EV charging cost calculator
Electricity is priced in pence per kWh, so the cost of a charge is the energy you pay for multiplied by your tariff. You pay for the energy drawn from the grid, which is a little more than reaches the battery because of charging losses.
The starting values are examples, not current prices. Enter your own tariff and fuel price.
Example values, enter your own.
Estimate only, based on the values entered.
How it works
cost = kWh added / efficiency x price per kWh
Cost per mile for an EV is price per kWh / miles per kWh / charging efficiency. For petrol (UK mpg) it is price per litre x 4.54609 / mpg.
Worked example
- 10% to 80% of 60 kWh adds 42 kWh; at 90% efficiency that is 46.67 kWh from the grid, which at 25p per kWh costs £11.67.
- EV: 25 / 3.5 / 0.9 = 7.94p per mile. Petrol: 1.40 x 100 x 4.54609 / 45 = 14.14p per mile.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Energy added multiplied by your price per kWh, plus about 10% for charging losses. With the example values, adding 42 kWh at 25p per kWh costs about £11.67.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than fill a petrol car?
It depends on your tariff and fuel price. Home charging, especially on an off-peak EV tariff, is usually much cheaper per mile; public rapid charging can cost far more. Use the comparison above with your own numbers.
What are charging losses?
Some energy is lost as heat in the charger, cable and battery, commonly around 10% for AC charging. Your meter measures the energy from the grid, which is more than what the battery stores.
Does cost per kWh differ between home and public charging?
Yes. Home tariffs are usually lower than public chargers, and rapid chargers are typically the most expensive. Check the price shown at the charger or in the provider's app.