EV charging cost calculator
Find out what it costs to charge an electric car, what you pay per mile at home and on public chargers, and how that compares with a petrol or diesel car.
Looking for somewhere to charge? Find EV chargers near you.
Your car and charging
Electricity prices
Compare with a fuel car
A full charge assumes 0 to 100%. Charging losses add around 10% at home, which these figures include.
Current charging prices
| Where | UK (pence per kWh) | US (cents per kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Home, standard rate | 26.32p | 18.3¢ average |
| Home, off-peak EV tariff | about 7p | varies by utility |
| Public slow and fast / Level 2 | 54p | about 30¢ |
| Public rapid / DC fast | 80p | about 48¢ |
UK: Ofgem price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026; Zapmap Price Index, July 2026. US: U.S. Energy Information Administration, average residential price (2026-07); public prices are typical pay-as-you-go prices; networks vary widely.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home in the UK?
At the October to December 2026 price cap rate of 26.32p per kWh, charging a 60 kWh battery from empty costs about £15.79. On an off-peak EV tariff at around 7p per kWh it's nearer £4.20.
Is public charging more expensive than petrol?
Often, yes, on rapid chargers. At around 80p per kWh and 3.5 miles per kWh, rapid charging costs about 23p a mile, similar to or more than a efficient petrol car. Home charging is far cheaper.
How many miles per kWh does an electric car do?
Most EVs manage 3 to 4 miles per kWh, less in winter and at motorway speeds. Small cars can do over 4; large SUVs can drop below 3.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in the US?
At the U.S. average home rate of about 18 cents per kWh, an EV doing 3.5 miles per kWh costs about 5 cents a mile. DC fast charging often costs 2 to 3 times as much.