EV Charge Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to charge your electric vehicle. Compare home charging costs with different energy providers and public charging prices including lamppost chargers, on-street chargers, and fast charging stations.
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EV Charging Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Home charging cost depends on your electricity tariff and your car's battery capacity. On a standard variable tariff in the UK (around 24–29p per kWh in 2025), a 60kWh battery costs approximately £14–17 for a full charge. On an EV-specific overnight tariff such as Octopus Go (around 7–9p per kWh off-peak), the same full charge costs approximately £4–5.50. Installing a dedicated 7kW home wallbox (eligible for the OZEV EVHS grant) significantly reduces charging time compared to a standard 3-pin socket.
How much does public charging cost in the UK?
Public charging costs vary widely. Lamppost and on-street chargers (typically 3–7kW) usually cost 35–50p per kWh. Rapid chargers (50kW DC) cost around 65–75p per kWh. Ultra-rapid chargers (150–350kW) from networks like Ionity can cost 70–85p per kWh without a membership. Some networks offer cheaper rates with a monthly subscription. Always check the displayed price before starting a charge session.
What is the cheapest home EV tariff in the UK?
The cheapest home EV tariffs in the UK (as of 2025) include Octopus Intelligent Octopus (~7.5p/kWh), Octopus Go (~8.5p/kWh off-peak), OVO Charge Anytime (~7p/kWh), and Scottish Power EV tariff (~7.2p/kWh). These are significantly cheaper than the standard rate (~24–29p/kWh). You'll need a compatible smart charger to access intelligent off-peak charging. Compare current rates at each provider's website as prices change frequently.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Charging time depends on your battery capacity, how much charge you need to add, and the charger speed. A standard 3-pin socket (3.7kW) is the slowest, a 60kWh battery from 20% to 80% takes around 9 hours. A 7.4kW home wallbox takes around 4.5 hours for the same charge. A 50kW rapid charger takes around 45 minutes. Ultra-rapid 150–350kW chargers can add significant range in 15–20 minutes, though most cars limit their maximum charge rate.
Should I charge to 80% or 100%?
For most EVs, charging to 80% is recommended for everyday use as it reduces battery degradation over time. Most manufacturers design their battery management systems to optimise battery health when staying between 20% and 80%. Charging to 100% is fine for long journeys but avoid leaving the battery sitting at 100% for extended periods. Check your vehicle manual for specific recommendations.