Public fast-charging (Level 3 or DC Fast Chargers) is significantly more expensive than public Level 2 charging. Specifically:
- Public Level 2 charging typically costs between $0.20 and $0.25 per kWh, translating to roughly $1 to $5 per hour of charging. For a full charge on a 40 kWh battery, this amounts to about $8 to $10.
- Public fast-charging costs range from $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh. A full charge at these DC fast chargers can cost between $10 to $30, approximately double or more the cost of Level 2 charging for the same battery size.
In terms of cost per mile, public Level 2 charging results in roughly $0.06 to $0.08 per mile, while fast charging costs rise to about $0.10 to $0.15 per mile.
Annual costs based on average driving of about 13,489 miles show a clear difference: relying exclusively on public Level 2 charging would cost approximately $770 to $963 per year, whereas exclusive use of DC fast charging would cost between $1,540 and $2,300 per year.
This indicates that public fast-charging can cost roughly two to three times more than public Level 2 charging, making Level 2 a more economical option when convenience and time are not critical factors. Fast charging, while more expensive, offers greater speed and convenience for quicker recharging.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-cost-of-public-fast-charging-compare-to-level-2-charging/
