Electric cars are rapidly gaining popularity and may soon replace many gas or diesel-operated vehicles on the road today. Within just a decade, the number of EVs sold in the U.S. has climbed from just 100,000 to 3.5 million, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). One of the most common questions EV owners or potential customers have is about the increased power bills due to an EV.
One of the main reasons most buyers purchase an electric vehicle (EV) is to reduce their regular fuel expenses. While your EV may help reduce how much you spend at the pump, charging your can hit your monthly electricity bill.
And if you’re already concerned about high energy bills, you may want to consider the cost of charging your electric car before investing. To help you understand the cost of EV charging, we’ll review the types of EV chargers, places you can charge your EV and the potential costs, along with some tips on reducing your charging costs.
Cost To Charge Electric Car
When considering the cost of charging your electric car, you can think about it in a few ways: The cost you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the cost to charge an EV from zero to 100%, and finally, the hourly cost of charging. The cost per kWh is the electricity rate you pay your energy company, as specified in your electricity facts label (EFL). In Texas, this price is communicated in cents per kWh.
The cost to charge your electric car will vary based on a handful of factors, including your current energy rate — meaning the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy used — and the size of your battery.
Charging time and your energy plan type can also affect the cost of charging your EV. Lastly, the cost of charging per hour will depend on your charger type, power rating and efficiency.
Types of EV Chargers
Below, you can see how much you pay per hour to charge your electricity vehicle and the number of miles you can get per hour of charging. The table below can help you understand how quickly you can charge your EV and how much it may cost.
| Charger Type | Charging Speed | Typical Location | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 chargers | 3–6 miles per hour of charging (1–2 kW) | Homes | $0.16–$0.32 |
| Level 2 chargers | 20–80 miles per hour of charging (7–19 kW) | Homes, workspaces and public | $1.12–$3.03 |
| DC fast chargers | 150–1,200 miles per hour of charging (50–350 kW) | Public | $7.98–$55.83 |
We calculated these prices using charging kilowatt ratings from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the nationwide average energy rate of 15.95 cents per kWh based on January 2025 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Cost To Charge an EV at Home
Most electric car owners charge their EVs at home, typically using a Level 2 charger, making the cost of charging your EV at home particularly pertinent. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average American drives about 13,476 miles per year, or about 1,120 miles per month.
Considering the Tesla Model Y, the nation’s best-selling EV, one kWh of energy offers about 4 miles of driving range. This means that driving the monthly 1,120 miles would require a total energy of 280 kWh. Assuming the national average energy rate of 15.95 cents per kWh, the Model Y would need about $44.66 per month, which averages out to around $1.49 per night.
Naturally, this number will vary based on your home’s energy charges and the range and efficiency of your EV. Electric trucks and SUVs, for example, will generally get fewer miles per kilowatt-hour, with some sources suggesting 2 miles or less.
And, of course, your energy rate will have a big impact. For instance, the average energy rate in Texas is 14.68 cents per kWh, which leads to a monthly charging cost of $43.68 — cheaper than the national average.
That’s not all. The charging costs will also vary based on the charging time if you have a time-of-use plan. For example, the Rhythm Energy Powershift plan has an off-peak rate of only 5.1 cents per kWh. If you only charge a Model Y during the off-peak hours, your charging costs drop to a significantly low $14.28 per month.
Some time-of-use plans even offer 100% free energy during off-peak hours. These free energy plans can potentially reduce your charging costs significantly. However, you’ll often pay a far higher rate during the day. Consider your total usage needs before selecting one of these free energy plans.
Home EV Charging Station Installation Cost
With installation, a typical Level 2 home electric charger can cost between $700 and $2,000. The cost of your EV charger will depend on factors such as brand, power rating, additional equipment requirements and labor costs.
A good quality electric vehicle charger will cost $400 to $700 before installation. In addition, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 in installation costs, depending on factors such as the choice of installer, installation location, additional equipment requirements, etc.
Note that the actual cost of your charging station will be lower when you apply for rebates and incentives. One noteworthy incentive is the Federal Tax Credit for EV Chargers, which offers a 30% tax credit on your charger installation, capped at $1,000. Several utility companies and cities also offer incentives for EV charger installations, such as Austin Energy’s 50% rebate.
How Much Does Charging an Electric Car Add to Your Electric Bill?
The increase in your electric bill from charging an EV at home depends on the type of electric car, your monthly usage and the type of electric plan. As calculated in one of the earlier sections, charging the best-selling Tesla Model Y using the monthly average miles will add about $50 to your electric bill.
However, this number will be lower if you use the car for fewer miles or have an electric plan with a rate lower than the national average. Additionally, charging your EV at off-peak rates with time-of-use or EV-specific plans will add less to your electric bills.
Public EV Charging Costs
Charging your EV at a public charging station is usually more expensive than charging at home. A public Level 2 charger can cost you about $0.20 to $0.25 per kWh. On the other hand, DC Fast chargers are even more expensive and can cost between $0.30 and $0.50 per kWh.
For a typical electric car with a 60 kWh battery, charging from zero to 100% would cost $12 to $15 for a Level 2 charger and $18 to $30 for a DC Fast charger.
The public charging costs discussed above depend on factors such as the location of charging and the type of subscription required.
How To Save Money on EV Charging
Many shopping malls, hotels, universities and corporate campuses now offer free charging stations. Whether you recharge your car at work or while doing retail therapy, a free charging station can significantly reduce the cost of topping off your EV’s battery capacity.
You can save on your electric car’s charging costs by charging it during off-peak hours if you have a time-of-use energy plan that offers discounted rates for EV charging. When comparing energy providers in Texas, you may want to keep an eye out for light companies that offer EV-specific energy plans with discounted — or even free — charging hours for your electric ride.
Even if you live in a state with regulated electricity, your utility company may offer different energy rate plans with cost discounts for EV charging. Contact your local utility company to see what sort of EV-based incentives it offers.
Best Electric Vehicle Energy Plans in Texas
Numerous Texas energy providers offer one or more EV plans to their customers. Most of these plans are a variation of the “time-of-use” structure, which has a high energy rate for hours of peak demand and low rates for off-peak hours, such as nights or weekends. Below, you’ll find some of our top-rated electric vehicle energy plans.
| Plan Name | Current rate (Cents Per kWh) | Term Length | Benefits and Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chariot Energy EV Ride 24 | 15.2 | 24 months | Free energy every night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
| Rhythm Energy PowerShift EV 12 | 15.0 | 12 months | Low energy rate during off-peak hours (seasonally changing) |
| Octopus Octo EV 12 | 14.8 | 12 months | Straightforward, fixed-rate EV plan |
| Champion Energy EV Saver 12 | 17 | 12 months | Low rate of 6 cents per kWh between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. |
| TXU Free Nights & Solar Days 12 | 18.8 | 12 months | Free energy every night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. |
We pulled the rates above for a home using 1,000 kWh in the 77077 Houston ZIP code on April 15, 2025.
Benefits of Owning an Electric Vehicle
Owning an electric vehicle offers multiple benefits, as listed below:
- Reduction in fuel costs: EVs can be cheaper to operate than gas-powered cars. Typically, an EV needs less than half the cost of a gas car for each mile covered.
- Low maintenance: EVs don’t have the complex components of gas-powered cars, such as the combustion engine or transmission, leading to fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs. For example, EVs don’t need oil changes.
- Clean operation: Electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions. Studies show that EVs create fewer carbon emissions, even when charged using traditional energy.
- Quieter operation: The DC motors used in an electric car are far quieter than gas engines.
- Benefit from incentives: Unlike traditional cars, electric models are eligible for federal and state rebates. For example, Americans are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when they purchase an electric vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Charging Your EV
Are electric cars cheaper to run than gas cars?
Yes, electric cars are cheaper to run than gas cars. A 2020 Consumer Reports study found that EV owners spend about 60% less on fuel costs compared to those with gas-powered cars.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time required to charge an electric car can be as little as 30 minutes and as high as 24 hours, depending on the type of charger used. A level 2 charger, the most common home charger type, can take four to 10 hours to charge, depending on its power rating.
Do all electric cars use the same chargers?
With some exceptions, most EV chargers are compatible with most electric cars today. However, some cars may require a specific charger type, while others have a unique design, making them incompatible with all but a single car or set of cars.
What affects the cost of charging an electric car?
Your energy rate, the type of charger you’re using and the size of your car’s battery can all impact the cost of charging your electric vehicle. Regardless of these factors, charging your EV can often be cheaper than gassing up your ICE vehicle.
