How much does it cost to charge an electric car? This EV charging cost calculator works it out: enter your battery size, the charge level you start and finish at and your electricity price to see the cost of the charge, the range you add and your cost per 100 km or miles.
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How charging cost is calculated
Energy added = battery size × (end % − start %). Some energy is lost as heat while charging, typically 5–15%, so the energy drawn from the grid is a little higher than what reaches the battery. Cost = energy drawn × price per kWh.
Home charging vs public charging
- Home: usually the cheapest, especially on an off-peak or EV tariff.
- Public slow chargers: often priced between home and rapid rates.
- Rapid or fast chargers: convenient on long trips but can cost several times the home rate per kWh.
Run the calculator with each price to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Why charge only to 80%?
Many manufacturers suggest 80% for daily use to help battery life, and charging slows down a lot above 80% on fast chargers. Charge to 100% when you need the full range for a trip.
Where do I find my battery size?
Look for the usable battery capacity in kWh in your car’s specifications. It is usually a little lower than the gross capacity quoted in some brochures.
How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car at home?
Multiply the usable battery size by your home electricity price per kWh and add about 10% for charging losses. For a 60 kWh battery at 0.18 per kWh, a full charge costs about 12. Smaller batteries and cheap night tariffs cost less.
Results are estimates. Related: EV vs gas cost calculator