how much to charge an electric car

One of the biggest shifts in thinking when you switch from a gas car to an electric vehicle is moving your focus from the price per gallon to the cost per kilowatt-hour. Instead of wondering about the station on the corner, you start thinking about your home electricity bill. It’s a different mindset, and a common first question for new owners is figuring out how much to charge an electric car.

The Real Cost of Charging at Home

For most people, home charging is the most convenient and affordable way to power up. The cost is directly tied to your local electricity rate. On average in the U.S., electricity costs about 16 cents per kWh. If your EV has a 60 kWh battery and it’s completely empty, a full charge would cost roughly $9.60. In reality, you’ll rarely charge from zero, so a typical charging session might only add a few dollars to your bill. This is often equivalent to paying $1-$2 per gallon of gasoline, making it significantly cheaper to drive.

How Much to Charge an Electric Car at a Public Station?

Public charging introduces more variables. Level 2 chargers, often found at shopping centers or workplaces, are more expensive than home charging but still reasonable. You might pay between $0.20 to $0.50 per kWh. The real price jump comes with DC Fast Charging. These stations can fill your battery to 80% in 30 minutes, but the convenience comes at a premium, sometimes costing double what you pay at home. Some networks also charge by the minute, so your final cost depends on your car’s maximum charging speed.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Charging Costs Low

To maximize your savings, plug in at home overnight if you have a time-of-use electricity plan with cheaper rates. When using public fast chargers, think of them like convenience stores—great for long trips, but expensive for everyday use. Also, many workplaces and some public stations offer free Level 2 charging, so it’s always worth checking an app like PlugShare to find these cost-free spots.

Ultimately, while the upfront price can vary, charging an EV is almost always cheaper than filling a gas tank. By charging smartly at home and using public stations strategically, you can enjoy significant savings on your driving costs for years to come.