EV charging cost calculator
Understanding the cost of charging is essential for calculating the total cost of ownership of an electric vehicle. This tool helps you estimate your daily, monthly, and annual charging costs based on your specific electricity tariff and driving habits.
Interactive Cost Calculator
The average UK driver covers around 7,500 miles per year.
Typically between 3.0 and 4.5. Check your car's specs or "WLTP" rating.
Many "EV tariffs" offer a very cheap rate (e.g. 7p) overnight.
Most EV drivers with home chargers do at least 80% of their charging overnight.
Miles Per Gallon for the vehicle you are comparing against.
How to calculate your costs
To get an accurate estimate, you’ll need:
- Battery Size: The total capacity of your vehicle’s battery in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Electricity Rate: The price you pay per kWh (e.g., 24p for a standard tariff, or 7p for an EV off-peak rate).
- Efficiency: How many miles your car travels per kWh (typically between 3.0 and 4.5 miles/kWh).
- Annual Mileage: How many miles you drive in a typical year.
Typical Costs Comparison
Based on an average driver covering 7,500 miles per year in a car that achieves 3.5 miles per kWh.
| Charging Method | Electricity Rate | Est. Annual Cost | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (Standard Tariff) | 24p / kWh | £514 | 6.8p |
| Home (EV Off-peak) | 7p / kWh | £150 | 2.0p |
| Public Rapid Charger | 75p / kWh | £1,607 | 21.4p |
| Petrol Car (45mpg) | £1.45 / Litre | £1,098 | 14.6p |
Pro Tip: Switching to an EV-specific smart tariff is the single most effective way to lower your running costs. For most drivers, the savings can be over £500 per year compared to a standard tariff.
Key Variables
- Pre-conditioning: Using the grid to heat or cool your car while it’s still plugged in can use a few kWh but improves driving efficiency and comfort.
- Weather: In winter, EV efficiency can drop by 15-20% due to battery heating and cabin climate control.
- Charging Loss: No charger is 100% efficient. Expect roughly 10% energy loss between your meter and the battery.
Our tool uses average UK energy prices and WLTP efficiency ratings for popular EV models.