $0.29/kWh ($0.25-$0.38/kWh)
Public DC fast (est.): $0.46/kWh ($0.41-$0.55/kWh)
Estimated public charging prices derived from local electricity rates. Actual prices vary by network, location, and fees.
Many utilities offer off-peak EV charging options that can lower effective charging costs.
| Utility | Avg Rate |
|---|---|
| Duke Energy Progress - (NC) | $0.15/kWh |
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | $0.13/kWh |
Utility Context for North Carolina EV Drivers
North Carolina combines investor-owned utilities, municipal systems, and electric cooperatives. EV cost planning works best when drivers verify territory-specific tariffs, review active charging programs, and separate daily home charging from occasional public fast-charging use.
- North Carolina Utilities Commission oversight and territory rules are central to how EV rate structures are implemented across providers.
- Duke Energy's EV resources and EV Complete pathways provide practical guidance for charger setup and managed charging behavior in eligible service areas.
- NCDOT's NEVI and Clean Transportation planning is expanding corridor charging coverage, which is most relevant for intercity and highway travel reliability.
- Program eligibility and incentive conditions can change by funding cycle, so NC drivers should confirm current state-law and utility-program details before committing to equipment purchases.
Rates updated monthly | Source: EIA and utility filings.
North Carolina EV Registration Fee
Law reference: North Carolina General Statutes 20-87 and 20-4.02
Source: afdc.energy.gov
Note: Fixed annual surcharge.
EV Charging Costs by City in North Carolina
View more North Carolina cities ->| City | Avg Rate | Monthly Cost Estimate | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $0.13/kWh | $34.21/month | View city page -> |
| Raleigh | $0.15/kWh | $39.47/month | View city page -> |
| Greensboro | $0.13/kWh | $34.21/month | View city page -> |
| Durham | $0.15/kWh | $39.47/month | View city page -> |
| Winston-Salem | $0.15/kWh | $39.47/month | View city page -> |
How North Carolina Compares to Nearby States
| State | Rate | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (Current) | $0.13/kWh | #12 |
| Virginia | $0.15/kWh | #27 |
| Tennessee | $0.13/kWh | #14 |
| Georgia | $0.14/kWh | #18 |
| South Carolina | $0.15/kWh | #26 |
| Arkansas | $0.12/kWh | #2 |
Calculate Your North Carolina EV Charging Costs
Start with your ZIP code and EV model to open the full savings calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an EV in North Carolina?
Home charging in North Carolina averages around $0.13/kWh. Public Level 2 sessions are estimated around $0.25-$0.38/kWh, while DC fast charging is estimated around $0.41-$0.55/kWh depending on network and membership. Final cost can also include session or idle fees.
What is the cheapest time to charge an EV in North Carolina?
Overnight off-peak windows are usually the lowest-cost charging period in North Carolina. Check your local utility TOU schedule to confirm eligible hours and price windows.
How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla Model Y in North Carolina?
Charging a Tesla Model Y from near-empty in North Carolina costs approximately $9.87 at home, $22.01 at a public Level 2 station, and $34.91 at a DC fast charger, based on EPA efficiency of 25.3 kWh/100 miles and an estimated 300-mile range.
Is home charging cheaper than public fast charging in North Carolina?
Yes - at $0.13/kWh, home charging in North Carolina costs 72% less per kWh than DC fast charging.
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Internal Resources
Data updated monthly where available.