The cost to charge an electric car is a major consideration for potential EV owners, but how much does it really cost?
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating as more people seek sustainable transportation options. One of the most common questions potential EV owners ask is: “How much does it cost to charge an electric car?” Understanding the cost to charge an electric caris crucial for budgeting and comparing it to traditional fuel vehicles.
This blog will explore the costs associated with charging an electric car, focusing on the UK market, and compare home charging versus public charging.
We’ll also examine how charging costs stack up against petrol or diesel fueling.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car in the UK?
The cost to charge an electric car in the UK depends on several factors, including the electricity tariff, the size of the car’s battery, and the charging method used. On average, charging an electric car at home costs between 12p and 14p per kWh.
For a typical electric car with a 60 kWh battery, this translates to approximately £7.20 to £8.40 for a full charge, providing around 200 miles of range.
Home EV Charging Cost:
Charging an electric car at home is often the most cost-effective option. Many UK households are on standard electricity tariffs, but those with an Economy 7 or similar tariff can benefit from lower rates during off-peak hours. The cost for home EV charging station setups can vary, with installation costs ranging from £300 to £1,000. However, the long-term savings on fuel costs make this a worthwhile investment. Additionally, the UK government offers grants to help with the installation of home chargers, further reducing the cost for homeowners.
Public Station EV Charging Cost:
Public charging stations are convenient, especially for long-distance travel or when you don’t have access to home charging.
However, they can be more expensive than charging at home. The cost for public station EV charging in the UK ranges from 30p to 50p per kWh. Rapid chargers, which can charge a vehicle much faster, are typically on the higher end of this price range.
For example, charging a 60 kWh battery at a public station could cost between £18 and £30. While public chargers offer speed and convenience, they are generally more expensive, making them a less economical option for regular use.
Workplace EV Charging Costs:
Many employers in the UK offer free access to workplace charging points, making it a cost-effective option for employees
The Workplace Charging Scheme also provides financial support for businesses to install charging points, covering up to 75% of the installation costs.
Comparisons with Petrol and Diesel:
Charging an electric car is generally cheaper than fueling a petrol or diesel vehicle. Let’s compare the costs:
- Petrol/Diesel: Assuming petrol costs £1.20 per liter and a car averages 40 miles per gallon, the cost per mile is about 13.5p.
- Electric Car: With home charging costs of around 4p per mile, the cost to charge an electric car is significantly lower.
Factors Influencing Charging Costs:
Several factors influence the cost of charging an electric car, including:
- Electricity Rates: The price of electricity varies depending on the tariff and time of use. Off-peak tariffs can significantly reduce charging costs.
- Battery Size: Larger batteries require more electricity to charge, increasing the overall cost.
- Charger Speed: Faster chargers, such as rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, are more expensive than slower chargers.
- Location: Charging at home is generally cheaper than using public charging stations.
Is it Cheaper to Charge an Electric Car at Home in the UK?
Yes, it is generally cheaper to charge an electric car at home in the UK than to use public charging stations.
Here are the main reasons why:
1.) Lower Electricity Rates
Charging an electric car at home allows you to take advantage of lower electricity rates, especially if you are on a tariff that offers cheaper rates during off-peak hours, such as Economy 7. The cost for home EV charging typically ranges from 12p to 14p per kWh. This translates to approximately £7.20 to £8.40 for a full charge of a 60 kWh battery, providing around 200 miles of range.
2.) Fixed Costs
When you charge your electric car at home, you can predict your electricity costs more accurately. Public charging stations often have variable pricing depending on the provider and location, and the costs can range from 30p to 50p per kWh, making them more expensive than home charging.
3.) Convenience and Control
Home charging offers convenience and control. You can plug in your car overnight and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which are significantly lower. This can further reduce the cost to charge an electric car. Additionally, you avoid the need to search for and travel to public charging stations, saving time and effort.
4.) Government Grants
The UK government offers grants to support the installation of home EV chargers, such as the Electric Vehicle Home charge Scheme (EVHS). This can cover up to 75% of the installation cost, making it more affordable to set up a home charging station.
5.) Long-Term Savings
While there is an initial investment required for the installation of a home charging station, the long-term savings on fuel costs make it a worthwhile investment. Over time, the lower cost to charge an electric car at home will offset the installation expenses, resulting in significant savings compared to using public chargers regularly.
Is it Cheaper to Charge an Electric Car at Home in the UK?
Generally, charging an electric car at public stations in the UK is not cheaper than charging at home. While public charging stations offer convenience and faster charging speeds, they come at a higher cost.
Here’s a breakdown of why home charging is usually the more economical option:
Higher Costs at Public Stations
Public charging stations typically charge between 30p and 50p per kWh. In contrast, the cost to charge an electric car at home ranges from 12p to 14p per kWh. For a typical electric car with a 60 kWh battery, the cost of a full charge at a public station would be between £18 and £30, while at home it would be approximately £7.20 to £8.40. This significant difference makes public charging more expensive for regular use.
Convenience vs. Cost
Public charging stations are designed for convenience and fast charging, especially useful for long-distance travel or when home charging isn’t an option. However, this convenience comes at a premium price. Rapid chargers, which can charge an electric vehicle much faster, are particularly expensive, but they save time which can be crucial during long trips.
Variable Pricing
The pricing at public charging stations can vary widely depending on the provider, location, and type of charger. Some public chargers offer different rates for members and non-members, or for different times of day. This variability can make it difficult to predict charging costs, potentially leading to higher overall expenses compared to the fixed rates typically available for home charging.
Examples of Public Charging Costs
Rapid Chargers: Typically cost between 30p and 50p per kWh. Charging a 60 kWh battery could cost up to £30.
Destination Chargers: Often found at hotels, shopping centers, and other locations, may have lower rates but are still generally higher than home charging.
When Public Charging Might Be Cheaper
While generally more expensive, there are scenarios where public charging might be cheaper or necessary:
Free Public Chargers: Some locations, such as shopping centers or workplaces, offer free charging to attract customers.
Membership Discounts: Some charging networks offer membership plans that reduce the per kWh cost, making it more competitive with home charging rates.
Overall, it is not cheaper to charge an electric car at public stations in the UK compared to charging at home. Home charging offers lower costs, predictable pricing, and the convenience of charging overnight, especially with the advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs. Public charging remains essential for long trips and situations where home charging isn’t available, but it comes at a higher price.
Is Charging an Electric Car Cheaper Than Petrol or Diesel?
One of the significant advantages of EVs is the lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. On a per-mile basis, the cost to charge an electric car is generally cheaper than fueling with petrol or diesel. For example, if petrol costs £1.20 per liter and a car averages 40 miles per gallon, the cost per mile is about 13.5p. In contrast, the cost of charging EV car mileage is around 4p per mile, assuming home charging rates. Thus, charging an electric car can be significantly more economical in the long run.
CITA EV Chargeris here to make your transition to electric vehicles seamless and affordable. Our chargers are designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the cost of charging an electric car is minimized. With our advanced charging solutions, you can enjoy lower electricity rates and faster charging times, whether at home or on the go.
Choose CITA EV Charger and take the next step towards a greener, more economical future.