How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Short answer: Multiply miles driven by your car's kWh per 100 miles, divide by 100, and multiply by your electricity price. An EV using 27 kWh per 100 miles costs about $48.60 to drive 1,000 miles at 18 cents per kWh, about 4.9 cents a mile. Charging losses add somewhat to the real figure.
How to calculate the cost to charge an EV at home
EV efficiency is rated in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles. Lower is better.
Cost = miles × (kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100) × price per kWh
The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) uses an example EV rated at 27 kWh per 100 miles. We use that figure below. Find your own car’s rating on its window sticker or at fueleconomy.gov.
Worked example. You drive 1,000 miles a month in an EV rated at 27 kWh per 100 miles. Electricity costs 18 cents per kWh, close to the EIA’s expected 2026 U.S. residential average of about 18.2 cents.
- Energy: 1,000 × 27 ÷ 100 = 270 kWh
- Cost: 270 × $0.18 = $48.60 a month
- Per mile: $48.60 ÷ 1,000 = about 4.9 cents
Cost to drive 1,000 miles at different electricity rates
The first row uses the AFDC example rating. The second is our assumed figure for a less efficient vehicle, such as a larger SUV or truck, at 35 kWh per 100 miles; we could not retrieve official fueleconomy.gov ratings, so check your model’s sticker.
| Efficiency | 12¢/kWh | 15¢/kWh | 18¢/kWh | 25¢/kWh | 30¢/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 kWh/100 mi (270 kWh) | $32.40 | $40.50 | $48.60 | $67.50 | $81.00 |
| 35 kWh/100 mi (350 kWh) | $42.00 | $52.50 | $63.00 | $87.50 | $105.00 |
At 18 cents, the 27 kWh/100 mi car costs about $583 a year for 12,000 miles. For other appliances, try our appliance electricity cost calculator.
Do charging losses add to the cost?
Yes, somewhat. Some energy is lost as heat in the charger and battery, so your meter records more kWh than the car uses to drive. The AFDC pages we reviewed do not give a loss figure, and it varies by car, charger and weather.
As a rough sensitivity check only: if losses were 10%, the $48.60 example would become about $53.50. To know your real figure, compare your car’s reported energy use with a dedicated meter or your utility’s EV data, if offered.
Level 1 vs Level 2: how fast does each charge?
Charging speed does not change the price per kWh. It changes how many miles you can add overnight.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet | 120 V | 240 V (residential) |
| Typical power (AFDC) | about 1.9 kW | up to 7.2 kW at 30 amps |
| Range added per hour (AFDC) | about 5 miles | about 25 miles |
| Overnight | about 40 miles in 8 hours (mid-size EV) | a typical EV battery overnight |
The AFDC says Level 2 units range from 2.9 to 19.2 kW. Level 1 uses the cordset that comes with the car. The AFDC says Level 1 can meet most drivers’ needs; by our math, if you drive about 40 miles a day or less, it may be enough.
Electrical safety for home charging
- Level 2 needs a dedicated 240 V circuit installed by a licensed electrician. The AFDC notes that typical 30-amp residential units need a dedicated 40-amp circuit under the National Electrical Code, and that an electrician can tell you whether your home has enough electrical capacity.
- Permits may be required by your local building department.
- Level 1 may also need an outlet on a dedicated branch circuit near where you park, according to the AFDC.
- Do not charge through a household extension cord unless the car’s manual allows it.
How to lower your charging cost
Charge during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use rates. The AFDC notes that some utilities offer them, and charging overnight usually fits. Ask your utility about EV-specific rates or rebates.
Quick answers
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV at home? The AFDC estimates about $6 to fill a fully depleted 54 kWh battery at 10.7 cents per kWh. At 18 cents, the same 54 kWh costs about $9.72, before charging losses.
Is charging at home cheaper than gas? Often, but it depends on your electricity rate, your car’s efficiency and local gas prices. Run the formula above with your own numbers.
How much will an EV add to my electric bill? About $48.60 a month for 1,000 miles at 18 cents per kWh and 27 kWh per 100 miles, plus some charging losses.
Do I need a Level 2 charger? Not always. Level 1 adds about 5 miles of range per hour, roughly 40 miles overnight, which covers many daily commutes.
Can I install a Level 2 charger myself? No. It needs a dedicated 240 V circuit installed by a licensed electrician, and possibly a permit.