How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

As electric cars continue to gain popularity, one of the most common questions among car owners and prospective buyers is: how much does it cost to charge an electric car? The answer depends on several factors, including the cost of electricity, the type of electric car you have, and the type of charger you use.

In this guide, we'll provide an overview of the different factors that impact the cost of charging an electric car and give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay.

A large proportion of electric car drivers in the UK can charge their vehicles at home using a standard household three-pin plug or a dedicated EV charging point. Charging an electric car at home using a standard three-pin plug is the most affordable option, but it can be slow and time-consuming, taking more than 12 hours to fully charge a vehicle.

A dedicated home charging point, on the other hand, is a faster and more convenient option. It can fully charge an electric car in as little as 4 hours and provides a safe and secure way to charge your vehicle overnight. The cost of a home charging point can range from £800 to £1200, and installation costs can add an additional £300 to £500 to the total bill.

For those who don't have access to a home charging point, public charging is a convenient alternative. The UK has a growing network of public charging stations, including fast chargers and rapid chargers. The cost of public charging varies depending on the provider and the type of charger used.

Rapid chargers are the quickest and most convenient option, capable of providing a full charge in just 30 minutes. However, they can be more expensive than fast chargers, with prices around £40 - £50 for a full charge.

Fast chargers, on the other hand, are a more affordable option, with prices ranging from £25 to £35 for a full charge. These are often found on-street or at longer-stay car parks and whilst they take longer to charge an electric car, they are ideal for topping up the battery when stopping for a couple of hours or for overnight charging.

The cost of electricity is another factor that can affect the overall cost of charging an electric car. In the UK, the average cost of electricity is 30p per kWh, but prices can vary depending on the time of day and the region you live in.

To give you an idea of the cost of charging an electric car, let's take a look at a typical electric car with a 60 kWh battery. Charging this vehicle from empty to full at home using a dedicated charging point would cost around £18 based on an average electricity cost of 30p per kWh.

Many electricity providers offer specially designed EV charging tariffs that tend to provide significantly lower prices at night when demand on the grid is lower and the majority of home charging takes place.

The cost of charging an electric car in the UK can vary depending on a range of factors, including the type of charging point used, the cost of electricity, and the size of the vehicle's battery. While charging an electric car at home using a dedicated charging point is the most convenient and affordable option, public charging is also available for those who need it. Regardless of the charging method used, the cost of electricity as a fuel is usually lower than the cost of petrol or diesel, making electric vehicles a more cost-effective option in the long run.