EV Charging Cost Calculator
Find out exactly how much it costs to charge your electric vehicle with our free calculator. Select your EV model or enter custom battery specs, plug in your electricity rate, and get an instant cost estimate for any charge session. Whether you charge at home with a Level 2 charger or use a public DC fast charger, this tool helps you plan your budget.
U.S. average: $0.16/kWh
Charging Cost Estimate
Energy Needed
52.5 kWh
Estimated Cost
$8.40
Cost per Mile*
$0.035
*Estimated at 3.5 mi/kWh average efficiency. Actual cost varies by driving style, weather, and vehicle.
Monthly Estimate
Monthly Charging Cost
$45.71
Annual Charging Cost
$548.57
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your vehicle from the dropdown or enter a custom battery capacity. The calculator includes popular EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
- Enter your electricity rate. Check your utility bill for the exact $/kWh rate. The U.S. national average is roughly $0.16/kWh, but rates vary widely by state and time of day.
- Set your current and target charge levels using the sliders. Most EV owners charge from about 20% to 80–90% for optimal battery health.
- Review your results. The calculator instantly shows the energy needed, total cost, and estimated cost per mile.
- Estimate monthly costs by entering your typical monthly mileage in the section below the main results.
For the most accurate results, use your actual electricity rate from your most recent utility bill. If you have a time-of-use plan, enter the rate that applies during your typical charging window. Many EV owners save significantly by charging during off-peak hours with an affordable Level 2 home charger.
Average EV Charging Costs by State
Electricity rates vary dramatically across the United States, which directly affects how much you pay to charge your EV. Here are the average residential electricity rates for the top 10 most populous states:
| State | Avg. Rate ($/kWh) | Cost: 20%→90% (75 kWh battery) | Est. Monthly Cost (1,000 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $0.27 | $14.18 | $77.14 |
| Texas | $0.14 | $7.35 | $40.00 |
| Florida | $0.14 | $7.35 | $40.00 |
| New York | $0.23 | $12.08 | $65.71 |
| Pennsylvania | $0.17 | $8.93 | $48.57 |
| Illinois | $0.16 | $8.40 | $45.71 |
| Ohio | $0.14 | $7.35 | $40.00 |
| Georgia | $0.13 | $6.83 | $37.14 |
| North Carolina | $0.13 | $6.83 | $37.14 |
| Michigan | $0.18 | $9.45 | $51.43 |
Rates based on EIA residential electricity data. Actual rates vary by utility provider and plan. Use the calculator above with your exact rate for the most accurate estimate.
Want to see how these costs compare to gasoline? Try our EV vs Gas Savings Calculator to see your annual savings from switching to electric.
Home Charging vs Public Charging Costs
Where you charge has a significant impact on your total cost. Here is a breakdown of the three main charging options:
Level 1 Home Charging (120V Outlet)
Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet and typically adds 3–5 miles of range per hour. It is the slowest option, but costs nothing beyond your regular electricity rate (averaging $0.16/kWh nationally). Best suited for plug-in hybrids or drivers with short daily commutes who can charge overnight.
Level 2 Home Charging (240V)
A dedicated Level 2 home charger delivers 25–40 miles of range per hour, making it the most popular option for EV owners. The charger itself costs $200–$500 for a quality unit (see our picks for the best EV chargers under $300), and electricity costs remain at your home rate. For most drivers, this is the most cost-effective long-term solution.
DC Fast Charging (Public)
DC fast chargers at public stations (Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, ChargePoint, etc.) can add 150–250 miles in 20–40 minutes. However, pricing typically runs $0.30–$0.60/kWh, which is two to four times the cost of home charging. Some networks also charge per-minute idle fees. DC fast charging is ideal for road trips but significantly more expensive for daily use.
Money-saving tip: Installing a Level 2 home charger can save you $500–$1,200+ per year compared to relying on public DC fast charging. Check your state and local incentives for charger installation rebates. Use our Charging Time Calculator to estimate how quickly a home charger can replenish your battery.
Tips to Lower Your EV Charging Cost
Reducing your charging costs does not require sacrificing convenience. Here are proven strategies EV owners use to minimize their electricity bills:
- Charge during off-peak hours. Many utility companies offer time-of-use (TOU) rates with electricity as low as $0.06–$0.10/kWh between 11 PM and 6 AM. Most Level 2 chargers have built-in scheduling features.
- Invest in a Level 2 home charger. Charging at home is almost always cheaper than public stations. A good portable EV charger or a wall-mounted unit pays for itself within months compared to public fast charging.
- Take advantage of free charging. Many workplaces, shopping centers, and hotels offer free Level 2 charging. Apps like PlugShare help you find nearby free stations.
- Keep your battery between 20%–80%. Charging beyond 80% is less energy-efficient due to the battery management system slowing the charge rate. This also extends battery lifespan.
- Use charging network memberships. Subscriptions from Electrify America ($4/mo for lower per-kWh pricing) or ChargePoint can reduce per-session costs if you frequently use public chargers.
- Consider solar panels. Pairing a home solar system with your EV charger can reduce your effective charging cost to near zero. The federal solar tax credit makes this more affordable than ever.
- Monitor your driving efficiency. Aggressive driving, high speeds, and heavy climate control use increase energy consumption. Moderate driving can improve your efficiency by 10–20%.
Curious how much you could save by switching from gas to electric? Use our EV vs Gas Savings Calculator to run the numbers.
Recommended EV Chargers
Based on our testing, these chargers offer the best value for home charging.
Lectron V-BOX 48 Amp Level 2 EV Charger
Lectron
Grizzl-E Classic Level 2 EV Charger
Grizzl-E