What’s The Average Cost of Running an EV Using a Home Charger?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on running costs. But how much does it really cost to run one? Well, that depends—so we’ve broken it down for you.
The Average Cost of Public Charging
Charging your EV at public stations can vary significantly depending on the type of charger used. According to ZapMap, the average pay-as-you-go (PAYG) price in December 2024 was 53p/kWh for slow/fast chargers and 80p/kWh for rapid/ultra-rapid chargers.
Assuming an average EV efficiency of 4 miles per kWh, charging your EV on a slow/fast public charger works out to around 13p per mile, while rapid chargers will set you back approximately 20p per mile. For comparison, a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, such as a petrol hatchback with an efficiency of around 43.5 mpg and a petrol price of £1.37 per litre, will cost you about 14p per mile.
While public charging for EVs may cost more per mile than running a petrol car in this example, it’s essential to consider the broader benefits of driving an electric vehicle. EVs contribute to reducing air pollution and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and they also offer financial perks and exemptions that make them a very attractive option for those trying to save money.
The Cost of Charging an EV at Home
Charging an EV at home is where the real savings kick in. If you’re on a low-cost overnight tariff—7.5p per kWh—charging becomes much more affordable. Assuming the same average EV efficiency of 4 miles per kWh, this results in a cost of just 1.88p per mile—substantially cheaper than public chargers or petrol vehicles.
Even if you’re on a price-capped electricity rate of 25p/kWh, the cost per mile is still only 6.25p—much more affordable than using public charging stations or driving an ICE vehicle. For a driver covering an average of 1,000 miles per month, your monthly charging cost would range from £20 to £65, compared to £140.00 to £200.00 for public charging or petrol cars. That’s a significant saving!
If you have access to home charging with a low-cost overnight tariff, the savings are undeniable. With costs as low as 1.90p per mile, you can travel 1,000 miles for just £19—making home charging by far the most cost-effective way to power your EV.
So, if you’re looking to save on running costs and reduce your environmental impact, investing in home charging is a smart and economical choice for your EV.
Got a question? Want to find out more? If you can’t find the answer in our FAQs, we’re always here to help!
