COST TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC CAR

Why Costs Vary

Recharging costs in private properties such as homes and workplaces will vary depending on the supplier, tariff, vehicle model and how much charge is required.

Based on a domestic electricity price of 14p per unit (i.e. KW/h, summer 2018 costs), and using a home charging point with a good power capacity, costs approximately £7.80 to fully charge an electric car with a 60 Kilowatt/hour battery and a range of 200 miles.

Most electric cars seldom reach total battery discharge meaning top-up charges are the norm. i.e.Using a public 7 KW/h fast charger for thirty minutes could cost as little as £2.00 to deliver a 10% top-up. On motorways, EV charging points usually cost around £6.50 for speedy top-ups that take around thirty minutes and are sufficient to continue for a further 100 miles or so.

How Electric Car Models Compare

Electric car model and battery size directly influence the total ev charging cost, therefore the equivalent cost per mile when divided by the typical range.

Car Magazine and Parkers Guide have combined forces to check the operating costs of popular EVs in a realistic 66-mile commute, comprising two thirty-three mile journeys.

The results were:

  • Nissan Leaf: 4.0p per mile, £2.64 total.
  • Renault Zoe: 6.1p per mile, £4.03 total.
  • VW Golf GT: 11.5p per mile, £7.66 total.
  • Toyota CHR Hybrid: 13.4p per mile, £8.84 total.

Notably, cold weather and individual driving styles also influence electric car operating costs.