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How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Subaru Solterra in Illinois?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home in Illinois costs approximately $55/month — that's $0.055/mile and saves $1,013/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Illinois's gas price of $3.90/gallon.

SUVs balance cargo space with reasonable efficiency, making them the most popular EV body style in the U.S. — and this one handles that balance well. Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving.

Cost per Mile

$0.055

home charging

Monthly Cost

$55

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,013

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra is a joint development between Subaru and Toyota (where it's sold as the bZ4X), bringing Subaru's legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive and outdoor-focused engineering to the EV market. 227 miles of range is modest, but Subaru's 4WD capability is genuine.

Advantages

✓Subaru Symmetrical AWD — engineered specifically for off-road and winter conditions

✓Familiar Subaru-ness with EyeSight driver assistance standard

✓Subaru's outdoor-brand identity and loyal following

✓Shared Toyota platform ensures engineering stability

Considerations

✗100 kW DCFC is slow — 10–80% takes approximately 56 minutes

✗227-mile range is the lowest of any new EV SUV in 2025

✗3.1 mi/kWh efficiency is average; the low range amplifies the gap vs. competitors

✗No single-motor/RWD version — AWD standard

Ideal Buyer

Subaru Outback and Forester loyalists who want AWD in an EV. Winter-climate buyers for whom Subaru AWD is a cultural requirement. Rural buyers who need genuine all-weather capability.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Direct EV equivalent of a Subaru Forester or Outback. Gas equivalent is approximately 28–30 MPG for the Subaru Outback.

Subaru Solterra Charging Cost Breakdown in Illinois

Illinois's electricity rate of $0.17/kWh is at the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $12.24 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.17

$55

$658

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.31

$99

$1,185

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$158

$1,897

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.90/gal

$139

$1,671

Based on 1,000 miles/month. Public L2 estimated at 1.8× home rate. DC fast charging at national average of $0.49/kWh.

2026 Subaru SolterraSpecs & Charging Data

100 kW DCFC maximum. 72 kWh battery with 10–80% in approximately 56 minutes. Level 2 at home (6.6 kW onboard) fully charges in approximately 12 hours — a 7.2 kW Level 2 charger is recommended.

Battery

72 kWh

EPA Range

227 miles

Efficiency

3.1 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

32.3 kWh

DC Fast Charge

100 kW max

10–80% Time

~43 min

Body Type

SUV

MSRP

$44,995

Full Charge Cost

$12.24

EV Ownership in Illinois

Illinois, led by Chicago, is a major EV market. The Chicago metro area has strong EV adoption, particularly in the northern suburbs. State EV policy has been increasingly supportive with new incentive programs.

Incentives & Programs

Illinois offers the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate (up to $4,000 for eligible buyers through the Illinois EPA). ComEd offers a Level 2 charger rebate and off-peak EV rates. The state also exempts EVs from a portion of annual registration fees.

Charging Infrastructure

Chicago and suburbs have strong DCFC coverage. I-90 and I-88 corridors are well-served. Downstate Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, Champaign) is growing. Some rural stretches still have limited coverage.

Grid & Energy Source

Illinois' grid is ~54% nuclear (the highest of any state), with natural gas and growing wind. Nuclear dominance means Illinois EV charging is among the cleanest in the Midwest, despite the high reliance on an older grid mix.

IllinoisElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is $0.17/kWh, which is at the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.90/gallon, Illinois ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving. Your Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery provides up to 227 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$658

Subaru Solterra @ $0.17/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,671

@ $3.90/gallon in Illinois

You save every year by driving electric in Illinois

$1,013/year

That's $84/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Illinois

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a Subaru Solterra:

🏠 Home L2

$55

$55/mo

🔌 Public L2

$99

$99/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$158

$158/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$139

$139/mo

Tips for Charging Your Subaru Solterra in Illinois

Illinois's cold climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for Subaru Solterra owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

ComEd's Hourly Pricing program can drop rates below $0.05/kWh late at night when demand is low — advanced users can save significantly.

Chicago winters are harsh: expect 25–35% range reduction in January/February. Keep the car plugged in when not driving.

Illinois has the cleanest Midwestern grid due to nuclear dominance — charging here is genuinely low-carbon.

The Tollway (I-88, I-90) has EV charging at oases — convenient for longer-distance Illinois travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a Subaru Solterra at home in Illinois?

At Illinois's average residential rate of $0.17/kWh, charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home costs approximately $55/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $12.24.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Subaru Solterra?

A full charge of the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $12.24 at Illinois's rate of $0.17/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $35.28.

Is it cheaper to charge a Subaru Solterra or drive a gas car in Illinois?

Home charging the Subaru Solterra in Illinois costs $0.055/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.14/mile at Illinois's gas price of $3.90/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,013/year.

How long does it take to charge a Subaru Solterra with DC fast charging?

The Subaru Solterra supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 43 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a Subaru Solterra add to your electric bill in Illinois?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Subaru Solterra adds about $55 to your monthly electric bill in Illinois. That's 32.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.17/kWh.

How does cold weather in Illinois affect Subaru Solterra range?

Cold winters in Illinois can reduce Subaru Solterra range by 20–40%. With a 72 kWh battery and 227-mile EPA range, plan for 159–182 miles in cold conditions. Use the scheduled departure feature to pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in to preserve driving range.