How to work out the cost to charge your EV
Charging cost comes down to three things: how much energy you add, how efficiently it charges, and your electricity rate. Energy is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To add a given amount to the battery you draw a little more from the wall because some energy is lost as heat, so energy billed = battery kWh ÷ charging efficiency, and cost = energy billed × rate per kWh. Pick your car for a typical battery size and driving efficiency (you can edit both), set how far you want to top up, and read the cost per charge instantly.
Cost to charge an EV at home vs public and DC fast charging
Home charging is nearly always the cheapest option because residential electricity is far cheaper per kWh than public networks. Use the Home / Public L2 / DC Fast toggle to load a typical rate for each, then replace it with the exact rate from your own bill or the charger's pricing. DC fast charging is convenient on long trips but often costs two to three times as much per kWh as charging in your garage overnight.
Per-mile and monthly charging cost
The calculator also turns your rate into a cost per mile and a monthly estimate from how far you drive, using your car's efficiency in miles per kWh. Even on pricier public rates, per-mile EV charging is usually well below the fuel cost of a comparable gas car. Planning a budget around your bills? The Electricity Bill Calculator estimates your whole monthly bill, and the Compound Interest Calculator shows what the savings could grow to. For a worked comparison of 10 popular EVs at home, Level 2 and DC fast rates, see how much it costs to charge an electric car.
Battery sizes and efficiency figures in the presets are typical usable estimates and vary by model year, trim and conditions — always adjust them to match your car for an accurate result.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
It depends on your battery size, your electricity rate and where you charge. For a full charge, cost is battery capacity in kWh divided by charging efficiency, multiplied by your rate per kWh. A 60 kWh battery charged at home at $0.17 per kWh with 90% efficiency costs about $11.30 for a full 0–100% charge, or roughly $6.80 to go from 20% to 80%. DC fast charging on the road usually costs two to three times more per kWh, so the same charge can be $25–$35.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV at home or at a public station?
Home charging is almost always cheaper. Residential electricity commonly runs around $0.15–$0.20 per kWh, while public Level 2 is often $0.25–$0.35 and DC fast charging $0.40–$0.60 per kWh. Use the Home / Public L2 / DC Fast toggle to switch the suggested rate, then enter your own rate for an exact figure.
How much does it cost to charge an EV per mile?
Cost per mile equals your rate per kWh divided by charging efficiency, divided by your car's efficiency in miles per kWh. At $0.17 per kWh, 90% efficiency and 3.5 miles per kWh, that is about 5.4 cents per mile — far less than a gas car, which is often 12–18 cents per mile.
What is charging efficiency and why does it matter?
Not all the energy drawn from the wall reaches the battery — some is lost as heat in the charger and cabling. Home AC charging is typically 85–90% efficient, so you pay for about 10–15% more kWh than end up stored. The calculator uses efficiency to convert battery kWh into the kWh you are actually billed for.
How do I find my electricity rate?
Your rate per kWh is printed on your electricity bill, usually near the usage summary. Rates vary widely by region, plan and time of day, so enter your own rate rather than an average. Many EV owners charge overnight on a cheaper off-peak rate.