EV Charging Cost Calculator
Estimate what it costs to charge an electric car from your electricity rate, battery size and charge level.
How it works
kWh added = battery × (to% − from%) · Cost = kWh added × (rate ¢ ÷ 100)
The energy you add is the battery capacity times the percentage you fill, and the cost is that energy times your electricity rate. Charging at home on a residential rate is far cheaper than public fast chargers, which can cost several times more per kWh. Real-world charging also loses a little energy to heat, so bills run slightly above the ideal figure here.
Worked example
Charging a 75 kWh battery from 20% to 80% adds 45 kWh. At 16¢ per kWh that costs $7.20, while a full charge is $12.00 — about 4.8¢ per mile on a 250-mile range.
Frequently asked questions
Why charge only to 80%?
Routinely charging to 100% can accelerate battery wear, and fast chargers slow down above 80%. Many owners keep daily charging in the 20–80% band and top to full only before long trips.
Is charging really cheaper than gas?
Usually yes at home rates — electricity often works out to a third or less of the per-mile fuel cost of a comparable gas car. Public DC fast charging narrows or erases that gap.
What electricity rate should I use?
Check your utility bill for the price per kWh, including delivery charges. Time-of-use plans can make overnight charging much cheaper than the daytime rate.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.