Cost of Charging
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
Discover how much you could save by charging your EV at home. Compare home charging, public charging and smart tariffs to find the most cost-effective way to power your vehicle.
Home Charging is the Most Cost-Effective Way to Charge
Charging your vehicle at home is often significantly cheaper than relying on public charging networks. Combined with an off-peak electricity tariff and a smart EV charger, you can reduce your running costs while enjoying the convenience of charging overnight.
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Lower Running Costs
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Charge Overnight at Home
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Convenient & Reliable
Home Charging vs Public Charging Costs (Example: 60kWh Battery)
| Charging Method | Typical Cost per kWh | Approximate Cost to Fully Charge a 60kWh Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home – Off-Peak EV Tariff | 7p | £4.20 | Cheapest option for overnight charging |
| Home – Standard Tariff | 26p | £15.60 | Everyday home charging |
| Public Standard / Fast Charger (AC / ≤49kW) | 54p | £32.40 | Charging while shopping or at destinations |
| Public Rapid / Ultra-Rapid Charger (50kW+) | 79p | £47.40 | Long journeys and motorway charging |
Figures are based on a 60kWh battery and typical UK electricity prices. Actual charging costs vary depending on your energy supplier, charging network and tariff.
What Could You Save?
If you charge a typical 60kWh EV at home on an off-peak tariff instead of using a public rapid charger:
Off-Peak Home Charging
£4.20
Public Rapid Charging
£47.40
Saving per full charge
£43.20
For someone charging once a week, that's over £2,200 per year in potential savings, depending on driving habits and tariff.
The Benefits of Home Charging
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Lower Running Costs
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Faster Charging
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Charge Overnight
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Increased Convenience
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Better Battery Management
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Ready Every Morning
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV?
The cost depends on the size of your vehicle’s battery and the price you pay for electricity. For example, charging a 60kWh battery from empty to full at 25p per kWh would cost around £15. If you use a cheaper overnight EV tariff, the cost can be considerably lower. Your actual charging cost will depend on your energy tariff, vehicle and how much charge the battery needs.
Is charging at home cheaper than public charging?
In most cases, yes. Home charging is generally significantly cheaper than using public charging networks, particularly rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. Charging overnight on a suitable off-peak or EV electricity tariff can reduce the cost even further. Current government mileage assumptions also reflect substantially lower electricity costs for home charging than public charging.
Do smart chargers reduce electricity bills?
A smart EV charger can help reduce charging costs by allowing you to schedule charging for cheaper periods, such as overnight when used with a suitable time-of-use or EV tariff. Smart charging also gives you greater control over when your vehicle charges and can help avoid charging during more expensive peak periods.
What electricity tariff is best for EV charging?
There isn't one tariff that's best for every EV driver. If you regularly charge at home, an EV or time-of-use tariff offering cheaper overnight electricity can provide significant savings. When comparing tariffs, consider the off-peak rate and hours as well as the daytime rate and standing charge, as the cheapest overnight rate does not necessarily mean the lowest overall household energy bill.
Can I charge overnight automatically?
Yes. A smart EV charger can be scheduled to charge your vehicle automatically during selected hours, making it easy to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity where your tariff offers it. Simply plug your vehicle in and set your preferred charging schedule through the charger or compatible app.