What you actually pay to charge an electric car

The cost to charge an electric car depends on three things: your local electricity rate, how efficient your car is, and where you charge. Most people who charge at home pay between $0.03 and $0.05 per mile of driving, compared to roughly $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for a gas car. But that math changes if you charge at a public station, and it changes again if you charge during peak hours when electricity costs more.

The simplest way to think about it: check your electricity bill for the per-kilowatt-hour rate your utility charges, then multiply it by how many kilowatt-hours your car needs per mile. Most electric cars use between 0.2 and 0.3 kilowatt-hours per mile, though larger vehicles use more and smaller ones use less.

Key Takeaways

  • Home charging costs between $0.03 and $0.05 per mile in most of the United States, depending on your local electricity rate and your car's efficiency.
  • Public fast-charging stations typically cost $0.20 to $0.35 per mile, making them more expensive than home charging but useful for long trips.
  • Charging during off-peak hours (usually late evening or early morning) can cut your home charging cost by 20 to 40 percent if your utility offers time-of-use rates.
  • The cost per mile for an electric car is usually lower than gas, but the upfront cost of the car itself and installation of a home charger are significant expenses to factor in.

Home charging costs and how to calculate them

To find your home charging cost, look at your electricity bill for the rate per kilowatt-hour. In the United States, this ranges from about $0.10 to $0.20 per kilowatt-hour depending on your state and utility company. Hawaii and California tend to be on the higher end; Louisiana and Oklahoma tend to be lower.

Next, find your car's efficiency rating. This is usually listed as miles per kilowatt-hour or kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. If your car gets 4 miles per kilowatt-hour and your electricity costs $0.15 per kilowatt-hour, then each mile costs $0.0375. To charge a fully depleted battery in a typical sedan (about 60 kilowatt-hours), you would pay roughly $9.

Most people do not charge from completely empty, so your actual monthly cost depends on how much you drive. If you drive 1,000 miles per month at $0.04 per mile, your charging cost is about $40 per month. This does not include the cost of installing a Level 2 charger at home, which typically runs $500 to $2,500 depending on your electrical setup.

Public charging stations and their pricing models

Public charging networks use different pricing structures, and the cost per mile is usually higher than home charging. Some networks charge by the kilowatt-hour (similar to home electricity), others charge by the minute, and some charge a flat fee per session. DC fast chargers, which add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, typically cost $0.20 to $0.35 per mile.

Networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint set their own prices, so costs vary by location and network. A 30-minute fast-charging session might cost $15 to $25 depending on the network and your location. Level 2 chargers at shopping centers or workplaces often cost $1 to $3 per hour, or sometimes nothing if your employer or the business offers free charging to customers.

If you take a long road trip and rely on public fast chargers, your per-mile cost can approach or exceed what you would pay for gas in a comparable vehicle. For daily driving, home charging is almost always cheaper.

Time-of-use rates and off-peak charging savings

Many utilities offer time-of-use rates, which charge less for electricity during off-peak hours. Off-peak is usually late evening (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) or early morning, depending on your utility. If you charge during these hours, you can reduce your per-kilowatt-hour cost by 20 to 40 percent compared to daytime rates.

For example, if your daytime rate is $0.18 per kilowatt-hour and your off-peak rate is $0.10, charging overnight instead of during the day saves you about $0.05 per mile. Over a year of driving 12,000 miles, that adds up to $600 in savings. You do not need to do anything special — just plug in at night and let the car charge slowly on a Level 2 charger.

Ask your utility whether time-of-use rates are available in your area. Some utilities offer them automatically; others require you to request them. There is usually no fee to switch, though some utilities charge a small monthly fee for the metering equipment.

Workplace and apartment charging options

If you charge at work, the cost depends on your employer's policy. Some employers offer free charging as a benefit; others deduct a small fee from your paycheck. A few charge the same rate as a public network. Free or subsidized workplace charging can cut your annual charging cost significantly, especially if you drive a long commute.

Apartment dwellers face a different challenge: most apartments do not have dedicated parking with charging access. If your building has charging infrastructure, the cost is usually built into your rent or charged as a separate monthly fee ($20 to $50 is common). If your building has no chargers, you may need to use public Level 2 chargers or negotiate with your landlord about installing one.

Some states and cities offer grants or tax credits to help apartment buildings install charging, which can lower the cost passed to tenants. Check with your local housing authority or utility company about programs in your area.

Comparing electric car costs to gas cars over time

Even though the per-mile cost of electricity is lower than gas, the total cost of ownership depends on the car's purchase price, how long you keep it, and your driving habits. An electric car typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 more upfront than a comparable gas car, though federal and state tax credits can reduce this gap.

Over five years and 60,000 miles of driving, the lower fuel cost of an electric car can offset some of that higher purchase price. If you charge at home and drive 12,000 miles per year at $0.04 per mile, you spend about $480 per year on electricity. A gas car driving the same distance at $3.50 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon would cost about $1,680 per year. That is a difference of roughly $1,200 per year, or $6,000 over five years.

However, this calculation changes if you rely on public fast chargers for most of your driving, if you live in a state with high electricity rates, or if you drive very little. It also does not account for maintenance (electric cars have lower maintenance costs) or the cost of installing a home charger.

Factors that affect your charging cost

Your local electricity rate is the biggest factor. States with abundant hydroelectric or wind power tend to have lower rates; states that rely on natural gas or imported power tend to have higher rates. Your utility company also matters — some utilities charge more during summer months when air conditioning demand is high.

Your car's efficiency varies by model, driving conditions, and weather. Cold weather reduces range and increases the kilowatt-hours needed per mile. Driving on the highway uses more energy than city driving. Newer cars are generally more efficient than older ones.

The type of charger you use affects cost and speed. A Level 1 charger (standard household outlet) is free but slow; a Level 2 charger (240-volt) costs $500 to $2,500 to install but charges much faster; a DC fast charger is the quickest but the most expensive to use per session. Your choice depends on your driving patterns and whether you have access to each type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a home charger?

A Level 2 charger installation typically costs $500 to $2,500, depending on whether your home's electrical panel needs upgrades. Some utilities or local governments offer rebates that can cover part of this cost. Get quotes from licensed electricians in your area, as prices vary widely by location and the complexity of your wiring.

Is it cheaper to charge at home or at a public station?

Home charging is almost always cheaper per mile. Public fast chargers cost roughly four to ten times more per mile than home charging. Use public chargers mainly for road trips or when you cannot charge at home. For daily driving, home charging is the most economical option.

Do I pay more to charge during the day?

Yes, if your utility offers time-of-use rates. Daytime electricity typically costs 20 to 40 percent more than off-peak rates. Charging overnight on a Level 2 charger is slower but much cheaper. Check whether your utility offers time-of-use pricing and whether switching would lower your bill.

What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging?

Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt outlet and adds about 3 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 uses 240 volts and adds 25 to 30 miles per hour. DC fast charging adds 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes but costs significantly more per kilowatt-hour. Home charging is almost always Level 2; public networks offer both Level 2 and DC fast.

Can I reduce my charging cost by changing when I charge?

Yes, if your utility offers time-of-use rates. Charging during off-peak hours (usually 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) can save 20 to 40 percent compared to daytime charging. Contact your utility to ask whether time-of-use rates are available and how to switch. There is usually no fee to enroll.