EV Charging Cost Calculator

This EV charging cost calculator works out the energy added to the battery (capacity × the change in charge level), adds charging losses, and multiplies by the price per kWh: cost = battery kWh × (target − start) ÷ efficiency × price. It compares home and public charging and shows the range added.

Reviewed by CostPulse HubLast updated

Car and charge

Imperial units
kWh
%
%
%
Some energy is lost as heat while charging.
mi/kWh

Prices (optional)

per kWh
Published average: EIA 2026 forecast, STEO Oct 2026
per kWh
Example price, edit to match your area
Example prices: US (USD) — edit to match your area

Starting prices for the United States in USD. Fields marked “Published average” use the source below, at the date of that source. All other starting prices are example prices: round planning values, not quotes or averages. Prices change by store, area and season, so edit them to match your area. Electricity: U.S. average residential price forecast for 2026, 18.2 cents per kWh, EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook, October 2026 (source).

Your estimate

Results update as you type.

Cost at home
$9.10
Cost at a public charger
$24.00
Energy added to the battery
45 kWh
Energy drawn from the grid
50 kWh
Range added
157 mi
Home charging per 100 distance
$5.78 per 100 mi

How to use the EV charging cost calculator

  1. Choose miles or kilometres at the top. The car’s efficiency follows: miles per kWh, or kWh per 100 km.
  2. Enter the usable battery capacity from the car’s specifications.
  3. Set the charge level now and the level you charge to; 20% to 80% is a common everyday window.
  4. Keep 90% charging efficiency unless you know your charger’s figure.
  5. Enter your home price per kWh and a typical public charger price, then compare the two.

How the cost is worked out

Energy added (kWh) = battery capacity × (target % − start %)
Energy drawn = energy added ÷ charging efficiency
Cost = energy drawn × price per kWh
Range = energy added × miles per kWh (or ÷ kWh per 100 km × 100)

Some energy turns into heat in the charger, cables and battery, so the meter records more than reaches the battery. Ten percent is a common planning figure for home charging. Public chargers bill the energy delivered at the charger, so the same drawn figure is used for both.

Worked example

A car with a 75 kWh usable battery, charged from 20% to 80% with 90% charging efficiency, using 3.5 miles per kWh, with home electricity at 18.2 cents and public fast charging at 48 cents per kWh:

  1. Energy into the battery: 75 × (80% − 20%) = 45 kWh.
  2. Energy from the grid: 45 ÷ 0.90 = 50 kWh.
  3. Cost: 50 × $0.182 = $9.10 at home, or 50 × $0.48 = $24.00 at a public charger.
  4. Range added: 45 × 3.5 = 157 mi, so home charging costs $5.78 per 100 mi.

Load this example into the calculator

Tips to charge for less

  • Use off-peak tariffs. Many utilities and suppliers offer cheaper overnight rates for EV owners; scheduling the charge can cut the home cost sharply.
  • Keep fast charging for trips. Rapid public chargers are convenient on long drives but usually cost several times the home rate.
  • Follow the car’s advice on charge limits. Many makers suggest charging to around 80% day to day and to full only before long trips; check your manual.
  • Cold weather lowers efficiency. Heating the cabin and battery uses energy, so winter range and cost per mile are worse than summer figures.
  • Use a proper home charger. Have a licensed electrician install it on a suitable circuit.

US, UK and Canada differences

In the US and Canada, home charging is described as Level 1 (a standard outlet) and Level 2 (a 240 V charger), while public DC fast chargers are priced per kWh in many states and provinces and per minute in some. In the UK, most home wallboxes are about 7 kW, public chargers are labelled slow, fast, rapid and ultra-rapid, and rapid charging prices are usually much higher than the domestic unit rate set under the price cap.

Metric units and other countries

In kilometre mode, efficiency is in kWh per 100 km, the unit most European and Asian car makers publish. Electricity tariffs in Pakistan, India and the Gulf often rise with monthly use, so the extra units for charging may fall into a higher slab; use the rate that applies to your top slab for a realistic cost. Where power cuts are common, plan regular charging for the hours when supply is most reliable.

Frequently asked questions

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Results are estimates for planning only. Fuel use, charging costs, finance terms and resale values vary, so check the figures with your lender, dealer, insurer or energy supplier before you decide. See our disclaimer.