Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home generally remains the most cost-effective option compared to using public charging stations. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:
Home Charging
- Cost Basis: Home charging uses residential electricity rates, which vary by location but average around $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the U.S. as of January 2025.
- Average Costs: For a typical EV with a 40 kWh battery, a full charge might cost between $6.00 and $6.40 at home, depending on local electricity rates.
- Per Mile Cost: Charging at home results in a cost of about $0.05 per mile, significantly lower than the cost per mile for gasoline vehicles.
Public Charging
- Types of Public Charging:
- Level 2 Charging: Costs around $8 to $10 for a full charge of a 40 kWh battery.
- Fast DC Charging (Supercharging): Costs between $16 and $24 for a full charge of a 40 kWh battery, and $14 to $21 for 100 miles of driving.
- Per Mile Cost: Supercharging costs significantly more per mile, typically $0.14 to $0.21 per mile, compared to home charging.
Comparison Summary
| Charging Method | Cost per Charge (40 kWh Battery) | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Home Charging | $6.00 to $6.40 | $0.05 |
| Public Level 2 | $8 to $10 | Higher than home |
| Fast DC (Supercharge) | $16 to $24 | $0.14 to $0.21 |
Overall, charging at home is more economical for electric vehicle owners, providing substantial savings over public charging options. However, public charging is more convenient for long trips or when home charging is not available.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-cost-of-ev-charging-at-home-compare-to-public-charging-stations/
