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EV Charging Cost Calculator

See what it costs to charge an electric car each month — and compare it with filling up a gas car.

From the car's trip computer or the EPA label.
Per kWh, from your bill.
Fast chargers often cost 2–3× home rates.
About 10% is typical for home charging.
Leave empty to skip the comparison.
Charging cost per month— / month
  • Per year—
  • Electricity used per month (incl. losses)—
  • Cost per 100—
  • Average price paid—
  • Gas car fuel per month—
  • Savings per month—
  • Savings per year—

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Estimates for education only — not financial, tax or legal advice. Lenders may calculate taxes and fees differently by state or province. Always check your contract.

How to calculate the cost of charging an EV

An electric car's running cost depends on how far you drive, how efficient the car is, and the mix of home and public charging. Home electricity is usually far cheaper than fast chargers, so the share you charge in public matters a lot. Some energy is also lost while charging, typically around 10%.

kWh per month = miles ÷ (mi/kWh) × (1 + losses) Average price = home price × home share + public price × public share Monthly cost = kWh × average price

Worked example

Driving 1,000 miles a month in an EV that does 3.5 mi/kWh uses about 314 kWh including losses. Charging 80% at home at $0.17/kWh and 20% at public chargers at $0.45/kWh costs about $71 a month. A 28-mpg gas car would need about $121 of fuel at $3.40 a gallon, so the EV saves about $50 a month, or roughly $600 a year.

Ways to cut charging costs

  • Charge at home whenever you can, and use off-peak or EV electricity rates if your utility offers them.
  • Save fast chargers for road trips.
  • Pre-condition the battery while plugged in during cold weather.

Weighing a new EV? Check the monthly payment with the car payment calculator or the car lease calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Multiply the kWh you use by your electricity price. At 3.5 mi/kWh and $0.17/kWh, 1,000 miles costs roughly $50–55 at home, more if you use fast chargers.

Is charging an EV cheaper than buying gas?

Usually yes with mostly home charging. If you rely heavily on public fast chargers, the savings can shrink or disappear.

What are charging losses?

Some electricity is turned into heat in the charger and battery. Around 10% is common for Level 2 home charging.

Where do I find my EV's efficiency?

Your car's trip computer shows mi/kWh, and the official label lists an efficiency figure. Real-world winter efficiency is often lower.

Can I use kilometers and kWh/100 km?

Yes. Choose Metric in the Units menu.

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