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

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home in Montana costs approximately $42/month — that's $0.042/mile and saves $1,082/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Montana's gas price of $3.70/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

$0.042

home charging

Monthly Cost

$42

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,082

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 Montana

Montana's electricity rate of $0.13/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $9.36 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.13

$42

$503

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.23

$75

$906

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$158

$1,897

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.70/gal

$132

$1,586

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

$9.36

EV Ownership in Montana

Montana has low EV adoption due to its vast rural geography and limited charging infrastructure. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are the primary markets. The state's scenic driving routes and outdoor culture are increasingly attracting EV road-trippers.

Incentives & Programs

Montana has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. NorthWestern Energy offers no dedicated EV rate plans currently, though this may change as the market grows.

Charging Infrastructure

I-90 and I-15 corridors have sparse DCFC coverage. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman have limited urban charging. Gaps of 100+ miles exist on many Montana routes — this is one of the most challenging EV states for long-distance driving.

Grid & Energy Source

Montana's grid is roughly 60% hydro and 30% coal — an unusual mix. The hydro-heavy portion makes Montana's EV charging fairly clean, though the coal-heavy Billings area is somewhat less so.

MontanaElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Montana is $0.13/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.70/gallon, Montana 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)

$503

Subaru Solterra @ $0.13/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,586

@ $3.70/gallon in Montana

You save every year by driving electric in Montana

$1,082/year

That's $90/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Montana

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

🏠 Home L2

$42

$42/mo

🔌 Public L2

$75

$75/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$158

$158/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$132

$132/mo

Tips for Charging Your Subaru Solterra in Montana

Montana'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:

Montana's charging gaps are real — use A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) to map your entire Montana route before departure.

Glacier and Yellowstone access roads have limited charging. Plan to arrive with a near-full charge.

Montana's winters are severe: -20°F is not uncommon. Range can drop 40–50% in extreme cold — treat the battery like a critical resource.

Bozeman is the most EV-friendly city in Montana, with growing Tesla and third-party infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

At Montana's average residential rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home costs approximately $42/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $9.36.

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

A full charge of the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $9.36 at Montana's rate of $0.13/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 Montana?

Home charging the Subaru Solterra in Montana costs $0.042/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.13/mile at Montana's gas price of $3.70/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,082/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 Montana?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Subaru Solterra adds about $42 to your monthly electric bill in Montana. That's 32.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.13/kWh.

How does cold weather in Montana affect Subaru Solterra range?

Cold winters in Montana 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.