How much does it cost to charge a Ford F-150 Lightning at home in California?
$47.48 for a full charge
- Per 100 miles
- $16.68
- A month at 1,000 miles
- $166.75
- Per mile
- 16.7¢
- Gas at 30 mpg, same miles
- $149.33
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Standard Range, EPA 48.0 kWh per 100 miles, at California’s average rate of 34.7¢ per kWh (EIA, June 2026). Filling the 123.0 kWh battery from empty takes about 137 kWh from the wall at 90% charging efficiency. How we calculate this
Electricity versus gasoline
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Gas car | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per 100 miles | $16.68 | $14.93 | $-1.74 |
| A month (1,000 mi) | $166.75 | $149.33 | $-17.42 |
| A year (12,000 mi) | $2,001.02 | $1,792.00 | $-209.02 |
Home charging beats gas for this car as long as electricity costs less than 31.1¢ per kWh. Negative differences mean the gas car is cheaper. The 30 mpg comparison car is our assumption; see the methodology.
What it costs at other monthly mileages
| Miles a month | Energy | Electricity | Gas (30 mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 240 kWh | $83.38 | $74.67 |
| 750 | 360 kWh | $125.06 | $112.00 |
| 1,000 | 480 kWh | $166.75 | $149.33 |
| 1,500 | 720 kWh | $250.13 | $224.00 |
| 2,000 | 960 kWh | $333.50 | $298.67 |
Charging in California compared with other states
California’s residential rate is the 2nd most expensive of 51 states and DC, 16.4¢ above the US average of 18.3¢ (+89%). California’s rate is up 1.2¢ from June 2025 (33.6¢, +3.4%).
Ways to spend less
- Ask your utility about a time-of-use or EV rate and schedule charging for off-peak hours; the car or charger can do it automatically.
- Precondition the cabin while the car is still plugged in, so heating or cooling comes from the grid instead of the battery.
- Keep tires at the pressure on the door-jamb sticker; underinflated tires raise consumption.
- Drive 100 fewer miles a month: saves $16.68 at 34.7¢ per kWh.
Questions
How much does it cost to fully charge a Ford F-150 Lightning in California?
About $47.48. Filling the 123.0 kWh battery from empty takes about 137 kWh from the wall at 90% charging efficiency. at 34.7¢ per kWh.
How much does it cost to charge a Ford F-150 Lightning per month?
About $166.75 a month at 1,000 miles (34.7¢ per kWh), or $2,001.02 a year in California. At the EPA rating of 48.0 kWh per 100 miles, 1,000 miles take 480 kWh from the wall.
How much does it cost to charge a Ford F-150 Lightning per mile?
16.7¢ a mile, or $16.68 per 100 miles in California.
Is charging a Ford F-150 Lightning cheaper than gas?
Not at these prices in California: $16.68 per 100 miles against $14.93 for a 30 mpg car at $4.48 a gallon. Electricity would need to cost under 31.1¢ per kWh to break even.
How many kWh does it take to charge a Ford F-150 Lightning?
Filling the 123.0 kWh battery from empty takes about 137 kWh from the wall at 90% charging efficiency. Most charging sessions top up part of the battery, so a typical night uses less.
How does charging in California compare with other states?
California’s residential rate is the 2nd most expensive of 51 states and DC, 16.4¢ above the US average of 18.3¢ (+89%). California’s rate is up 1.2¢ from June 2025 (33.6¢, +3.4%).
Sources
- EPA rating carrier: 2026: 123 kWh standard battery 300 mi EPA; 131 kWh extended 320 mi
- EPA rating carrier: 2026 Lightning combined MPGe 66-70; one reference to 48 kWh/100 mi
- U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov (official ratings; verify here)
- AAA, national average price of regular gasoline, September 24, 2026
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: average price of electricity to ultimate customers, residential, June 2026 Figures transcribed from republications of this table on September 26, 2026; pending direct verification from the EIA API.
- Carrier page: June 2026 residential average price, citing EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A
Usage assumptions (hours a day, season) are ours and listed on the methodology page. Found an error? Tell us.