The cost breakdown and what's best for you
As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, potential and current owners face a crucial decision: charging at home or using public infrastructure.
In this article, we'll delve into the costs of charging an electric vehicle at home and compare them to public charging options available in the UK.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision on the most cost-effective and convenient method for your individual needs.
Home charging costs and benefits
Cost of electricity and charging equipment
The average cost of electricity in the UK is around 34p per kWh, although this can vary depending on your tariff and location. To determine the cost of charging your EV at home, you'll need to know your vehicle's battery capacity.
For example, a 60kWh battery charged at 34p per kWh would cost £20.40 for a full charge or £16.32 to charge your battery to 80%.
Additionally, a typical (7kW) charger costs around £500-£800, and government grants are available to offset some of the costs. Charging at home allows you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which can further reduce the cost of charging your EV.
Convenience and time-saving factors
Charging your electric vehicle at home offers significant convenience and time-saving benefits. You can simply plug in your EV overnight and wake up to a fully charged vehicle (we recommend 80% as per most manufacturer's guidance). However, not all homeowners have access to a garage or private parking space, making home charging a challenge for some.
See our range of charge points
Public charging costs and availability
Types of public chargers and pricing
Public charging stations vary in price, speed, and accessibility. They are commonly classified into three types: fast (7-22kW), rapid (23-99kW) and ultra-rapid (100kW+). The cost of public charging can range from free to significantly more expensive than home charging, depending on the provider and charging speed. On average, you can expect to pay around 50p per kWh for fast charging, 70p for rapid charging and 73p per kWh for ultra-rapid charging.
Keeping with the 60kWh battery example, here are the charging costs for each public option when charging your battery up to 80%
- Fast Charging: £24.00
- Rapid Charging: £33.60
- Ultra-Rapid Charging: £35.04
Information source, Which? & RAC.
Accessibility and infrastructure
The accessibility of public charging stations is growing rapidly, with thousands of locations nationwide. However, the availability of chargers can still be a concern in some areas, particularly during peak hours when demand is high.
You can find more information on the Zapmap website.
Deciding between home and public charging
Cost-effectiveness and convenience
Overall, charging your electric vehicle at home is generally more cost-effective and convenient than using public charging stations. Home charging not only offers lower electricity rates but also allows you to take advantage of off-peak hours and specific EV tariffs.
Personal circumstances and considerations
However, personal factors may influence your decision. If you lack access to home charging or need to charge your EV during long trips, public charging infrastructure remains an essential resource. It's crucial to have a mix of both home and public charging options to ensure the continued growth of electric vehicle adoption in the UK.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the costs and benefits of both home and public charging options for electric vehicles in the UK. Home charging offers cost-effective electricity rates, off-peak savings, and the convenience of charging your EV overnight. On the other hand, public charging provides essential support for those without access to home charging and enables long-distance travel.
Our aim throughout this article was to help you make an informed decision about the most cost-effective and convenient method for charging your electric vehicle. By understanding the costs and benefits of both options, you can choose the charging solution that best suits your individual needs.
