Charging

The Real Cost of Charging Your EV: Pacific Northwest City Comparison

•12 min read•By Electric Cascades Team
car charging at home and car charging at public charger

The Pacific Northwest might just be the sweet spot for EV economics. With gas prices consistently hovering around $3.80 per gallon and electricity rates that are still below the national average, the math for going electric here is particularly compelling. But here's what surprised me: even within our region, your charging costs can vary dramatically depending on which city you call home.

Whether you're considering an EV or already driving electric, understanding the actual cost to charge is crucial. And honestly, after crunching these numbers, the differences between cities might surprise you – they certainly surprised me.

Home Charging Costs by City

Let's dive into what you'll actually pay to charge at home across the Pacific Northwest. I've gathered the latest 2025 rates from each utility, and the spread is wider than you might think.

Portland (PGE Territory)

Current Rate: $0.1375/kWh (as of February 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $34.38 Recent Changes: PGE raised rates 5.5% in January 2025, following an 18% increase in 2024

Portland residents have seen their rates climb significantly – my own bill shows the impact. The average PGE customer now pays about $160 monthly for all electricity use. For EV charging specifically, that translates to about $34 monthly if you're adding 250 kWh (roughly 800-900 miles of driving in an efficient EV).

Money-Saving Strategy: PGE already offers Time of Day rates that can save you money by shifting usage to off-peak hours. Consider enrolling if you can charge overnight or during lower-demand periods.

Seattle (Seattle City Light)

Current Rate: $0.1375/kWh (as of January 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $34.38 Recent Changes: 4.3% increase in 2025, with another 4.9% coming in 2026

Seattle actually matches Portland's rates now, which wasn't the case a few years ago. City Light customers benefit from the utility's heavy reliance on hydropower, though rates have been catching up to regional averages.

Money-Saving Strategy: Seattle City Light will launch Time of Use rates in mid-2025. Early adopters could save significantly by shifting charging to off-peak hours.

Vancouver, WA (Clark Public Utilities)

Current Rate: $0.0879/kWh (no change in 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $21.98 Recent Changes: 14.5% increase in March 2024, but no increase for 2025

Here's where it gets interesting – Vancouver residents enjoy THE lowest rates in the region by far. Clark Public Utilities held rates steady for over a decade before the 2024 adjustment, and they're holding steady again for 2025.

Money-Saving Strategy: With already low rates and no Time of Use option, the best strategy is simple: charge at home whenever convenient. Plus, no state income tax means you keep more of the federal EV tax credit.

Eugene (EWEB)

Current Rate: $0.1078/kWh (as of February 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $26.95 Recent Changes: 7.7% increase in February 2025, with another 4% coming in October

Eugene Water & Electric Board customers benefit from the utility's 80% hydropower mix. Even with recent increases, rates remain competitive. The staggered increase approach EWEB is using helps ease the impact on customers.

Money-Saving Strategy: EWEB offers robust efficiency programs. Combine home weatherization improvements with EV ownership to maximize savings.

Bend (Pacific Power)

Current Rate: ~$0.14-0.15/kWh (as of January 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $35-37.50 Recent Changes: 9.8% increase in 2025, following years of double-digit increases

Bend residents face some of the highest rates in our comparison. Pacific Power has raised rates nearly 50% since 2021, driven partly by wildfire mitigation costs and infrastructure upgrades.

Money-Saving Strategy: Pacific Power offers Time of Use rates with significant off-peak savings. The on-peak charge adds $0.1427/kWh, but off-peak provides a $0.0379/kWh credit.

Spokane (Avista)

Current Rate: ~$0.123/kWh (as of January 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $30.75 Recent Changes: 2% increase in 2025, with 7.5% more coming in 2026

Avista customers see moderate rates compared to the region. The utility's diverse energy mix helps stabilize costs, though the loss of coal generation by end of 2025 may impact future rates.

Money-Saving Strategy: Avista's rates are actually 34% below the national average. Focus on efficiency rather than time-shifting for now.

Bellingham (Puget Sound Energy)

Current Rate: ~$0.147/kWh (as of January 2025) Monthly Cost (250 kWh): $36.75 Recent Changes: 12% increase in 2025, with another 6% coming in 2026

PSE territory has some of the highest rates in our survey. The utility is investing heavily in renewable energy to meet state requirements, driving costs up significantly.

Money-Saving Strategy: PSE offers Time of Use rates. With rates this high, the savings from shifting to off-peak charging become even more valuable.

Public Charging Breakdown

Now, let's talk about those times when you need to charge away from home. Public charging costs have increased significantly across the Pacific Northwest, and the pricing structure can be confusing.

Electrify America

  • Guest Rate: $0.48-0.64/kWh (varies by location, highest in PNW)
  • Pass+ Member Rate: $0.36-0.48/kWh (25% discount)
  • Membership Cost: $7/month
  • Idle Fees: $0.40/minute after 10-minute grace period

At these rates, adding 50 kWh (about 150-200 miles) costs $24-32 as a guest, or $18-24 with membership. That's significantly more than home charging anywhere in the PNW.

EVgo

  • Rates: Similar to Electrify America, typically $0.35-0.50/kWh
  • Membership: Optional, provides modest discounts
  • Coverage: Good in metro areas, limited on highways

ChargePoint

  • Rates: Set by individual site hosts, varies widely
  • Range: Free to $0.50+/kWh
  • Best Strategy: Use the app to check prices before arriving

Tesla Superchargers (Now Open to Other EVs)

  • Non-Tesla Rate: Typically $0.40-0.48/kWh
  • Peak Pricing: Can increase during high-demand periods
  • Availability: Growing but still limited for non-Tesla vehicles

The Math That Matters

Let's put this in perspective with real-world examples:

Monthly Charging Cost Comparison (250 kWh)

  • Lowest: Vancouver, WA - $21.98
  • Highest: Bellingham - $36.75
  • Annual Difference: $177

Cost Per Mile (assuming 3.5 miles/kWh efficiency)

  • Vancouver, WA: $0.025/mile
  • Portland/Seattle: $0.039/mile
  • Bellingham: $0.042/mile
  • Public Charging: $0.11-0.18/mile

Gas Savings Calculator At current gas prices (~$3.80/gallon in the PNW) and comparing to a 30 MPG vehicle:

  • Gas cost per mile: $0.127
  • Home charging saves: $0.085-0.098 per mile
  • Annual savings (12,000 miles): $1,020-1,176

But here's the thing – public charging can actually cost MORE than gas in some cases. At $0.64/kWh, you're paying about $0.18/mile, which is significantly more expensive than driving that 30 MPG gas car.

City-Specific Tips

Portland

  • PGE's free Level 2 charging at some Fred Meyer locations still exists – I've used them for years
  • Take advantage of PGE's existing Time of Day rates for overnight charging
  • Consider the PGE Smart Charging pilot program

Seattle

  • Take advantage of workplace charging programs if available
  • City Light's lower base charge benefits high-usage EV households
  • New Time of Use rates in mid-2025 could save 20-30% for flexible chargers

Vancouver, WA

  • You're already winning on rates – enjoy it!
  • No state income tax maximizes federal EV tax credit value
  • Clark Public Utilities offers excellent customer service for EV questions

Eugene

  • EWEB's renewable mix means super clean charging
  • University of Oregon offers public charging at reasonable rates
  • Take advantage of efficiency rebates to reduce overall energy costs

Bend

  • Tourist season can make public chargers busy and expensive
  • Consider solar – high rates make rooftop solar more attractive
  • Winter charging efficiency drops more at altitude

Spokane

  • Avista's rates remain reasonable despite upcoming increases
  • Cold weather impacts mean budget 20-30% more kWh in winter
  • Good Electrify America coverage along I-90

Bellingham

  • PSE territory rates make home solar increasingly attractive
  • Canadian border means checking BC Hydro rates for trips north
  • University charging often cheaper than commercial options

Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Here's what often gets overlooked in the EV charging conversation:

Charging Network Memberships

  • Multiple $5-10/month fees add up if you need several networks
  • Annual costs can reach $100+ for frequent road trippers

Idle Fees

  • Electrify America: $0.40/minute after 10 minutes
  • Can add $12-24 to a charging session if you're not prompt

Demand Charges

  • Rare for residential, but possible with multiple EVs
  • Can add $20-50/month if you exceed certain power levels

Efficiency Losses

  • Level 2 home charging: ~10-15% loss
  • DC fast charging: ~5-10% loss
  • Cold weather: Additional 20-40% range loss means more kWh needed

Key Takeaways

After diving deep into these numbers, here's what stands out:

Cheapest City for Home Charging: Vancouver, WA wins by a huge margin at $0.0879/kWh Most Expensive Public Charging: Electrify America guest rates now reaching $0.64/kWh in the PNW Best Overall Value: Vancouver, WA (lowest rates + no state income tax) Biggest Money-Saving Strategy: Charge at home whenever possible – public charging can cost 4-7x more

Universal Money-Saving Strategies:

  1. Always charge at home when possible
  2. Join charging networks you'll use more than twice monthly
  3. Use apps to find free Level 2 charging (still common at hotels, shopping centers)
  4. Consider Time of Use rates where available
  5. Combine trips to minimize public charging needs

The reality? Even in the most expensive PNW city, home charging costs less than a third of what you'd pay for gas. But rely too heavily on public charging, and those savings evaporate quickly.

As someone who's been driving electric through multiple rate increases, I can say this: the convenience of home charging isn't just about skipping gas stations – it's about predictable, lower costs that make every adventure more affordable. Even with rising electricity rates, I'm still paying less per mile than I ever did with gas, and that morning ritual of unplugging a fully charged car never gets old.

Just remember to factor in your actual electricity rates when calculating EV savings. Your neighbor in the next city might be paying more or less than you for the exact same electrons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in Portland?

In Portland, PGE charges $0.1375/kWh for residential electricity. For a typical EV driver using 250 kWh per month (about 875 miles of driving), that's $34.38 monthly. To fully charge a 77 kWh battery like in an Ioniq 5, you'd pay about $10.59.

What's the cheapest city for EV charging in the Pacific Northwest?

Vancouver, WA has the lowest electricity rates in the region at just $0.0879/kWh through Clark Public Utilities. That's about 36% cheaper than Portland or Seattle, and 40% less than Bellingham. Plus, Washington has no state income tax, maximizing your federal EV tax credit.

Is public EV charging more expensive than gas?

Yes, it can be. At Electrify America's peak rates of $0.64/kWh, you're paying about $0.18 per mile – that's MORE than driving a 30 MPG gas car at current prices. However, home charging still costs just $0.025-0.042 per mile, making it 70-80% cheaper than gas.

How much can I save with Time of Use electricity rates?

Time of Use savings vary by utility, but can be significant. Pacific Power offers the most dramatic split with a $0.1427/kWh surcharge during peak hours but a $0.0379/kWh credit for off-peak charging. Charging exclusively during off-peak hours could save 25-35% on your EV charging costs.

Do I need a special electricity rate plan for my EV?

Not necessarily. Most standard residential rates work fine for EV charging. However, if you can shift your charging to overnight hours, Time of Use plans offered by PGE, Seattle City Light (coming mid-2025), Pacific Power, and PSE can provide significant savings.

How much does a full charge cost for popular EVs in the Pacific Northwest?

Here's what you'd pay to fully charge common EVs at average PNW home rates ($0.125/kWh):

  • Nissan Leaf (40 kWh): $5.00
  • Tesla Model 3 LR (75 kWh): $9.38
  • Ford F-150 Lightning (98 kWh): $12.25
  • Rivian R1T (135 kWh): $16.88

Which charging networks are cheapest in the Pacific Northwest?

For public charging, your best bets are:

  1. Free Level 2: Still available at some Fred Meyer, hotels, and municipal lots
  2. ChargePoint: Varies widely but sometimes as low as $0.20/kWh
  3. Tesla Superchargers: $0.40-0.48/kWh for non-Teslas
  4. Electrify America with Pass+: $0.36-0.48/kWh (requires $7/month membership)

Pro tip: Use PlugShare to find charging locations and check real-time pricing and availability. The app's user reviews often highlight free charging spots that aren't widely advertised, and you can filter by network, charging speed, and price to find the best deals in your area.

Why are Bend and Bellingham electricity rates so high?

Both cities face higher rates due to infrastructure investments and clean energy transitions. Pacific Power (Bend) has invested heavily in wildfire mitigation after major lawsuits. Puget Sound Energy (Bellingham) is rapidly building renewable generation to meet Washington's clean energy requirements, with costs passed to ratepayers.

Should I get solar panels if I have an EV?

With higher electricity rates, solar becomes increasingly attractive. In Bellingham or Bend where rates exceed $0.14/kWh, solar payback periods are shorter. The combination of solar + EV can lock in transportation costs for decades. Cities with lower rates like Vancouver, WA have longer solar payback periods but still benefit from energy independence.

How accurate are EV range estimates for Pacific Northwest driving?

Cold weather and mountainous terrain reduce efficiency. Plan for:

  • Summer: 90-100% of EPA-rated range
  • Winter: 60-80% of EPA-rated range
  • Mountain passes: Additional 10-20% energy consumption

This means you'll need more kWh (and higher charging costs) in winter months, especially for ski trips or mountain driving.