This EV Charging Cost Calculator helps you estimate how much it costs to charge your electric vehicle based on battery size and electricity price. It is useful for home charging estimates and for comparing EV running costs with petrol or diesel vehicles.
Typical estimates and examples
You can use the figures below as a starting point if you are not sure what to enter.
| Reference | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Small EV battery | 40 to 50 kWh |
| Mid size EV battery | 55 to 75 kWh |
| Large EV or SUV battery | 75 to 110 kWh |
| Home off peak electricity | $0.15 to $0.25 per kWh |
| General home charging example | $0.30 per kWh |
| Public fast charging | $0.40 to $0.80 per kWh |
These values are examples and starting points only. Actual charging cost depends on your electricity plan, vehicle variant, charging setup and charging losses.
Quick examples
| Scenario | Estimated charging cost |
|---|---|
| 50 kWh battery, 20% to 80%, $0.30 per kWh | $9.00 |
| 60 kWh battery, 20% to 80%, $0.30 per kWh | $10.80 |
| 75 kWh battery, 20% to 80%, $0.30 per kWh | $13.50 |
| 100 kWh battery, 20% to 80%, $0.30 per kWh | $18.00 |
Use your own electricity tariff if you know it. Public DC charging can be much higher than home charging.
How EV charging cost is calculated
The cost to charge an EV depends on how much electricity is added to the battery and the electricity price per kilowatt hour. If you are only charging part of the battery, the calculator works out the portion of total battery capacity being used and then multiplies it by your power rate.
Charging cost = Battery size × (Target % − Start %) ÷ 100 × Electricity price per kWh
Example charging cost calculation
If your EV has a 60 kWh battery, your electricity price is $0.30 per kWh, and you are charging from 20% to 80%, then:
Energy added = 60 × (80 − 20) ÷ 100 = 36 kWh
Charging cost = 36 × 0.30 = $10.80
Why charging cost varies
EV charging cost can vary depending on where and when you charge. Home electricity rates are often lower than public fast charging rates. Time of use tariffs can also change your charging cost depending on whether you charge during peak, shoulder or off peak periods.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on battery size and electricity price. A 60 kWh battery at $0.30 per kWh costs about $18 for a full charge.
In most cases yes. Home charging is usually the cheapest option.