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

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home in South Carolina costs approximately $45/month — that's $0.045/mile and saves $872/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at South Carolina's gas price of $3.30/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. Hot climates can reduce EV range by 10–15% due to air conditioning load and battery thermal management. Pre-conditioning your battery while still plugged in minimizes this effect.

Cost per Mile

$0.045

home charging

Monthly Cost

$45

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$872

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 South Carolina

South Carolina's electricity rate of $0.14/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $10.08 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.14

$45

$542

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.25

$81

$975

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$158

$1,897

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.30/gal

$118

$1,414

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

$10.08

EV Ownership in South Carolina

South Carolina is growing rapidly in EV adoption, with Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville leading the market. BMW's manufacturing presence in Spartanburg and Volkswagen's plans for the region are boosting local EV culture.

Incentives & Programs

South Carolina offers a state income tax credit of 20% on EV charging equipment cost (up to $500). Duke Energy and Dominion Energy SC offer off-peak EV rates. The BMW performance center near Greenville creates a locally informed EV audience.

Charging Infrastructure

I-26, I-77, and I-95 corridors are growing. Charleston and Columbia have solid DCFC coverage. Hilton Head and coastal resort areas are adding chargers. Rural Lowcountry and Upstate are more limited.

Grid & Energy Source

South Carolina's grid has significant nuclear (~55% from V.C. Summer and others), making it one of the cleaner grids in the Southeast. EVs charged in SC have a lower carbon footprint than in most Southern states.

South CarolinaElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in South Carolina is $0.14/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.30/gallon, South Carolina ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Hot climates can reduce EV range by 10–15% due to air conditioning load and battery thermal management. Pre-conditioning your battery while still plugged in minimizes this effect. 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)

$542

Subaru Solterra @ $0.14/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,414

@ $3.30/gallon in South Carolina

You save every year by driving electric in South Carolina

$872/year

That's $73/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in South Carolina

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

🏠 Home L2

$45

$45/mo

🔌 Public L2

$81

$81/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$158

$158/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$118

$118/mo

Tips for Charging Your Subaru Solterra in South Carolina

South Carolina's hot 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:

Duke Energy SC's EV rate plans offer rates around $0.07–0.09/kWh off-peak — a major savings opportunity.

SC's nuclear-heavy grid means your EV is running on impressively low-carbon electricity — one of the cleanest Southern states.

Coastal humidity in Charleston and Hilton Head: rinse your charging port area periodically to prevent corrosion.

BMW's Spartanburg plant employees often have EV-friendly knowledge — good for local service recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

At South Carolina's average residential rate of $0.14/kWh, charging a 2026 Subaru Solterra at home costs approximately $45/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $10.08.

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

A full charge of the Subaru Solterra's 72 kWh battery costs $10.08 at South Carolina's rate of $0.14/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 South Carolina?

Home charging the Subaru Solterra in South Carolina costs $0.045/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.12/mile at South Carolina's gas price of $3.30/gallon. EVs save approximately $872/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 South Carolina?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Subaru Solterra adds about $45 to your monthly electric bill in South Carolina. That's 32.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.14/kWh.

How does South Carolina's heat affect Subaru Solterra range and battery?

High temperatures in South Carolina increase air conditioning load and activate battery cooling systems, reducing effective range by 10–15%. With a 227-mile EPA range, expect 197–209 miles during peak summer heat. Pre-conditioning the cabin while plugged in helps preserve battery charge for actual driving.