How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost depends on three things: how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you put in, what you pay per kWh, and how much energy is lost while charging. At home, the US average residential price is roughly 16 to 18 cents per kWh, though it ranges from about 11 cents to over 40 cents depending on the state. Public DC fast chargers commonly charge 35 to 60 cents per kWh.
EV charging cost formula
Energy from grid = energy added ÷ charging efficiency
Cost = energy from grid × price per kWh
Cost per mile = cost ÷ (energy added × miles per kWh)
Worked example
A 75 kWh battery charged from 20% to 80% takes in 45 kWh. With 90% charging efficiency, about 50 kWh comes from the wall. At $0.16 per kWh the charge costs $8.00 and adds about 158 miles at 3.5 miles per kWh, or about 5.1 cents per mile. A 30 mpg gas car at $3.25 a gallon costs about 10.8 cents per mile, so over 12,000 miles a year the EV saves roughly $690 in fuel.
Typical EV efficiency
| Vehicle type | Miles per kWh | kWh per 100 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Small efficient sedan | 4.0 to 4.5 | 22 to 25 |
| Midsize sedan or crossover | 3.3 to 3.8 | 26 to 30 |
| Large SUV | 2.5 to 3.0 | 33 to 40 |
| Electric pickup | 2.0 to 2.5 | 40 to 50 |
Ways to charge for less
- Charge at home overnight. Many utilities offer cheaper time-of-use rates late at night.
- Use a Level 2 charger. It is usually a little more efficient than a standard 120 V outlet.
- Save fast charging for road trips. It is convenient but much more expensive per kWh.
- Precondition while plugged in in cold weather so the battery heater runs on grid power.
Comparing with a gas car on a long drive? Price it with the fuel cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car?
Multiply the battery size by your electricity price and add about 10% for charging losses. A 75 kWh battery at $0.16 per kWh costs about $13.30 from empty to full at home.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV than buy gas?
Usually yes when charging at home. At $0.16 per kWh and 3.5 miles per kWh an EV costs about 5 cents per mile, versus about 11 cents per mile for a 30 mpg car at $3.25 a gallon. Frequent fast charging narrows the gap.
Why should I charge to 80% instead of 100%?
Many manufacturers recommend 80% for daily driving to reduce battery wear, and fast charging slows down a lot above 80%. Charge to 100% before long trips.
How much electricity is lost when charging an EV?
Typically 10% to 15% at home on Level 1 and Level 2, depending on the charger, temperature and how much the battery is being heated or cooled.
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Last updated October 2026.