If you’re thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV), or you’ve already made the switch, you’ll want to know the cost of charging it whether that’s at home or via a public charging station. There is a difference.

The great news is that, on average, it costs less per mile to recharge an EV than refuel a petrol or diesel car.*. And it costs even less if you’re able to install a home charger and take advantage of EV tariffs for cheaper off-peak electricity.

Unsurprisingly, like petrol and diesel cars, the cost of charging an electric vehicle depends on the model and several other factors, like vehicle size and battery. It will also depend on where you charge, what time of day, and whether you’re just topping up or going for a fully charged battery.

The cost of charging electric cars at home.

Of course there is the upfront cost of getting an EV charger installed at home. However, these initial costs can lead to savings in the long term.

That is because it can be cheaper to charge your electric vehicle at home rather than using a public charging station†, especially if you’re on an EV tariff that gives you off-peak hours. As the electricity kWh price drops between the off-peak hours of 12-7 am, charging your electric vehicle overnight is very cost effective.

It is a good idea to compare the off-peak charging period against your EV’s charging time, to make sure you have enough off-peak hours available to fully charge your electric car.

Looking for a home EV charger? We can help you get an EV charger installed from £979 (with a £50 discount applied for E.ON Next customers only. Terms and conditions apply.). Get an EV Charger quote.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a UK charging station?

There are various factors involved, including:

• The charge point network you use
• Power rating and speed of charge
• Location of the charge point

For example, some charging points are free such as at supermarkets, but only if you make a qualifying purchase. (It’s best to check this out before you head out to one).

Then there are rapid charging points. These are typically found at motorway service stations and are one of the most expensive public charging options. This is because they offer a faster charge (average charge time to 80% is around 20-40 minutes) and because they’re conveniently placed across the UK road network.

When thinking about public chargers, it’s wise to check out what sort of subscription or pay-as-you-go services are available for them and which nearby chargers they can be used on. Some major public charging networks include:

• E.ON Drive.
• Polar.
• GeniePoint.
• Ecotricity.
• Shell Recharge.
• ChargeYourCar.
• BP Pulse.

If you need help navigating which charging schemes relate to which charging points, then Zap-Map is a great tool.

Home EV charging vs public charging.

The great news is that charging on your own doorstep is one of the most cost-effective ways to fill your battery with electricity, especially if you utilise off-peak hours.

Home charging is certainly the most hassle-free option as well. Simply plug in, sit back, and relax in the comfort of your own home. For a more comprehensive look at charging prices check out our EV charging calculator.

Feel the Community power.

The E.ON Next Community is a space for customers just like you, sharing their experiences to offer a helping hand. Find support and discuss more about EV chargers and tariffs or suggest your own unique topics, plus get involved in discussions of all the latest news. Join the conversation now.

* The average cost per mile for an EV car is cheaper than the average cost per mile for both petrol and diesel cars. Cost per mile for petrol and diesel cars has been calculated using their average fuel consumption per 100km and the average cost per litre for each fuel type for the week of 4 September 2023.

†Average cost to charge based on an electricity rate of 63.29p/kWh at a non-subscription public charger v average domestic rate of 34p/kWh, including Energy Price Guarantee till 31 March 2023. Learn more

Updated: 08/09/23