This EV charging cost calculator estimates what it costs to charge an electric car at home and on public fast chargers, your monthly charging bill, your cost per mile, and how much you save compared with a gas car. Enter your battery size, electricity rate and how many miles you drive.
- One home charge (from → to) $0
- Energy drawn from the grid 0 kWh
- Cost per mile $0
- Gas car fuel per month $0
- Monthly savings vs gas $0
- Yearly savings vs gas $0
Estimate. Check your utility bill for your actual rate and any time-of-use discounts.
How to Calculate EV Charging Cost
- Energy added: battery size × the percentage you add. Charging a 75 kWh battery from 20% to 80% adds 45 kWh.
- Account for losses: divide by charging efficiency. At 90%, adding 45 kWh draws about 50 kWh from the grid.
- Multiply by your rate: 50 kWh × $0.18 per kWh ≈ $9.00.
For a monthly estimate, the calculator divides your miles by your EV's efficiency (miles per kWh) and applies a blend of home and public charging prices.
What Affects the Cost to Charge an EV
- Electricity rate: home rates vary widely by state and utility; rate trackers put the US residential average around 18 cents per kWh in 2026, but check your bill.
- Time-of-use plans: many utilities charge less overnight.
- Public fast charging: usually costs much more per kWh than home charging.
- Charging losses: some energy is lost as heat; losses of roughly 5–15% are common for home charging.
- Driving efficiency: cold weather, highway speeds and larger vehicles reduce miles per kWh.
EV vs Gas: Typical Savings
Charging at home usually costs much less per mile than gasoline. AAA's 2026 driving cost study found charging costs were roughly two-thirds lower than fuel costs for comparable medium sedans, though other ownership costs such as depreciation matter too. Use the comparison in the calculator with your own numbers.
Tips to Cut Charging Costs
- Charge at home on a time-of-use or EV rate plan during off-peak hours.
- Use public fast charging mainly for road trips.
- Precondition the battery while plugged in during cold weather.
- Keep tires properly inflated to protect efficiency.
- Look for free workplace or retail charging.
Related guides: see how long it takes to charge an EV, learn whether electric cars need oil changes, and estimate your total cost of ownership.
EV Charging Cost FAQ
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Multiply the kWh you add, adjusted for charging losses, by your electricity rate. Adding 45 kWh at 90% efficiency and $0.18 per kWh costs about $9.
Is It Cheaper to Charge an EV at Home?
Usually yes. Home electricity typically costs much less per kWh than public DC fast charging.
How Much Does an EV Add to My Electric Bill?
Divide your monthly miles by your EV’s miles per kWh and multiply by your rate. Driving 1,100 miles at 3.5 miles per kWh uses roughly 350 kWh including losses.
What Is Charging Efficiency?
The share of electricity from the outlet that ends up in the battery. Some energy is lost as heat, commonly around 5 to 15 percent at home.
Is Charging an EV Cheaper Than Gas?
In most cases, yes, especially when charging at home. Use the calculator to compare with your car’s MPG and local gas price.
How Can I Lower My EV Charging Costs?
Charge off-peak on a time-of-use plan, charge mostly at home, and use fast chargers mainly on trips.