How Much It Costs to Charge
and Run an Electric Car

Charging an EV at home, charging points and prices per kW

Electric cars (EVs) are growing in popularity in the UK. We all know that EVs are good for the planet and that they’re cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel car - but how cheap are they?

Savings you make will depend on where you recharge your EV - either at home or a public charging point, the model of your car and what electricity tariff you’re on. Let’s find out the best value option.

Cost of Charging at Home

Charging your electric car at home is one of the most convenient and cost-effective methods. To get started, you’ll need an electric vehicle charging point installed at your home. The cost of installing a home charging point can vary but typically range from £300 to £1,000. Fortunately, government grants and incentives are available to offset these costs.

Once your home charging point is set up, you have two main options for charging:

1. Standard Charging (3 kW)

Most home charging points offer a standard charging speed of 3 kW. This is much slower than public fast-charging stations, but it's perfect for overnight charging when you're not in a hurry. On average, you can expect to add around 10-15 miles of range per hour of charging.

Cost: Charging at home using a 3 kW charger costs about 14p to 18p per kWh, which means you'd pay around £4-£5 for a full charge, depending on your car's battery capacity.

2. Fast Charging (7-22 kW)

If you need faster charging speeds at home, you can opt for a 7 kW or 22 kW charger, depending on your vehicle's compatibility. Fast chargers will add around 20-30 miles of range per hour, making them more suitable for top-up charging or if you need to charge your car quickly.

Cost: The cost of charging with a 7 kW charger is similar to the standard charger, at approximately 14p to 18p per kWh. If you have a 22 kW charger, the cost may be slightly higher, but still significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.

Remember that electricity prices may vary depending on your location and energy provider, so it's a good idea to check your electricity rates to get an accurate cost estimate.

Cost of Charging at Public Charging Stations

While charging at home is convenient, sometimes you'll need to top up your electric car when you're out and about. Furthermore, if you live in a city and street park, public charging stations could be your only refuelling option. The good news is that public charging stations are widely available across the UK, and offer different charging speeds and pricing models:

1. Rapid Chargers (50 kW+)

Rapid chargers are the fastest public charging option and commonly found along motorways and in city centres. They can provide up to 100 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes, making them ideal for long journeys.

Cost: Rapid charger costs vary but usually range from 30p to 40p per kWh. So, for a 30-minute charge, you might pay £5-£7, depending on your car's efficiency.

2. Fast Chargers (7-22 kW)

Fast chargers are similar to the 7 kW and 22 kW chargers you can install at home. They're often located in public car parks, shopping centres, and other convenient locations including drive-in Starbucks sites.

Cost: Charging with a fast charger at a public station typically costs around 14p to 20p per kWh.

Finding Charging Stations

To locate public charging stations, you can use an EV charging app, websites, and in-car navigation systems. Popular EV tools like Zap-Pay or ChargePoint, plus the manufacturer-specific apps can help you find the nearest charging point and its availability. Be aware that some networks may require registration or have subscription fees.

Best Value Charging Options

Now you’re more familiar with charging options and costs, we need to determine the best value option for charging your electric car, plus need to consider several factors:

1. Usage Patterns: If you mainly use your EV for daily commuting within the range of a full charge, charging at home is often the most cost-effective option.

2. Long Trips: If you frequently take longer journeys and need quick top-ups, you may want to consider a mix of home charging and the occasional use of public rapid chargers.

3. EV Efficiency: The cost of charging depends on your car's efficiency. More efficient vehicles will travel farther on the same amount of electricity, ultimately saving you money.

4. Cost of Home Installation: Consider the cost of installing a home charging point. If you receive government incentives, this could significantly affect the overall cost.

5. Public Charger Accessibility: Assess the availability of public charging stations in your area. If they're abundant and conveniently located, it might make sense to rely on public charging for convenience.

In general, the best value option for charging your electric car is to use a combination of home charging and public charging points when needed. This strategy offers cost savings, convenience, and flexibility.

Additional Tips for Cost-Effective Charging

1. Time Your Charging: Electricity prices may vary throughout the day. Consider charging during off-peak hours when rates are lower to save even more.
2. Use Eco-Settings: Many EVs offer energy-saving or eco-driving modes, which can help improve efficiency and extend your range.
3. Regenerative Braking: Take advantage of regenerative braking systems that capture and store energy while slowing down, improving overall efficiency.
4. Check for Discounts: Some charging networks offer discounts or subscription plans, so explore available offers to reduce your charging costs.
5. Consider Solar Panels: If you're committed to sustainability, you might want to invest in solar panels for your home. They can help offset the electricity used for charging your EV.

Webuyurcar Verdict

Charging an electric car can be a cost-effective and convenient experience, especially when compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The best value option for you depends on your specific circumstances, including your driving habits, the availability of charging stations, and the efficiency of your electric vehicle.

In general, home charging is often the most cost-effective choice for daily use, while using public charging stations strategically for longer trips or top-ups is also a viable option. By understanding the costs associated with each method and implementing some cost-saving tips, you can enjoy the benefits of electric mobility while keeping your expenses in check. Charging your electric car has never been easier or more affordable, and it's a smart choice for both your wallet and a greener planet.

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