EV Charging Costs
One of the biggest financial benefits of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is the lower cost to “fuel up.” However, the cost of charging can vary widely depending on where and how you charge. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for charging at home versus public stations and how to keep those costs as low as possible.
Charging at Home: The Most Affordable Option
For most EV owners, charging at home is the most common and cost-effective method. Here's why:
Average Cost Per Mile
- Electricity Rate: ~$0.14 per kWh (U.S. national average)
- Efficiency: 3 to 4 miles per kWh
- Typical Cost: $0.03 to $0.05 per mile
Compared to gas cars, which typically cost $0.12 to $0.20 per mile to fuel, EVs can reduce driving energy costs by more than 50%.
Monthly Charging Estimates
Here’s a quick look at how your daily driving distance translates into monthly electricity use and estimated home charging costs:
- 20 miles per day:
- Approximate monthly usage: 180 kWh
- Estimated home charging cost: Around $25
- 40 miles per day:
- Approximate monthly usage: 360 kWh
- Estimated home charging cost: Around $50
- 60 miles per day:
- Approximate monthly usage: 540 kWh
- Estimated home charging cost: Around $75
Note: These estimates assume home Level 2 charging with access to off-peak electricity rates where available. Actual costs may vary by utility provider and region.
Understanding Your Electricity Rate Plan
Most utilities offer time-based pricing. The key to maximizing savings is charging during off-peak hours.
Rate Types
- Flat Rate: Same price per kWh all day (less common)
- Time-of-Use (TOU): Different rates for peak, mid-peak, and off-peak hours
- EV-Specific Plans: Discounted off-peak EV charging rates or separate meter options
Tip: Schedule your charging session through your EV or charger app to begin after 9 PM or during utility-defined off-peak periods.
Public Charging: Cost and Convenience
Charging in public is typically more expensive than charging at home, but it's still cheaper than gas. Costs vary depending on the network, charging speed, and location.
Level 2 Public Chargers
- Typical Rate: $0.20 to $0.40 per kWh
- Estimated Cost Per Mile: $0.06 to $0.13
- Best For: Top-ups while shopping, working, or parking long-term
DC Fast Charging
- Typical Rate: $0.30 to $0.65 per kWh
- Estimated Cost Per Mile: $0.09 to $0.20
- Best For: Road trips, emergency top-ups, quick charging
Idle Fees and Session Charges
Some public charging networks apply additional fees that can increase your total cost if you're not careful. Here's what to watch for:
- Idle fee:
- What it is: A per-minute charge if your vehicle remains plugged in after it has finished charging
- Common rates: Typically between $0.40 and $1.00 per minute
- Session fee:
- What it is: A flat fee charged at the start of a charging session
- Common rates: Usually ranges from $1 to $3 per session
- Minimum fee:
- What it is: Some networks enforce a minimum cost per session, even if you use only a small amount of electricity
Tip: Before you plug in, always review the pricing and terms in the charging provider’s app to avoid unexpected charges.
Network Memberships and Subscriptions
Joining a charging network often provides benefits:
- Electrify America Pass+: $4/month, reduces DC charging rates by ~25%
- EVgo Membership: Monthly plans reduce per-minute rates
- ChargePoint: Free to join, costs vary by location
Tip: Some EVs include free charging for a limited time. Check with your automaker.
Solar Charging and Energy Independence
If you have solar panels, home charging becomes even more economical:
- Daytime charging can be powered directly by solar electricity
- Cost per kWh: $0 if fully solar offset after system payback
- Smart inverters can prioritize EV charging during peak solar production
Pairing solar with EVs reduces your carbon footprint and protects you from future utility rate increases.
Real-World Comparison: EV vs. Gas
Here’s how different fueling methods compare when it comes to energy cost per mile and estimated monthly cost for driving 1,000 miles:
- Home EV charging:
- Energy cost per mile: About $0.04
- Estimated monthly cost: Around $40
- Public Level 2 charging:
- Energy cost per mile: About $0.09
- Estimated monthly cost: Around $90
- Public DC fast charging:
- Energy cost per mile: About $0.15
- Estimated monthly cost: Around $150
- Gasoline (average vehicle):
- Energy cost per mile: Between $0.15 and $0.20
- Estimated monthly cost: Around $150 to $200
Key takeaway: Even if you rely on public charging some of the time, most EV drivers save between $600 and $1,000 per year on fuel compared to those driving gasoline vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Whether you charge at home or on the road, electric vehicles offer impressive cost savings over gas. The key is knowing where to plug in, when to charge, and how to take advantage of off-peak rates, rebates, and smart tools.
For the best value:
- Charge at home whenever possible
- Use apps to find the best-priced public chargers
- Explore EV utility rate plans and incentives
- Track your charging habits with a smart charger or vehicle app
With just a little planning, you can keep your charging costs low and make the most of your electric driving.
Amp Up Your Charging Knowledge
Continue exploring EV charging fundamentals:
← Go Back: Finding EV Charging Stations Anywhere You Go
Discover Next: EV Charging Connectors and Adapters Explained →
