EV Charging Cost Calculator
Compare charging costs and calculate EV vs gas savings
Vehicle Selection
Cost Settings
US average: $0.14/kWh
Charging Cost Comparison
| Charging Type | $/kWh | Single Charge | Monthly Cost | $/Mile | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Home Level 1 (120V) Standard wall outlet, slowest but cheapest | $0.14 | $6.89 | $34.15 | $0.034 | 3-5 miles/hour |
Home Level 2 (240V) Dedicated home charger, best value for daily use | $0.14 | $6.89 | $34.15 | $0.034 | 15-30 miles/hour |
Public Level 2 Parking lots, malls, workplaces | $0.25 | $12.30 | $60.98 | $0.061 | 15-30 miles/hour |
DC Fast Charging Highway stations, rapid charging for trips | $0.47 | $23.12 | $114.63 | $0.115 | 100-300 miles/hour |
Gas vs Electric Savings
EV Charging Tips
- •Charge at home during off-peak hours (usually 9 PM - 6 AM) for lowest rates
- •Keep battery between 20-80% for optimal battery health and longevity
- •DC fast charging is best for road trips - use sparingly for daily charging
- •Consider time-of-use electricity plans which can reduce home charging costs by 50%+
- •Many workplaces and shopping centers offer free Level 2 charging
How to Use the EV Charging Cost Calculator
Select Your Electric Vehicle
Choose your EV model from the dropdown or enter custom battery capacity and efficiency. Popular models like Tesla, Rivian, and Chevy have preset values for accurate calculations.
Enter Your Driving Details
Input your average monthly driving miles and typical charging habits. Include the percentage split between home charging, public Level 2, and DC fast charging stations.
Set Your Electricity Rates
Enter your home electricity rate (check your utility bill), public charging rate, and DC fast charging rate. National averages are pre-filled but local rates vary significantly.
Compare EV vs Gas Costs
View your monthly and annual charging costs, plus savings compared to a gas vehicle. See the cost breakdown by charging type and estimated CO2 savings from driving electric.
Pro tip: Your data is processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy.
Understanding EV Charging Costs
Electric vehicle charging costs vary significantly based on where and how you charge. Home charging is typically the most economical option, with costs ranging from $0.10 to $0.20 per kWh depending on your local electricity rates. This means charging a typical 75 kWh battery from 20% to 80% costs approximately $4-$9 at home.
Types of EV Charging
Level 1 Charging (120V) uses a standard household outlet and provides 3-5 miles of range per hour. It's the slowest but requires no special equipment - perfect for overnight charging if you drive less than 40 miles daily.
Level 2 Charging (240V) requires a dedicated circuit similar to what electric dryers use. It provides 15-30 miles of range per hour and is the sweet spot for most EV owners, fully charging most vehicles overnight.
DC Fast Charging is found at highway rest stops and dedicated charging stations. It can add 100-300 miles of range per hour but costs significantly more ($0.35-$0.60/kWh). Best used for road trips rather than daily charging.
EV vs Gas: Real Cost Comparison
The average American drives about 1,000 miles per month. For a gas car getting 30 MPG at $3.50/gallon, that's approximately $117 per month in fuel. An efficient EV like the Tesla Model 3 achieving 4 miles per kWh at $0.14/kWh costs only $35 per month - a savings of $82 monthly or nearly $1,000 per year.
These savings compound over time. Over a typical 10-year vehicle ownership period, EV owners can save $10,000-$25,000 on fuel alone, not counting reduced maintenance costs (no oil changes, brake pads last longer due to regenerative braking).
Tips for Minimizing EV Charging Costs
- Charge during off-peak hours (typically 9 PM - 6 AM) when electricity rates are lowest
- Consider time-of-use (TOU) electricity plans designed for EV owners
- Take advantage of free charging at workplaces and shopping centers
- Use apps like PlugShare to find the cheapest public charging options
- Keep your battery between 20-80% for optimal efficiency and longevity
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Home charging typically costs $0.10-$0.20 per kWh depending on your local electricity rates. For a typical EV with a 75 kWh battery, a full charge costs $7.50-$15 at home. This translates to roughly $0.03-$0.05 per mile, much cheaper than gas vehicles.
Is DC fast charging more expensive than home charging?
Yes, DC fast charging typically costs $0.35-$0.60 per kWh, about 3-4x more than home charging. However, it provides much faster charging (100-300 miles of range per hour vs 15-30 for Level 2). Use DC fast charging for road trips and home charging for daily use.
How much can I save switching from gas to electric?
Most EV owners save $100-$200 per month on fuel costs compared to gas vehicles. Annual savings typically range from $1,000-$2,500 depending on driving habits, local gas and electricity prices, and the efficiency of both vehicles.
What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging?
Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet and adds 3-5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240V circuit (like a dryer outlet) and adds 15-30 miles per hour. DC fast charging uses direct current at high power and can add 100-300 miles of range per hour.
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