Calculators · Cost to run
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
Charging at home is where most EV "fueling" happens, and it's usually far cheaper than gas. A typical EV uses about 0.3 kWh per mile, so a full charge of a ~60 kWh battery (around 250 miles of range) takes roughly 60 kWh. What that costs depends entirely on your rate — and on whether you charge on a cheaper overnight time-of-use plan.
240 V; ~7.2–11.5 kW typical. Energy depends on miles driven, not a fixed schedule.
per hour
90¢
per day
$2.69
per month
$81.93
per year
$982.43
Running a 7200W ev charger (level 2) 3 hours a day costs about $2.69/day or $81.93/month at 12.46¢/kWh.
Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere. Estimates only; your actual bill depends on your usage and includes delivery charges on top of the supply rate.
What it costs per full charge, at real rates
Based on a ~60 kWh battery, roughly 250 miles of range (~60 kWh, 0.3 kWh/mile), priced at three of the utilities we track:
| Utility | Rate | Cost per full charge | Per mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| PECO (PA) | 10.789¢/kWh | $6.47 | 3.2¢ |
| BGE (MD) | 14.609¢/kWh | $8.77 | 4.4¢ |
| ComEd (IL) | 10.399¢/kWh | $6.24 | 3.1¢ |
Supply rate only; delivery charges are extra. Use the calculator above for your own utility and usage.
What charging looks like by battery size
| Battery | Approx. range | Energy per full charge | Energy per 100 mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 kWh | ~150 mi | ~40 kWh | ~28 kWh |
| 60 kWh | ~250 mi | ~60 kWh | ~28 kWh |
| 75 kWh | ~300 mi | ~75 kWh | ~28 kWh |
| 100 kWh | ~350 mi | ~100 kWh | ~28 kWh |
Real efficiency varies with weather, speed, and driving (~0.25–0.35 kWh/mi). Cold weather and highway speeds use more.
How to cut the cost
- 1
Charge on a time-of-use rate
Many utilities offer a discounted overnight EV or time-of-use rate. Charging while you sleep can cut the per-kWh cost substantially versus the default rate — check your utility's EV plan.
- 2
Charge to 80% for daily use
Topping to 80% instead of 100% is gentler on the battery and means less energy drawn for everyday driving. Save the full charge for road trips.
- 3
Compare home vs. public charging
Home charging is almost always cheaper than public DC fast charging. Use fast charging for trips, not daily top-ups.
- 4
A Level 2 charger doesn't cost more per mile
Level 2 charges faster than a wall outlet but uses the same energy per mile — the speed is convenience, not extra cost.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
- Roughly the energy of the battery times your rate. A ~60 kWh full charge at 13¢/kWh is about $8 for ~250 miles — far less than a tank of gas for the same distance. Pick your utility above for your exact cost.
- How much does it cost to charge an EV per mile?
- About 0.3 kWh per mile, so roughly 3–5¢ per mile at typical residential rates — versus 12–15¢/mile for a 30-mpg gas car at $4/gallon.
- Is charging an EV at home cheaper than gas?
- Almost always, often by half or more. The exact gap depends on your electricity rate and local gas prices, but home charging at residential rates is one of the cheapest ways to fuel a car.
- Does a Level 2 home charger raise my bill a lot?
- It adds the energy your driving needs — for an average driver, roughly 250–400 kWh a month, or $30–$60 at typical rates. A time-of-use rate can bring that down. It charges faster than a standard outlet but uses the same energy per mile.
Hiring out the wiring?
Before you pay anyone to touch your panel or wiring, make sure they're actually licensed. You can check a contractor's license on StateCreds — our sister site.
Verify a contractor's license by state →If your bill jumped more than your usage explains, your rate may have risen too.