How much does an electric car cost to charge? Possessing an electric vehicle is becoming increasingly justifiable. Not only will you get some environmental brownie points and qualify for tax credits, but you’ll also benefit from expanded ranges and exemption from certain charges and fees.
One of the primary benefits of an electric vehicle is that it is less expensive to operate than a regular petrol or diesel vehicle. The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies depending on whether it is charged at home or at a public charging station. However, what is the expense of charging an electric car?
Calculation Of the Cost of Charging an Electric Car
Calculating the cost of charging an electric vehicle is a little more complicated than it is for a gasoline or diesel vehicle, as it is measured in kilowatt hours rather than miles per gallon. Kilowatt hours (kWh) is a unit of measurement for energy stored in a battery. For example, the MG ZS EV has a 44.5kWh battery, which is larger than most normal UK vehicles in a comparable price range.
To determine the cost of charging your electric vehicle, you must first determine the cost of power at your home or at a public charging station. This is in pence per kilowatt hour.
In simple words, multiply the capacity of the vehicle’s battery in kWh by the cost of power in pence per kilowatt hour to determine the cost of fully charging the vehicle.
This figure, however, should be regarded with caution, as it is quite improbable that you will ever charge your vehicle from empty.
How much does an Electric Car cost to charge at Home?
Charging your vehicle at home is the most convenient and cost-effective method of recharging your vehicle. You can charge at a decreased rate overnight and wake up with a fully charged battery that is ready to go. According to Pod Point data, charging an electric vehicle at home costs approximately £8.40 for a 60kWh vehicle. This provides a range of around 200 miles, depending on your car.
Home charging incurs additional expenditures, as you will almost certainly need to install a home charging equipment. These are normally in the region of £1,000, however most electric vehicle owners will be eligible for a government grant to offset this expense. This article contains additional information on charging your electric vehicle at home.
For example: The MG ZS EV is equipped with a 44.5 kWh battery. The average cost of charging this battery from zero is £6.23. With a range of 163 miles, this equates to an incredible 3.8 pence per mile to power our most recent model.
How much does an Electric Car cost to charge at public charging stations
While public charging might be a cost-effective method of charging your automobile, many charge outlets demand a subscription or have a time limit on how long you can charge.
With most suppliers, you may use a free smartphone app to locate charging stations near your location and initiate your charge. Certain slightly older charging stations may require an RFID card like a contactless debit card. Charging can be arranged online using an RFID card. With more modern app-enabled charge points, the supplier will establish a generic tariff and you will be able to pay for your charge in the app.
For operators such as Chargemaster, Source London, Pod Point, and Ecotricity, you must create an account, which often requires a yearly or monthly subscription fee starting at £4 per month plus the amount of your charge. Often, customers who subscribe to a subscription plan receive a discount on the pence per minute rate.
In terms of prices, some venues, such as hotels and shopping malls, offer complimentary charging, however most public chargers charge roughly £1.50 per hour.
Charging Fees for Electric Cars at Rapid Chargers
Rapid chargers, which allow a significantly faster charge to your vehicle, are often available at highway service stations and range in price from free to one of the most expensive methods of charging your electric vehicle. Rapid charging is often more expensive than ordinary public charging because the charging stations are more powerful and efficient.
Certain suppliers, such as Pod Point, offer this service for free at select places, such as Lidl, whereas other locations from the same provider charge around £6.25 for 30 minutes of charging. This equates to approximately 100 miles of range.
A 45-minute charge with an Ecotricity charger at a motorway service stop will cost around £3, plus 17p per kWh of electricity. Ecotricity home energy customers, on the other hand, receive a 50% discount on quick charging prices.
The Most Accurate Manner of Charging Your Electric Vehicle
If you have the capacity to charge your vehicle at home, this is clearly the most cost-effective alternative, since it allows you to operate your electric vehicle for a fraction of the cost of a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. While charging at public charging stations is still less expensive than fuel, your savings will be substantially smaller, and you will have the extra burden of finding a public charging station!
Verdict
In the United Kingdom, the cost of charging an electric car varies depending on whether it is charged at home, at work, or at a public charging station.
- For a typical electric vehicle equipped with a 60kWh battery and a range of 200 miles:
- Charging at home: A full charge costs approximately £9.20.
- Charging at work: Many firms install charging stations in the office and often provide free access throughout the day.
- Charging at public locations: Often, public charging stations located in supermarkets or parking lots are free to use for the duration of your visit.
- Rapid charging outlets are often located at motorway service stops and cost approximately £6.50 for a 30-minute, 100-mile charge. Costs computed at 17p/kWh based on 54kWh of useable battery (90%).
Looking for quick, easy and reliable EV Charger installation? Wether that be for home charge, public charge or workplace charge, Trent Vehicle Charging are here to help. If you have any questions then please visit our FAQ page or don’t hesitate to get in touch.
