EV Charging Cost Calculator
EV Charging Cost Calculator
Estimate Cost to Charge & Cost Per Mile
Charging Details
Cost to Charge
Enter your charging details to see the cost.
Understanding EV Charging Costs
Charging an EV at home is usually far cheaper than gas per mile, but the exact cost depends on your electricity rate, how much of the battery you're filling, and energy lost during charging.
Charging Loss Is Real
Not all the electricity pulled from the wall reaches the battery -- some is lost as heat during AC-to-DC conversion, typically 10-15%.
Rates Vary by Time and Location
Many utilities offer cheaper off-peak overnight rates for EV charging -- check your plan for time-of-use pricing.
The Gas Comparison
Comparing cost-per-mile (not just cost-per-fill) is the fair way to weigh EV charging against gas, since tank and battery sizes differ.
Public Chargers Cost More
DC fast chargers at public stations often charge a premium over home electricity rates -- adjust the rate field to match where you actually charge.
Worked Example
Suppose you charge a 75 kWh battery from 20% to 80% at $0.15/kWh with 90% charging efficiency:
- Energy needed by battery: 75 × 0.60 = 45 kWh.
- Energy drawn from the wall: 45 ÷ 0.90 = 50 kWh.
- Cost: 50 × $0.15 = $7.50.
Result
- Energy from Wall: 50 kWh
- Cost: $7.50
Key Takeaways
- Home Charging Is Usually Cheapest: Level 1/2 home charging typically costs less per kWh than public DC fast charging.
- Avoid Charging to 100% Daily: Many manufacturers recommend routine charging to 80-90% to preserve long-term battery health.
- An Estimate: Actual costs vary with temperature, charging speed, and your specific vehicle's efficiency.