Data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy show that charging an electric vehicle (EV) consumes less energy than several common household appliances. The electric car data used in the comparison are based on a 2013 Nissan LEAF driven 9,697 miles per year.

Home heating consumes the most energy at 11,300 kWh on an annual basis. Water heating consumes 4,700 kWh, while EV charging accounts for 2,800 kWh.

Based on average driving habits and consumption rates for the Nissan LEAF, charging an electric car consumes just over twice as much energy as a refrigerator which consumes about 1,300 kWh annually.

An EV does add to household electricity usage, but it also eliminates the need to purchase gasoline for that vehicle which would cost considerably more based on national average gasoline and residential electricity prices.

(Source: U.S. Department of Energy)