How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
Charging an electric car at home is not only more convenient but also cheaper compared to charging at a public charge point. The cost of charging at home depends on your domestic energy tariff and the type of home charger you use. For example, charging a Kia Niro EV with a 64.8kWh battery to around 80% will cost approximately £15.88, resulting in a cost per mile of 5.5 pence. Some energy providers offer special tariffs for electric car owners, such as Octopus’s Intelligent scheme, which provides discounted rates for overnight charging.
Furthermore, if you have solar panels installed in your home, you can utilize the free energy they generate to charge your EV, further reducing your bills. There are even trials underway for bi-directional charging, which allows you to sell any surplus power from your EV back to the grid. It’s worth noting that home charging for company car drivers is more complex due to the need for proof of energy usage, but they can claim 9p per mile for business trips in electric vehicles.
Is Charging an Electric Car Cheaper than Fuelling a Petrol or Diesel Car?
The cost of charging an electric car varies depending on factors such as the location and provider of the charging station, as well as the speed of the charger. On average, charging an electric car at home is significantly cheaper than fueling a petrol or diesel car. For example, the Kia Niro electric costs 5.5 pence per mile to charge at home, while its hybrid counterpart costs 10.5 pence per mile to refuel with unleaded petrol. However, the cost per mile increases when using public chargers located at A-roads and motorway service stations, where you pay for speed and convenience.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Car Charging Point at Home?
If you have access to a driveway or garage, it’s recommended to install a dedicated wall-mounted charger for faster charging. The cost of installing a home charger varies, but you can expect to pay between £500 and £1000 for a smart charger that can be controlled remotely using your phone. In England, renters and flat owners qualify for the government’s chargepoint grant, which provides up to £350 or 75% off the cost of buying and installing a socket. Scotland also offers grants for people living in qualifying rural areas and owners of used EVs purchased through specific schemes.
How Much Does it Cost to Charge an EV at a Public Charging Station?
The cost of charging an electric car at a public station depends on the type of charger and the location. There are four types of public chargers: slow, fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid. As of May 2024, the average tariffs for charging a Vauxhall Corsa Electric with a 50kWh battery range from 44p per kWh for slow chargers to 70p per kWh for ultra-rapid chargers. Some supermarkets also offer public charging with discounted rates, and there are subscription services available for frequent travelers.
Motorway charging typically costs more due to the use of fast or rapid chargers. Providers like Gridserve and Ionity offer charging at motorway service stations, with prices ranging from 49p to 79p per kWh. Tesla owners have access to their own Supercharger network, with prices varying depending on location and membership. It’s worth noting that lamp-post charging units are becoming more common in apartment or flat complexes, providing an alternative for those without access to a domestic wallbox.
In conclusion, the cost of charging an electric car depends on various factors such as the location, type of charger, and energy provider. Charging at home is generally cheaper than using public chargers, and there are options for discounted rates and grants available. It’s important to consider these factors when deciding whether to switch to an electric car and to choose the most cost-effective charging options based on your individual circumstances.
