How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?

The cost to charge an EV at home comes down to a simple formula:

Charging Cost = (Battery Size in kWh) × (Electricity Rate per kWh) ÷ (Charging Efficiency)

Let us break that down with real numbers. The average U.S. residential electricity rate in 2026 is approximately $0.16 per kWh. Charging efficiency for a Level 2 home charger is about 90% (meaning 10% of the energy is lost as heat during charging). Here is what a full charge costs for common battery sizes:

Monthly Charging Costs

The average American drives about 1,124 miles per month (13,500 miles per year). For an EV averaging 3.5 miles per kWh (a typical mid-size EV), that works out to:

• Monthly energy needed: 1,124 ÷ 3.5 = 321 kWh
• Accounting for charging losses (90% efficiency): 321 ÷ 0.9 = 357 kWh
• Monthly cost at $0.16/kWh: 357 × $0.16 = $57.12

Compare this to the average gas car getting 27 MPG at $3.50/gallon:

• Monthly gas cost: 1,124 ÷ 27 × $3.50 = $145.70

That is a savings of $88.58 per month or over $1,060 per year just on fuel. Use our EV vs gas savings calculator to see your personalized savings based on your exact driving habits and local rates.

The Cost-Per-Mile Advantage

One of the most useful metrics is cost per mile. Here is how EVs compare to gas vehicles:

Home charging is the clear winner at about 5 cents per mile. Even the most efficient hybrid cannot match home EV charging costs. This is why having a Level 2 home charger is such a strong financial decision—see our best cheap Level 2 chargers for affordable options.

Not all EVs are created equal when it comes to charging costs. A compact EV like the Nissan Leaf costs significantly less to charge per month than a large SUV like the Rivian R1S. Here is a detailed comparison of popular 2025–2026 models, calculated at the national average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh with 90% charging efficiency.

*Monthly and annual costs based on 1,124 miles/month (13,500 miles/year) national average driving distance.

Key Takeaways from the Data

• Most efficient: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 leads the pack at 4.5 mi/kWh, costing just $431 per year to charge. Its aerodynamic sedan design pays real dividends in energy efficiency.
• Tesla Model 3 remains one of the most efficient and cheapest to charge at $461/year, thanks to its 4.2 mi/kWh efficiency.
• Larger vehicles cost more: The Rivian R1S, while a capable SUV, costs nearly $776/year to charge—still far less than the $2,250+ you would spend on gas for a comparable gas SUV.
• Battery size is not everything: The Chevy Equinox EV has a large 85 kWh battery but its good efficiency (3.8 mi/kWh) keeps monthly costs reasonable at $42.55.

Want to calculate costs for your specific vehicle? Our EV charging cost calculator lets you input your exact model, electricity rate, and driving distance for a personalized estimate.

Your electricity rate is the single biggest factor in your home charging costs. Rates vary dramatically across the United States, from under $0.10/kWh in some states to over $0.30/kWh in others. Here are the average residential electricity rates for the most populous states as of early 2026:

*Based on average EV efficiency of 3.5 mi/kWh, 13,500 miles/year, 90% charging efficiency.
**Based on 27 MPG average and state-specific gas prices.

What This Means for You

Even in the most expensive electricity states like Hawaii and California, EV owners still save $800–$1,200 per year compared to gas. In cheap-electricity states like Louisiana and Idaho, savings can exceed $1,300 per year.

The most important thing you can do to reduce your rate is enroll in a time-of-use (TOU) electricity plan if your utility offers one. TOU plans offer discounted off-peak rates (often 30–50% cheaper) during nighttime hours when you would be charging anyway. In California, for example, off-peak rates can drop from $0.27 to $0.15–$0.18/kWh, saving you $30+ per month.

Learn more about optimizing your charging schedule in our guide on the best time to charge your electric car.

Not all charging is equal in cost. Where you charge has a massive impact on your total expenses. Let us compare the three main charging scenarios.

Cost Comparison: All Charging Methods

Key Insights

Home Level 1 and Level 2 cost the same per kWh. The difference is speed, not price. Level 1 adds 3–5 miles of range per hour, while Level 2 adds 18–40 miles per hour. The electricity rate is identical because it comes from the same meter. However, Level 2 chargers are slightly more efficient (about 90% vs 85% for Level 1), so you actually save a small amount with Level 2 over the long term.

Off-peak home charging is the cheapest option by far. If you can access TOU rates and charge during off-peak hours (typically 9 PM to 6 AM), you can cut your charging costs by 40–50%. At $0.09/kWh, you are looking at just $32/month or $386/year. That is roughly equivalent to paying $0.80 per gallon of gas.

Public Level 2 charging costs 2–3x more than home charging. Public chargers have overhead costs (equipment, installation, network fees, real estate) that are passed on to drivers. Per-hour billing at public stations is especially expensive because you are paying even when your car's charge rate slows down above 80%.

DC fast charging approaches or exceeds gas prices. At $0.45/kWh average, DC fast charging costs about $12–$14 per 100 miles—comparable to a fuel-efficient gas car. It is convenient for road trips but should not be your primary charging method if cost savings are a priority.

The Real-World Mix

Most EV owners do about 80% of their charging at home and 20% at public stations (mostly during road trips or errands). With this mix, here is what annual costs look like:

• 80% home ($0.16/kWh) + 20% public L2 ($0.30/kWh): ~$778/year
• 80% home off-peak ($0.09/kWh) + 20% DC fast ($0.45/kWh): ~$695/year
• 100% home off-peak: ~$386/year
• 100% DC fast charging: ~$1,929/year

The takeaway is clear: a home Level 2 charger pays for itself within the first year compared to relying on public charging. Check our best cheap Level 2 EV chargers to find one that fits your budget.

Even though home EV charging is already cheap, there are several strategies to cut your costs even further. Some of these tips can reduce your charging bill by 30–50%.

1. Switch to a Time-of-Use (TOU) Electricity Plan

This is the single most impactful thing you can do. TOU plans offer discounted rates during off-peak hours (typically nights and weekends). The savings are dramatic:

• Standard rate: $0.16/kWh → $57/month
• TOU off-peak rate: $0.09/kWh → $32/month
• Annual savings: ~$300

Most utilities now offer TOU plans, and many have EV-specific rate plans that offer even deeper off-peak discounts. Contact your utility company or check their website to see what is available. A smart charger with scheduling capability makes this effortless—set it once and the charger automatically starts during the cheapest hours every night.

2. Use a Smart Charger with Scheduling

A smart charger with built-in scheduling is essential for taking advantage of TOU rates. You plug in when you get home, but charging does not start until the off-peak window. Top options include:

• Chargers with built-in WiFi and app-based scheduling
• Tesla Wall Connector (scheduling built into the Tesla app)
• Any charger paired with a smart plug (budget option for basic scheduling)

Many cars also have built-in charge scheduling, but using the charger's schedule is more reliable since it does not depend on the car's software. See our best cheap Level 2 chargers list—most options under $400 now include scheduling.

3. Install Solar Panels

If you have rooftop solar, your marginal cost of electricity can drop to nearly $0.00/kWh for EV charging. Even without a battery storage system, if you work from home or can charge during daytime solar production hours, you are essentially fueling your car for free.

The math is compelling: a 7 kW solar array generates about 30 kWh per day in a sunny state. That is enough to drive about 105 miles per day—far more than the average daily drive of 37 miles. The system costs $15,000–$20,000 before incentives, but the 30% federal solar tax credit reduces that significantly.

4. Charge to 80% for Daily Use

Most EV manufacturers recommend charging to 80% for daily use rather than 100%. This is primarily for battery longevity, but it also saves money in a subtle way: the last 20% of charging is slower and less efficient due to the battery management system's taper curve. By stopping at 80%, you maintain higher charging efficiency throughout the session.

For most drivers, 80% of a standard EV battery provides 200+ miles of range—more than enough for several days of average driving.

5. Monitor Your Energy Usage

What gets measured gets managed. Use one of these tools to track your actual charging costs:

• Smart charger app: Most WiFi-connected chargers track energy consumption per session and over time.
• Dedicated energy monitor: Devices like the Emporia Vue or Sense monitor can track your EV circuit specifically.
• Your car's built-in data: Most EVs report energy consumed per trip and over time.
• Our EV charging cost calculator: Input your rates and driving habits for a personalized monthly and annual estimate.

By monitoring, you can identify if your actual costs match your estimates and adjust your habits accordingly. Some drivers discover they are charging more than necessary, or that their TOU plan's off-peak window does not align with their charger's schedule.

6. Take Advantage of Free Charging

Free charging opportunities are more common than you might think:

• Workplace charging: Many employers now offer free Level 2 charging as a benefit.
• Retail locations: Stores like Whole Foods, Target, and many hotels offer free charging to attract customers.
• Promotional offers: Some automakers include free charging credits with a new vehicle purchase (e.g., certain Ford and Hyundai models).
• Municipal stations: Some cities operate free public Level 2 chargers, especially near government buildings and libraries.

While you should not rely on free charging as your primary strategy, taking advantage of it when convenient can shave $10–$30 off your monthly bill.

7. Drive Efficiently

Your driving style directly impacts charging costs. Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and excessive climate control use all reduce your miles-per-kWh efficiency. Simple changes can improve efficiency by 10–20%:

• Use regenerative braking aggressively (one-pedal driving)
• Keep speeds at or below 65 MPH on highways (aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed)
• Pre-condition the cabin while plugged in (uses grid power instead of battery)
• Maintain proper tire pressure (underinflated tires increase rolling resistance)

A 15% improvement in efficiency on a $57/month charging bill saves you about $100 per year—small but meaningful, and it also extends your range between charges.