Public charging costs for electric vehicles (EVs) are generally substantially higher than charging at home, often by a factor of two to three times or more depending on the charger type and location.
Home Charging Costs
- At home, EV owners pay residential electricity rates, which typically range around $0.12 to $0.30 per kWh depending on the region.
- For example, with a local electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh and charging a 60 kWh battery from 20% to 80% (about 48 kWh), the cost would be approximately $5.76 per charge.
- In states with higher residential rates such as California (around $0.30 per kWh), the annual cost to charge 14,000 miles worth of electricity would be approximately $1,425.
- Home charging costs are stable, predictable, and benefit from the high efficiency of residential charging setups.
Public Charging Costs
- Public charging is more expensive due to higher kWh rates and/or additional fees such as per-hour charging fees.
- Level 2 public chargers typically charge between $0.20 to $0.25 per kWh or $1 to $5 per hour, leading to a full charge cost of about $8 to $10 for a 40 kWh battery.
- DC Fast Chargers (Level 3) cost substantially more, ranging from $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh, with a full charge costing between $16 and $24 or even up to $30 in some cases.
- Relying exclusively on public Level 2 chargers can cost $770 to $963 annually for average driving distances (~13,500 miles), whereas exclusive use of fast DC charging can exceed $1,500 to $2,300 per year.
- Pricing varies widely by location, charging network, and charger type; some public charging is free but often with long waits or unreliability, making it less practical as a sole charging method.
Summary Comparison
| Charging Method | Approximate Cost per kWh | Cost per Full Charge (~40-60 kWh) | Annual Cost (13,500-14,000 miles) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Charging | $0.12 – $0.30 | $5.76 – $18 | $1,400 (example CA) | Cheapest, stable, most efficient |
| Public Level 2 | $0.20 – $0.25 | $8 – $10 | $770 – $960 | Convenient, but costlier |
| Public DC Fast | $0.40 – $0.60 | $16 – $30 | $1,540 – $2,300 | Quick but most expensive |
In conclusion, charging an EV at home is significantly cheaper per kWh and per charge than using public charging stations, especially fast chargers, making home charging the most economical option for daily use. Public charging is a convenient complement, especially during travel or when home charging is not available, but it comes at a premium cost.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-public-charging-costs-compare-to-home-charging/
