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How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home? How to Calculate It
A simple method to work out the cost of one charge, 100 miles or a year of charging at home, using your own electricity rate and your car's efficiency.
Quick answer: home charging costs kWh added × your price per kWh. To get the cost of 100 miles, multiply your car's use (kWh per 100 miles, listed on fueleconomy.gov) by your rate. Generic numbers online only help if they match your utility's rates.
Three calculations
- One charge = kWh added to the battery × price per kWh.
- 100 miles = car's kWh per 100 miles × price per kWh.
- One year = miles per year ÷ 100 × kWh per 100 miles × price per kWh.
Example with assumed numbers
These are hypothetical, to show the method: $0.17 per kWh and 30 kWh per 100 miles. Replace them with yours.
| Calculation | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Add 40 kWh to the battery | 40 × 0.17 | $6.80 |
| 100 miles | 30 × 0.17 | $5.10 |
| 12,000 miles a year | 120 × 30 × 0.17 | $612 |
Some energy is lost as heat while charging, so the kWh drawn from your wall are a bit higher than what reaches the battery.
What to check with your utility
- Your rate per kWh, and whether it changes by time of day.
- Time-of-use plans: some utilities charge less at certain hours, such as overnight. Ask yours. The Department of Energy's page on home charging explains the options.
- Level 1 vs Level 2: Level 1 uses a standard outlet and is slower. Level 2 needs a 240-volt circuit, usually installed by an electrician.
Calculate by miles driven
Calculate one charging session
Enter the charger's power in watts (for example 1,400 W) and the hours it charges.
FAQ
Is charging at night cheaper? Only if your plan has lower rates at night. Check your tariff.
Do I need a special charger? Not always. It depends on your driving and how fast you need to charge. Ask a licensed electrician about a Level 2 installation.
How do I compare with gas? Calculate cost per mile for each, using your real electricity and gasoline prices.
Next steps
Look up your car's efficiency, find your rate on your bill and run the three calculations. For other ways to cut your bill, read how to lower your electric bill.
