Electricity
Electricity is an alternative fuel that can be used to power all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars. Powering vehicles with electricity can be cost-effective and can have significant energy security and emissions benefits.
Costs
It's typically cheaper to fuel a vehicle with electricity than gasoline or diesel. However, the vehicles are typically more expensive than their gasoline counterparts.
Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are available for qualifying new and used plug-in vehicles to help offset these costs. State and local incentives are also available.
Annual fuel cost information on our site can help you determine whether a plug-in vehicle can save you money.
Availability (Charging)
The U.S. has an extensive electrical grid, and plug-in vehicles owners can re-charge their vehicles at home, work, or any of over 76,000 public charging stations across the country. The Department of Transportation is also establishing alternative fuel corridors along stretches of the U.S. highway system.
Visit Charging Your Plug-in Electric Car for more information about charging options.
Production
Renewables include hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal.
Source: EIA. Electric Power Monthly. Table 1.1. Net Generation by Energy Source: Total (All Sectors), 2015-June 2025. Table 1.1. Accessed August 2025.
In the U.S., electricity is produced almost entirely from domestic resources. About two thirds is generated from fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum. The rest is generated by nuclear power and renewables such as hydropower, solar, and wind.
Emissions
Powering a vehicle with electricity causes no tailpipe emissions, but emissions may be released by the power plants that produce the electricity.
Our Beyond Tailpipe Emissions calculator can help you estimate the emissions from an electric-powered vehicle in your area.
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More Information
Electricity Explained: Electricity in the United States (EIA)