A study by an Oregon company specializing in EV charging installations and electrical upgrades maintains Oklahoma is one of the nation’s top 10 states in which to own an EV. The same study concluded you don’t want to own an EV in Alaska and Hawaii.
Oklahoma was ranked 6th best to own an EV based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA, and other sources to rank all 50 states on their EV-friendliness. The study evaluates states using seven weighted factors: charging infrastructure availability, cost savings compared to gas vehicles, EV adoption rates and growth, insurance costs, state incentives, and the local “eGallon” price (the electric equivalent of a gallon of gas).
Corey Gilgan, owner of Oregon Generators, contends state policies, infrastructure and electricity costs all factor into determining whether an electrical vehicle makes practical and financial sense.
Each factor was normalized on a 0-100 scale to create a comprehensive EV-Friendliness Score that reflects both current EV ecosystem maturity and future readiness.
Table 1: The Best 10 states To Own An EV In US
| Rank | State | EV Friendliness Score | EV Registrations per 10k People | EV Charging Stations per 100k People | Fuel Cost per 100 Miles Ratio (Gas/EV) | ($ per eGallon) | EV Insurance Cost ($) | No. of EV Incentives And Rebates laws | AAGR of EV Registrations per 10k People |
| 1 | Washington | 61.50 | 637 | 31 | 4.6 | $ 0.91 | $ 180 | 10 | 18.1% |
| 2 | Vermont | 53.83 | 521 | 72 | 2.1 | $ 1.74 | $ 141 | 7 | 17.8% |
| 3 | California | 52.29 | 860 | 43 | 1.9 | $ 2.44 | $ 217 | 24 | 18.1% |
| 4 | Oregon | 51.57 | 588 | 35 | 3.4 | $ 1.14 | $ 151 | 4 | 17.4% |
| 5 | Colorado | 49.72 | 475 | 41 | 2.6 | $ 1.18 | $ 210 | 10 | 22.9% |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 48.36 | 276 | 9 | 3.5 | $ 0.86 | $ 208 | 3 | 35.7% |
| 7 | Utah | 46.63 | 396 | 26 | 3.3 | $ 0.89 | $ 172 | 2 | 21.9% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 42.53 | 280 | 16 | 3.2 | $ 1.06 | $ 105 | 4 | 19.2% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 41.92 | 431 | 50 | 1.6 | $ 2.35 | $ 174 | 11 | 21.0% |
| 10 | Idaho | 41.82 | 288 | 10 | 3.5 | $ 0.89 | $ 122 | 1 | 19.9% |
Washington: EV Paradise in the Pacific Northwest
Washington tops the list with an impressive score of 61.50, significantly ahead of the second-place state. With 637 EV registrations per 10,000 people, Washington demonstrates strong EV adoption, supported by 31 charging stations per 100,000 residents.
What truly sets Washington apart is its remarkable 4.6 fuel cost ratio, meaning drivers save more than four times on fuel costs when choosing an electric vehicle over gas. This advantage stems from Washington’s abundant hydroelectric power, resulting in an eGallon cost of just $0.91 – among the lowest in the nation.
“Washington represents the gold standard for EV infrastructure and savings,” notes Gilgan. “The state’s combination of clean, low-cost electricity and strong policy support creates ideal conditions for electric vehicle ownership.”
Vermont: Small State, Big on EV Infrastructure
Vermont claims second place with a score of 53.83, standing out with an exceptional 72 charging stations per 100,000 people – the highest density in the top 10. This small state has prioritized accessibility, ensuring that range anxiety isn’t a barrier to adoption.
With 521 EVs per 10,000 residents, Vermont shows strong current adoption. The state offers 7 different EV incentive programs, helping offset the higher initial purchase costs of electric vehicles.
California: EV Pioneer Maintains Strong Position
California ranks third with a score of 52.29 and leads the nation with 860 EVs per 10,000 people – the highest adoption rate in America. The state continues to set the pace with an extensive network of 43 charging stations per 100,000 residents.
What truly distinguishes California is its unmatched 24 EV incentive and rebate programs, far exceeding any other state. However, higher electricity costs result in an eGallon price of $2.44 and a more modest fuel cost savings ratio of 1.9.
“California has been the proving ground for EV policies,” Gilgan explains. “While electricity costs are higher than in hydropower-rich states like Washington, the comprehensive incentive structure and mature charging network make it an EV-friendly environment.”
Table 2: The Worst 10 States To Own An EV In US
| Rank | State | EV Friendliness Score | EV Registrations per 10k People | EV Charging Stations per 100k People | Fuel Cost per 100 Miles Ratio (Gas/EV) | ($ per eGallon) | EV Insurance Cost ($) | No. of EV Incentives And Rebates laws | AAGR of EV Registrations per 10k People |
| 1 | Alaska | 23.51 | 193 | 9 | 1.9 | $ 1.96 | $ 162 | 1 | 19.9% |
| 2 | Hawaii | 25.24 | 481 | 25 | 1.3 | $ 3.65 | $ 121 | 3 | 16.3% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 25.81 | 305 | 31 | 1.4 | $ 2.58 | $ 224 | 4 | 20.3% |
| 4 | Michigan | 27.80 | 226 | 16 | 2.3 | $ 1.53 | $ 264 | 4 | 21.1% |
| 5 | Mississippi | 29.15 | 115 | 6 | 3.0 | $ 1.04 | $ 240 | 1 | 22.0% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 29.51 | 380 | 21 | 1.7 | $ 2.05 | $ 150 | 1 | 18.9% |
| 7 | Kentucky | 29.71 | 185 | 8 | 3.1 | $ 1.03 | $ 247 | 2 | 18.9% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 30.30 | 344 | 34 | 1.6 | $ 2.26 | $ 224 | 5 | 19.8% |
| 9 | Alabama | 30.59 | 160 | 10 | 2.8 | $ 1.19 | $ 195 | 2 | 20.6% |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 31.15 | 271 | 12 | 2.3 | $ 1.37 | $ 132 | 3 | 16.5% |