The cost of “filling up” an electric car, or more accurately, charging its battery, varies significantly depending on several factors. Unlike traditional gasoline vehicles with a fixed tank size, electric vehicles (EVs) have batteries of different capacities, and the cost to charge them depends on electricity rates, charging location, and charging speed. Understanding these factors is crucial for EV owners and potential buyers to estimate their running costs accurately.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and potential cost savings over time. While the initial purchase price of an EV might be higher than a comparable gasoline-powered car, the cost of “fueling” an EV is generally lower. However, the exact cost can vary widely based on your location, the type of charger used, and your specific EV model.
| Charging Type | Average Cost (per kWh) |
|---|---|
| Home Charging | $0.08 – $0.30 |
| Public Charging | $0.30 – $0.80 |
Factors Affecting EV Charging Costs
Several key factors influence the cost of charging an electric vehicle. Understanding these can help you estimate your potential expenses and make informed decisions about EV ownership.
Battery Capacity: The size of your EV’s battery is a primary factor in determining charging costs. Larger batteries require more electricity to charge fully, which increases the overall cost. For example, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with an 82 kWh battery will cost more to charge than a Nissan Leaf with a 40 kWh battery.
Electricity Rates: The price of electricity varies significantly depending on your location and energy provider. In the United States, the average residential electricity rate is around $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but this can range from as low as $0.08 to over $0.30 per kWh in some areas. Time-of-use rates, where electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours, can also affect your charging costs.
Charging Location: Where you charge your EV has a substantial impact on the cost. Home charging is typically the most economical option, especially if you can take advantage of off-peak rates. Public charging stations, particularly fast-charging options, are generally more expensive but offer convenience for long trips or when home charging isn’t available.
Charging Speed: Faster charging options, such as DC fast charging stations, typically come with higher costs per kWh. While these stations can charge your EV much quicker, the convenience comes at a premium.
Vehicle Efficiency: Just like traditional cars have different fuel efficiencies, EVs vary in how efficiently they use electricity. More efficient EVs will cost less to “fill up” for the same distance traveled.
Home Charging Costs
Home charging is often the most cost-effective way to keep your EV powered up. Most EV owners do the majority of their charging at home, taking advantage of lower residential electricity rates and the convenience of overnight charging.
To calculate the cost of a full charge at home, you’ll need to know your EV’s battery capacity and your local electricity rate. For example, if you have a 60 kWh battery and your electricity rate is $0.14 per kWh, a full charge from empty would cost:
60 kWh * $0.14/kWh = $8.40
However, it’s important to note that you rarely charge from completely empty to full. Most EV owners top up their batteries regularly, often charging from around 20% to 80% capacity to preserve battery life.
Installing a home charging station can cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and whether you need electrical upgrades. While this is an upfront cost, it can lead to significant savings over time compared to relying solely on public charging.
Many utility companies offer special EV rates or time-of-use plans that can further reduce your charging costs. By scheduling your charging during off-peak hours (typically overnight), you could potentially pay half the standard electricity rate.
Public Charging Costs
While home charging is usually the most economical option, public charging stations are essential for long trips and for EV owners without access to home charging. Public charging costs can vary widely depending on the provider, location, and charging speed.
Level 2 Charging: These are commonly found in parking lots, shopping centers, and workplaces. Costs can range from free (often subsidized by the property owner) to around $0.30-$0.50 per kWh.
DC Fast Charging: These high-speed chargers are typically more expensive, with rates ranging from $0.30 to $0.80 per kWh. Some providers charge by the minute instead of by kWh, which can make costs less predictable.
Many public charging networks offer membership plans that can reduce per-session costs. For frequent users, these plans can lead to significant savings. Some examples include:
- ChargePoint: Offers a $7.99 monthly plan that reduces charging costs by up to 20%
- EVgo: Provides a $7.99 monthly plan with lower per-minute rates
- Electrify America: Offers a $4 monthly plan with reduced per-kWh or per-minute rates
It’s worth noting that some car manufacturers, like Tesla, have their own charging networks. Tesla Superchargers, for instance, typically charge around $0.25 to $0.30 per kWh for Tesla owners.
Comparing EV Charging Costs to Gasoline
To put EV charging costs into perspective, it’s helpful to compare them to the cost of fueling a gasoline-powered vehicle. While the comparison isn’t straightforward due to varying electricity and gas prices, we can make some general observations.
Let’s consider a mid-size sedan that gets 30 miles per gallon (mpg) and compare it to a similarly sized EV that uses 3 miles per kWh:
| Vehicle Type | Cost per 100 miles |
|---|---|
| Gasoline Car (30 mpg, $3/gallon) | $10.00 |
| EV (Home Charging, $0.14/kWh) | $4.67 |
| EV (Public Fast Charging, $0.40/kWh) | $13.33 |
As you can see, home charging an EV is significantly cheaper than fueling a gasoline car. Even when using more expensive public fast charging, the cost is comparable to gasoline, and often still cheaper when gas prices are high.
It’s important to note that these calculations don’t take into account the potential savings on maintenance that EVs offer. Electric vehicles generally have fewer moving parts and require less routine maintenance, which can lead to additional cost savings over time.
Strategies to Reduce EV Charging Costs
There are several strategies EV owners can employ to minimize their charging costs:
- Charge at home during off-peak hours
- Take advantage of free public charging when available
- Use a mix of charging speeds, relying on slower, cheaper options when time allows
- Consider a home solar system to generate your own electricity
- Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find the most cost-effective charging options when traveling
- If your workplace offers free charging, take advantage of it
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your overall “fueling” costs compared to a traditional gasoline vehicle.
FAQs About How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up Electric Car
- How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?
Charging time varies by battery size and charger type, ranging from 30 minutes on a fast charger to 8-12 hours on a home charger. - Can I save money by charging my EV at night?
Yes, many utility companies offer lower rates during off-peak hours, typically at night, which can significantly reduce charging costs. - How often do I need to charge my electric car?
Charging frequency depends on your daily driving distance, but most EV owners charge every 2-3 days or when the battery reaches 20-30%. - Are public charging stations always more expensive than home charging?
Generally yes, public stations, especially fast chargers, are more expensive than home charging, but some locations offer free or discounted charging. - How can I calculate my specific EV charging costs?
Multiply your EV’s battery capacity (in kWh) by your electricity rate (per kWh) to estimate a full charge cost, then adjust based on your typical charging habits.