How much does it cost to charge an Electric Car at home?
The short answer is it can vary, but charging at home is generally the most economical and can range from $5 to $15 dollars to charge an average 68 kWh battery fully. Factors such as regional electricity prices, types of EV chargers, and your EV battery all contribute to the cost.
The shift from fuel-consuming vehicles to eco-friendly EVs can be overwhelming, particularly regarding charging expenses. Many prospective EV owners want to fully understand the cost of charging an electric vehicle at home.
Let’s break it down in easy-to-understand examples and uncover just how affordable charging an E-car at home truly is.
Table Of Contents:
- Understanding the Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle
- Factors Influencing EV Charging Costs
- Estimating Home Charging Costs for Your Electric Vehicle
- Benefits and Costs Associated with Overnight Charging at Home
- Investing in Level 2 Chargers for Faster Home Charging
- FAQs in Relation to How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Ev at Home
Understanding the Cost of Charging an Electric Vehicle
Determining the cost of charging your electric vehicle requires a deeper exploration, as there are many factors that play into it.
There’s a science behind it, but the formula is pretty simple to start out with.
The average cost of a kWh on your plan X the average kWh you use to drive each month = $ Per Month
In Texas, we can look at some typical examples for EV drivers in the Lone Star State.
- According to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Americans average about 13,476 miles annually, or about 1,123 miles a month.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) average about 3 to 4 miles per kWh.
- The typical residential energy rate in Texas is about 14.19 ¢/kWh.
Using these numbers, we can calculate the average monthly cost.
First, to determine the amount of kWh used to drive each month, divide the total miles driven in a month by the amount of miles per kWh their EV gets. For instance, if you drive the average 1,123 miles per month and own an EV which gets 4 miles per kWh, you would use approximately 281 kWh per month (1,123 / 4 = 280.75 ≈ 281).
After determining your kWh usage per month, multiply that number by your energy rate to calculate how much money you’ll pay each month to power your electric car. If you had the average Texas residential energy rate and used the average amount of kWh per month that we previously found, you could expect to pay about $39.84 (281 x 0.1419) per month to charge your EV.
Factors Influencing EV Charging Costs
Your EV charges, but at what price?
The type of EV you drive matters significantly. Different models have varying battery sizes that impact how much electricity they consume during each charge session.
Electric vehicles (EVs) typically use two main types of batteries: lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used by manufacturers like Tesla and Jaguar, and nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are found in hybrid vehicles like Toyota. These battery technologies help power EVs and contribute to their overall performance and range.
Average cost per kWh for residential energy:
- This is where understanding electrical power costs becomes essential. The national average rate for residential electricity hovers around 16 cents per kWh, but this can fluctuate based on location and provider.
- The average kWh in Texas is around 14 cents per kWh and fluctuates based on different plans available and current electricity rates.
Mileage Impacts Your Energy Consumption:
- The average cost to charge an EV depends heavily on how much you drive.
- An EV gets between three to four miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Type of EV Charger Used: Level 1 vs Level 2 Chargers:
You also need to consider whether you’re charging with a standard outlet (Level 1 chargers), or if you’ve upgraded your system with level 2 charger units that deliver more power faster.
Your Driving Habits Matter
If we consider that the U.S. average mileage is around 1,123 miles each month, then using this figure can provide a rough estimate of electricity consumption for most drivers.
Calculating accurate rates requires considering all the variables unique to every individual driver’s situation.
Estimating Home Charging Costs for Your Electric Vehicle
If you’re an EV driver in Texas, understanding your home charging costs is going to play a large part of your decision process.
This isn’t just about the electric vehicle itself or even the type of charger used; it’s also about your specific driving habits and energy rates in your region.
Influence of Regional Energy Rates on Total Charge Cost
For instance, the average energy rate in Texas is about 14.19 ¢/kWh but the national average is 16.11 ¢/kWh, about 12% higher than the Texas average.
Charging an electric car at home typically requires around 11.81 kWh per day, 353.3 kWh per month, and 4,310.65 kWh per year. This energy consumption estimation is based on the average energy usage of an electric vehicle and reflects the amount needed to replenish the distance driven.
Thus if you’re charging predominantly at home with these prices – expect a different total compared against someone residing elsewhere where electrical plan costs are higher.
If all these calculations seem daunting – don’t worry. There are online resources available such as this home charging calculator and Home Energy Club’s guide to the Average Home kWh Stats in Texas.
Benefits and Costs Associated with Overnight Charging at Home
The draw of charging an electric car overnight is clear. Your car is not being used as often and you wake up with a fully charged car ready to go for the day.
This option often proves to be the most economical, thanks to lower off-peak electricity rates offered by many energy providers.
Lowered Cost through Overnight Charging Plans
In Texas, several companies offer competitive pricing plans designed specifically for EV owners who prefer night time charging.
At Home Energy Club, we provide comprehensive comparisons of these plans – making it easier than ever to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Potential Savings from Solar Panel Investment
Beyond traditional electrical power costs, solar panels present another opportunity for savings when you’re charging an EV at home.
A well-placed investment in a residential solar panel system could potentially offset all or part of your vehicle’s energy consumption depending on factors such as local climate conditions and available sunlight hours.
See our guide on Solar Energy Return on Investment for detailed insights into how much homeowners can save over time using renewable sources like sun-power versus conventional grid-based supplies.
Investing in Level 2 Chargers for Faster Home Charging
Time is of the essence for those who drive electric vehicles.
While a standard charger may suffice initially, upgrading to a Level 2 charger can significantly reduce your charging times and enhance your electric car experience.
A Look at Average Level 2 Charger Costs
The initial cost of these chargers varies widely. You could spend anywhere from $250-$500 on the unit itself, according to data from JD Power.
This doesn’t include installation fees, which JD Power notes typically ranges between $1000 – $1500 depending on electrical power costs and local regulations.
Potential Long Term Savings with Reduced Charge Times
Are you pondering if this expenditure will be worth it? The answer lies in how frequently you’re charging your EV and how much value you place on convenience.
- Faster charge times mean less waiting around – particularly beneficial if you often find yourself planning an impromptu EV road trip comparable to traditional gas-powered vehicles or have high daily mileage needs.
- Your electricity rates play a significant role too; Texans enjoy some of the most competitive prices nationwide thanks to efforts towards developing national electric vehicle infrastructure courtesy companies like Shell and others who’ve worked tirelessly to ensure consumers get the best deals on the market today.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Public vs Home Charging Stations
If you’re using public stations from the national EV charging network or commercial charger outlets, prices will differ compared to home-charging scenarios.
Home Energy Club’s guide on Texas Electricity Rates provides insights into different EV rate plans and their variables.
How Much Does it Cost to Charge an EV at Home FAQs
How expensive is charging an electric car at home?
The cost of charging an EV at home varies based on your local electricity rates and the vehicle’s battery size. On average, it can range from $0.03 to $0.07 per mile.
Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home or an EV station?
Charging an electric car at home is typically cheaper than using a public station. Home chargers are more affordable and often benefit from lower electricity costs, especially if charged during off-peak hours. Save money and enjoy the convenience of charging your electric car from the comfort of your own home.
What’s the average cost to fully charge an electric car?
The national average for residential electricity is around $0.14 per kWh; thus, a full charge can cost between $5-$15, depending on your EV model’s battery capacity.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a charging station in the US?
Average costs for public chargers vary but are generally more expensive than home-charging due to convenience and infrastructure upkeep expenses—typically ranging from $0.20 – $1 per kWh.
If you’re based in Texas and want to know more about how much it will cost to charge an EV car at home with your local electricity plans, review the rates in your zip code on Home Energy Club.
