How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?

Charging an EV at home is usually far cheaper than filling a petrol tank. The cost comes down to three things: how much energy you add to the battery, your electricity price per kWh, and a small amount of energy lost as heat during charging. This calculator puts those together so you can see the cost of a full charge or a partial top-up.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Battery & Charge Level: Enter your car's battery capacity (kWh) and the percentages you're charging from and to (for example, 20% up to 80%).
2. Electricity & Efficiency: Enter your home electricity price per kWh and the charging efficiency (most home charging is around 85–95% efficient).
3. Energy Use (optional): Add your car's consumption in kWh/100km to also see the range added and the cost to drive 100 km.
4. Click "Calculate Charging Cost."

How the Numbers Are Worked Out

• Energy added to the battery: battery capacity × (charge-to % − charge-from %).
• Energy drawn from the socket: energy added ÷ charging efficiency (this accounts for charging losses).
• Charging cost: energy drawn from the socket × your electricity price.
• Range added: energy added ÷ your consumption × 100.
• Cost per 100 km: (consumption ÷ efficiency) × electricity price.

Ways to Charge for Less

• Off-peak charging: Many electricity plans offer cheaper overnight rates — charging then can dramatically cut the cost.
• Charge to 80% for daily use: It's gentler on the battery and faster, since the last 20% charges slowly.
• Use your own solar: Charging from rooftop solar during the day can make charging close to free.
• Home over public: Public and fast chargers are convenient but usually cost noticeably more per kWh than home charging.