How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

By Kyle Roache

Last updated: Jul 11th 2025

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solar EV charging guideCharging your electric car at home is not just convenient, it is also one of the most cost-effective way to power your EV.

Unlike public chargers, which often charge a premium, home charging gives you control over your electricity rates and charging times, enabling you to take advantage of long-term savings.

Whether you're already driving electric or are just curious, understanding the real-world costs of home EV charging can help you make informed decisions and maximise your savings.

How EV charging costs are calculated

To work out how much it costs to charge your electric car at home, you can use this simple formula:

Battery size (kWh) × electricity tariff (pence per kWh)

For example, a car with a 60kWh battery and a home energy rate of 28p/kWh would cost:

60 × 28p = £16.80 for a full charge.

However, it’s worth noting that most drivers do not charge from 0–100% regularly. Instead, they typically top up between 20–80%, which lowers the cost further.

Factors that affect home charging cost

Several variables influence your final electric car charging bill:

Your energy tariff

Choosing the right energy supplier and tariff can save you hundreds of pounds per year in electric car charging costs.

Using a standard tariff will likely still be cheaper than a petrol car but you could be saving a lot more by switching to an EV-friendly tariff.

EV-friendly tariffs, sometimes known as time-of-use tariffs, offer cheaper electricity prices during off-peak hours typically when the national grid is experiencing less demand.

By charging at these off-peak times, you can dramatically lower your EV charging costs.

However, the off-peak window is usually relatively short depending on the supplier. For example, it may last for a few hours during the night, so you want to concentrate as much charging as possible in this "window" to lower costs.

This is where a dedicated EV home charging point comes in handy.

Charging efficiency

Some energy is lost during the transfer from your electric car charger to your battery, usually around 10–15%, which increases the actual cost slightly.

Vehicle size and usage

Larger EV batteries require more electricity. Similarly, regular long-distance drivers will naturally pay more in monthly charging costs than occasional commuters. Some Electric cars are also more effieicent than others. Like petrol and diesel cars, electric cars measure their efficiency in miles to the kilowatt hours.

Electric vehicle make and model

Not all electric cars have the same battery capacity or charging efficiency. For example, a Tesla Model 3 may cost less to run than a larger SUV like the Audi Q8 e-tron.

Smart charger scheduling

Using a smart dedicated home ev charger allows you to schedule your electric car charging sessions during the cheapest times of day, especially useful if you're on a time-of-use or EV tariff.

Home charging cost examples

Here’s how much it might cost to charge some popular electric cars at home:

These examples show just how significant the savings can be if you’re on an EV tariff and charge at night.

How to reduce electric vehicle charging costs at home

There are several ways to cut your home charging bill:

1. Switch to an electric vehicle specific or off-peak tariff

Suppliers like Octopus Energy and OVO offer special rates for EV drivers, with electricity as low as 7p/kWh during off-peak periods.

2. Use smart charging features

Set your charger to automatically start during low-cost hours, avoiding peak prices.

3. Charge using solar energy

Some home EV chargers can divert excess solar energy to a connected electric car

Want to find out more ways you can save money on your electric car charging costs?

Head over to our 11 ways to save on your electric car charging costs!

How home charging costs compare to petrol/diesel

Let’s break it down simply:

• home EV charging cost at the standard rate: 7–9p per mile

• Cost of charging EV at home using off-peak energy: 2–3p per mile

• fuelling a petrol or diesel car: 15–20p per mile

That means even on a standard tariff, driving an EV can halve your fuel costs — and the savings are even greater with an off-peak tariff.

Over the course of a year, this could save the average UK driver hundreds of pounds.

FAQs

Why is it cheaper to charge an electric car at night?

Electricity demand is lower overnight, so many energy providers offer cheaper rates during these hours.

Do I need a special electricity tariff for EV charging?

Not necessarily, but switching to an EV-friendly tariff can significantly lower your charging costs.

Why does my EV charging cost vary each month?

Seasonal usage, driving patterns, tariff changes and energy efficiency all affect your monthly cost.

Can I save money by charging my EV using solar panels?

Yes! If your system is sized correctly and you're home during daylight hours, solar charging can be nearly free. Be sure to check out our solar EV charging guide to find out if you could benefit from a solar EV charger

Is it worth getting a smart charger to save money?

Absolutely! Smart home chargers make it easy to schedule off-peak charging and integrate with solar setups, maximising your savings.

By understanding these variables and making smart decisions around tariffs and technology, you can keep your EV charging costs low while enjoying the benefits of electric motoring.

For tailored recommendations and expert advice, visit Smart Home Charge — your trusted partner in EV charging solutions.