EV Charging at Home: Costs and Savings Explained
As more people switch to electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most common questions is whether charging at home is cheaper than relying on public charging stations. The short answer is yes, in most cases, charging at home can significantly reduce the running costs of an EV.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home?
The cost of charging an electric car at home depends on your electricity tariff and the size of your vehicle’s battery.
- Typical UK electricity price (2025): 28p per kWh (standard rate)
- Average EV battery size: 60 kWh
- Full charge at home: 60 kWh × 28p = £16.80
This would give around 200–250 miles of driving range, depending on the car.
By comparison:
- Petrol/diesel equivalent: Driving 200 miles could cost £30-£40 in fuel.
- Public rapid charging: Often 55p–75p per kWh, meaning the same 200 miles might cost £30-£40; double the home charging cost.
The Impact of Off-Peak Tariffs
Many energy providers offer special EV tariffs with cheaper rates during the night (off-peak). For example:
- Off-peak rate: 7p-12p per kWh (using a smart meter)
- Full 60 kWh charge: £4.20-£7.20
That means driving 200 miles could cost as little as 2-3p per mile, far below the running cost of petrol or diesel.
Savings Compared to Petrol or Diesel
Let’s look at an example:
- A petrol car averaging 40 mpg uses about 5 gallons for 200 miles.
- At £6.50 per gallon (roughly £1.43 per litre), that’s £32.50 in fuel.
- The same journey in an EV, charged at home on a standard tariff, costs £16.80.
- On an off-peak EV tariff, the cost drops to as little as £4-£7.
Annual savings:
- For a driver covering 10,000 miles per year:
- Petrol/diesel: £1,600-£1,800
- EV (home charging, standard rate): £700
- EV (home charging, off-peak): £300-£400
That’s a potential saving of £1,000+ per year.
Other Considerations
- Charger installation cost: A home charger typically costs £650-£1000.
- Convenience: Charging overnight means you start each day with a full “tank.”
- Public charging still useful: Long trips may still require public rapid chargers, but for daily driving, home charging is far cheaper.
- Solar panels + EV charging: Combining solar power with an EV charger can reduce costs further, especially if you charge during sunny hours or store energy in a home battery.
Conclusion
Charging an EV at home is not only more convenient but also significantly cheaper than relying on public charging or traditional fuel. With the right tariff, Dorset (or UK-wide) drivers could cut their running costs to just a few pence per mile and save over £1,000 per year compared to petrol or diesel.
For anyone considering an EV, installing a home charger and switching to an EV-friendly tariff is one of the most effective ways to make the transition affordable.
