At Home EV Charging Cost by State and Make

In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation, electric vehicles have emerged as a beacon of sustainability, long-term savings, and a cleaner future. With the promise of reduced emissions and lower operating costs, these innovative battery-powered machines have taken the roads by storm.

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle or own one and are interested in the cost of alternative charging options, we’ve got you covered. From the variables determining electricity expenses to the most cost-effective way to charge your car at home, we delve into everything you need to know. Buckle up as we navigate the world of EV charging costs, answer your most pressing questions, and help you make informed decisions about your electric driving future.

The cost of charging an electric car at home

Charging electric vehicles on the go

Gas vs. electric vehicles: which costs more?

The cheapest way to charge an electric car at home

FAQs

The cost of charging an electric car at home

When it comes to the cost of charging an EV at home, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While home charging is generally more cost-efficient and convenient than public charging, the interplay of various factors, such as your car’s energy efficiency and electricity expenses in your state will determine the price of plugging in and powering up. Here are the parameters you’ll need and how to calculate the expected cost of your EV.

Vehicle efficiency

Efficiency for EVs is measured in Miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe). The Environmental Protection Agency developed this unit of measurement to help compare the energy consumption level of electric vehicles with their gas-powered counterparts. While 35 miles per gallon is generally considered great mileage for a gas-powered car, many EVs achieve 100 MPGe.

Different electric vehicles vary in fuel efficiency. To calculate the cost of charging your EV, you need to find how many kWh (kilowatt-hour) per 100 miles your vehicle, or desired vehicle, consumes. If you already own an EV, you can find this information on your car’s window sticker, otherwise you can find it on the Fuel Economy website.

This website is a great resource for seeing how much energy different electric cars use to travel a certain distance. For example, the Tesla Model Y and Chevy Bolt EV/EUV use 28 kilowatt-hours of energy to go 100 miles, while the Ford Mustang Mach-E uses 37 kilowatt-hours for the same distance. You can also compare different car models of interest to see which are most energy-efficient.

Electricity costs

The price of electricity plays a significant role in determining how much charging an electric car at home costs. However, electricity rates vary across different regions, meaning the price of charging is more affordable in some localities than in others. To learn what you pay for electricity in your area, take a look at your electric bill and locate the cost per kWh.

Next, divide the total cost of your bill (including charges like delivery, taxes, and fees) by the kWh consumed that month. This number reflects what you paid for energy per kWh. Alternatively, you can get a general estimate of electricity rates where you live by checking the Energy Information Administration’s state-by-state energy cost guide.

The price of energy can fluctuate from month to month, so it’s best to look at bills from all four seasons to find the average kWh cost you can expect throughout the year. As per the EIA’s energy cost guide, national kWh rates typically range from $0.10-$0.42 per hour, with an average of about $0.16 per hour. Some electricity providers offer reduced rates during specific times of the day, so checking in with your provider can help you make informed decisions and discover the most cost-effective way to charge.

Calculating the cost for your EV

Once you know how many kWh your electric car will require to go 100 miles and the cost per kWh in your area, you can simply multiply both numbers to find the price of charging your EV. For example, if your car consumes 28kWh per 100 miles and you live in California, where kWh costs $0.2978, the cost to drive 100 miles (28 x 0.2978) would be $8.34.

Here is a cost breakdown for five popular electric cars, assuming the national average electricity rate of $0.16 per kWh.

Home charging stations

There are two main options for charging an EV at home, catering to different needs and budgets. Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charging cable that plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. It will take about 40-50 hours to charge a battery electric vehicle 80% from empty and 4-6 hours for a plug-in hybrid, which makes it the slowest option. However, because outlets are typically in residential garages already, home charging is convenient and ideal for those who have time to charge their cars overnight or have limited daily driving needs.

The other option is Level 2 charging, which is faster — about 4 hours — but more expensive. The price of a Level 2 charging unit and installation fees will run you anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500. That said, having a Level 2 electric car charger at home can add resale value to your property, and once installed, the cost of using it will be about the same as a Level 1 charger.

Charging equipment costs can be reduced with federal, state, local, and utility-based incentives. So, if you’re interested in buying a Level 2 charger but are hesitant to make an additional investment, it would definitely be worth looking into incentives in your area.

Charging electric vehicles on the go

While the most cost-effective way to charge your EV is with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at home, it’s not always realistic. The most common way to refuel your electric car on the road is with a Level 2 or Level 3 charger, with prices varying from free to expensive. Here is a general overview of public charging options available.

Level 2 charging

Level 2 is the most common form of public charging, as stations can be found in public parking garages, retail parking lots, and throughout cities with a high concentration of EVs. Stations have different pricing models based on factors, including the amount of energy transferred, the time you’re connected, a per-session fee, or membership options. You can easily locate charging stations on online maps, various apps, and dedicated EV charging networks.

Level 2 charging stations offer a practical way to fill your battery up while running errands or on the go, but can also pose various challenges. Availability can vary by location, wait times and competition can increase during peak hours, and the required charging time isn’t feasible for long road trips.

Level 3 charging

Level 3 (or DC fast charging) is the most efficient way to top off an electric car battery, capable of reaching up to 80% capacity in 20 minutes to an hour. However, these high-powered stations are more expensive to install and maintain, making them pricier for consumers. Level 3 stations are typically located along highways, major travel routes, and strategic areas to help support long-distance journeys and reduce range anxiety.

To give you an idea of how costly Level 3 charging can be, rates at fast-charging station network EVgo range from $0.25-$0.29 per minute depending on if you have a subscription. If you’re not a subscriber, a 25-minute charge would add 50 miles in range to a Volkswagen eGolf for about $7.25. In comparison, filling up the traditional internal combustion powered Golf (ICE version) would cost about $2.26 in gas to travel the same distance.

Free charging

In order to attract potential customers, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure the continued growth of electric transportation, many free fast-charging options are available. Leading automakers, for instance, offer various free fast charging allotments like unlimited 30-minute fast charging sessions for two years on designated networks like Electrify America and EVgo. Additionally, several workplaces offer free Level 2 charging as an employee incentive, and some retail centers provide complementary charging while shopping.

Gas vs. electric vehicles: which costs more?

The cost of gas and electricity both fluctuate regularly, but it typically costs half as much to charge an electric vehicle at home than to fill an ICE (internal combustion engine) tank. In addition to a substantially lower cost per mile driven, EVs also require less maintenance and are eligible for government incentives. Therefore, while gas-powered vehicles typically have lower upfront prices and insurance costs, electric cars can offer a greater advantage in the long term — with reduced fuel costs potentially saving you $4,700 in the first seven years alone.

The cheapest way to charge an electric car at home

The most cost-effective way to charge an electric car is by using a standard electrical outlet in your home (Level 1 charging). To combat rising energy costs and ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, check your provider’s policy to see if they offer reduced electricity rates throughout the day. Even better, you can charge with peace of mind by getting an unlimited energy plan with a set monthly cost.

FAQs

How much does it cost to charge an electric car for 300 miles?

The cost to charge an electric vehicle for 300 miles depends on various factors such as charging type, fuel efficiency, and electricity rates. Fully charging a car that gets 3 miles per kWh at home can cost about $16 on average, while public charging options range from free to significantly more expensive.

What’s the average cost to charge an electric car at home?

The average cost of charging an electric car at home can vary depending on the electricity rates in your location and the fuel efficiency of your car. Assuming the efficiency of 3 miles per kWh and the national average electricity cost of $0.16 per kWh, it would cost $16 to charge your car for 300 miles at home.

How long does it take to charge an electric car’s battery?

The time to charge an electric car’s battery can vary depending on the charging level (Level 1, 2, or 3) and the vehicle’s battery capacity. Level 1 charging can take anywhere from 8-24 hours, Level 2 charging takes about 4-8 hours, and high-powered Level 3 charging can take as little as 30-60 minutes.

How often do you need to charge an electric car?

The frequency of charging an electric car depends on the vehicle’s battery capacity, your driving habits, and the desired range. In general, charging your EV overnight is sufficient for daily commuting, while regular refueling stops will be required for longer journeys.

An electric vehicle is an exciting investment, and understanding the cost of charging is essential to making informed decisions. The varying factors influencing charging expenses across the country mean the answer to “How much do electric cars cost to charge at home?” is not one-size-fits-all. Your location, vehicle’s fuel efficiency, driving habits, and charging station level will all come into play.

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