Charging costs are one of the biggest questions for anyone thinking about switching to an electric car.
The answer depends on three things: where you charge, how much you pay per kWh, and how efficient your EV is.
For most UK drivers who can charge at home, running an electric car typically works out cheaper per mile than a comparable petrol car, even on a standard home electricity tariff. The savings are usually much greater if you can charge overnight on a dedicated EV tariff.
The picture changes if you rely mainly on public rapid or ultra-rapid chargers, which are usually much more expensive than charging at home. In that scenario, the cost advantage over petrol can shrink or, in some cases, disappear.
This guide explains how much it costs to charge an electric car in the UK in 2026, with worked examples for different battery sizes, charger types and electricity prices.
Last checked: July 2026. Energy prices, EV tariffs and public charging rates change regularly, so always check your current tariff or charging network before relying on exact figures.
The quick answer
On a dedicated overnight EV tariff, off-peak rates can fall to around 7p to 10p per kWh. At those rates, adding 60kWh of charge costs around £4.20 to £6.
On a standard UK home electricity tariff, charging an electric car typically costs around 25p to 30p per kWh. At 26p per kWh, adding 60kWh of charge costs around £15.60.
Public rapid charging is usually the most expensive option, commonly costing around 55p to 85p per kWh. A 60kWh charge at a rapid or ultra-rapid charger could therefore cost around £33 to £51.
Most drivers do not charge from 0% to 100% every time. In day-to-day use, you are usually topping up the energy you have used, so a normal charging session may cost much less than a full charge.
Simple EV charging cost calculator
Use this formula to estimate the cost of charging an electric car:
Battery size in kWh × electricity price per kWh = charging cost
For example:
60kWh battery × £0.26 per kWh = £15.60
That gives you the cost of charging from empty to full.
For a more realistic estimate, use the amount of energy you need to add:
Energy added in kWh × electricity price per kWh = charging session cost
For example:
20kWh added × £0.08 per kWh = £1.60
This is often closer to real-world charging, because many drivers top up regularly rather than waiting until the battery is nearly empty.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Home charging is usually the cheapest and most convenient way to run an electric car, especially if you have a driveway, garage or off-street parking.
The cost depends mainly on your electricity tariff.
There are two common home charging scenarios:
- Charging overnight on a dedicated EV tariff
- Charging on a standard domestic electricity tariff
Charging overnight on an EV tariff
Dedicated EV tariffs can make home charging much cheaper. These tariffs usually offer a lower electricity rate overnight for a set number of hours, while charging a higher rate during the day.
Typical off-peak EV tariff rates are often around 7p to 10p per kWh, depending on the supplier, region, tariff, vehicle, charger and eligibility requirements.
Here is what a full charge could cost on an overnight EV tariff:
|
Battery size |
Cost at 7p/kWh |
Cost at 10p/kWh |
Saving vs 26p/kWh |
|
40kWh |
£2.80 |
£4.00 |
£6.40 to £7.60 |
|
60kWh |
£4.20 |
£6.00 |
£9.60 to £11.40 |
|
77kWh |
£5.39 |
£7.70 |
£12.32 to £14.63 |
|
100kWh |
£7.00 |
£10.00 |
£16.00 to £19.00 |
For drivers who charge at home regularly, an EV tariff can make a major difference to running costs.
To use most EV tariffs properly, you will usually need:
- A smart meter
- An energy supplier that supports your charger or vehicle
- The ability to schedule charging overnight
- A charger or vehicle that is compatible with the tariff requirements
Many EVs and PHEVs include scheduled charging as standard, which can help you make use of cheaper overnight electricity.
Charging on a standard home electricity tariff
A standard domestic electricity tariff is often the default option for households that have not switched to a specialist EV tariff.
For 2026 calculations, a useful working range is 25p to 30p per kWh, with around 26p per kWh as a typical central estimate for Great Britain.
Here is what a full charge could cost on a standard home tariff:
|
Battery size |
Example EV type |
Approx. range |
Cost at 26p/kWh |
Cost range at 25p to 30p/kWh |
|
40kWh |
Small EV / older hatchback |
Around 150 miles |
£10.40 |
£10.00 to £12.00 |
|
60kWh |
Family EV / crossover |
Around 230 miles |
£15.60 |
£15.00 to £18.00 |
|
77kWh |
Long-range family EV |
Around 280 miles |
£20.02 |
£19.25 to £23.10 |
|
100kWh |
Large premium EV |
Around 350 miles |
£26.00 |
£25.00 to £30.00 |
These figures assume a full charge from empty. Most drivers top up before the battery is empty, so the cost of a normal home charging session is often lower.
How much does public EV charging cost?
Public charging usually costs more than home charging. Prices vary depending on the network, location, charger speed and whether you pay as a guest, subscriber or member.
Slower public chargers at supermarkets, car parks, hotels or leisure venues can be cheaper than rapid chargers, but they are not always convenient for long journeys.
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are faster, but they usually cost the most.
|
Public charger type |
Typical speed |
Typical price range |
60kWh full charge |
|
Slow AC charger |
3 to 7kW |
30p to 55p/kWh |
£18 to £33 |
|
Fast AC charger |
Up to 22kW |
35p to 55p/kWh |
£21 to £33 |
|
Rapid DC charger |
50 to 150kW |
55p to 75p/kWh |
£33 to £45 |
|
Ultra-rapid DC charger |
150kW+ |
65p to 85p/kWh |
£39 to £51 |
Rapid charging is useful for long journeys because it can add a lot of range quickly. But for everyday driving, it is usually much more expensive than charging at home.
Some public charging networks offer subscriptions or memberships that reduce the per-kWh price. These can be worthwhile if you use public chargers regularly, especially if you do not have off-street parking at home.
Home charging vs public charging
The difference between home and public charging can be significant.
A 60kWh charge could cost:
|
Charging method |
Example rate |
60kWh charge |
|
Home EV tariff |
7p/kWh |
£4.20 |
|
Home standard tariff |
26p/kWh |
£15.60 |
|
Public rapid charger |
70p/kWh |
£42.00 |
|
Public ultra-rapid charger |
85p/kWh |
£51.00 |
This means one full charge at a rapid public charger can cost several times more than charging at home overnight on a low EV tariff.
That is why home charging can be such a strong advantage if you have off-street parking. The charger itself has an upfront cost, but the ability to use cheaper home electricity can reduce long-term running costs.
What does EV charging cost per mile?
Cost per mile is one of the best ways to compare electric cars with petrol or diesel cars.
To work it out, divide the electricity price by your EV’s efficiency.
For example, if electricity costs 26p per kWh and your car manages 3.5 miles per kWh:
26p ÷ 3.5 = 7.4p per mile
Most modern EVs achieve around 3 to 4 miles per kWh in mixed real-world driving, although this varies depending on the vehicle, speed, weather, tyres and driving style.
|
Electricity price |
3 miles/kWh |
3.5 miles/kWh |
4 miles/kWh |
|
7p/kWh EV tariff |
2.3p/mile |
2.0p/mile |
1.8p/mile |
|
10p/kWh EV tariff |
3.3p/mile |
2.9p/mile |
2.5p/mile |
|
26p/kWh home tariff |
8.7p/mile |
7.4p/mile |
6.5p/mile |
|
70p/kWh rapid charger |
23.3p/mile |
20.0p/mile |
17.5p/mile |
For most UK drivers who can charge at home, running an electric car typically works out cheaper per mile than a comparable petrol car, even on a standard home electricity tariff.
If you can use an off-peak EV tariff, the difference can be much greater.
EV charging cost per year
Your annual EV charging cost depends on how many miles you drive, how efficient your car is, and where you charge.
Here is an example for a driver covering 10,000 miles per year in an EV averaging 3.5 miles per kWh.
First, calculate annual electricity use:
10,000 miles ÷ 3.5 miles per kWh = 2,857kWh
Then multiply by the electricity price:
|
Charging price |
Annual charging cost |
|
7p/kWh |
Around £200 |
|
10p/kWh |
Around £286 |
|
26p/kWh |
Around £743 |
|
70p/kWh |
Around £2,000 |
This shows why charging location matters so much. The same electric car can be very cheap to run if charged mostly at home, but much more expensive if you rely heavily on rapid public chargers.
How do EV running costs compare with petrol?
A petrol car returning 40mpg with petrol at around £1.50 per litre costs roughly 17p per mile in fuel.
By comparison, an EV doing 3.5 miles per kWh costs:
- Around 2p per mile at 7p/kWh
- Around 7.4p per mile at 26p/kWh
- Around 20p per mile at 70p/kWh
That means a home-charged EV is usually cheaper to fuel than a comparable petrol car, especially if you can use an off-peak EV tariff.
However, if you rely mostly on expensive rapid or ultra-rapid charging, the cost advantage can shrink or disappear.
This is why access to home charging is one of the biggest factors in whether an EV feels cheap to run day to day.
Do you need a home EV charger to save money?
You do not always need a dedicated wallbox to charge an electric car at home.
A portable 3-pin EV charger can be a useful and affordable home charging option, especially for PHEV drivers, lower-mileage EV drivers, or people who only need to top up a smaller amount of range overnight.
For many PHEV drivers, a 3-pin portable charger may be enough for regular home charging because the battery is smaller than a fully electric vehicle.
For some EV drivers, a 3-pin charger can also be suitable for regular top-ups, particularly if daily mileage is modest and the car can be left charging for long enough.
However, charging from a 3-pin plug is slower than using a 7kW charging option. If you need to add more range quickly, cover higher daily mileage, or make full use of a shorter off-peak EV tariff window, a 7kW EV charger or dedicated 7kW home charger may be more suitable.
Always use a suitable, good-condition socket and follow the charger and vehicle manufacturer’s safety guidance. Avoid using extension leads unless the charger manufacturer specifically says they are safe to use.
What home charging kit do you need?
The right home charging setup depends on your vehicle, mileage, parking situation and charging routine.
A portable 3-pin EV charger is often the simplest entry point. It plugs into a standard UK socket and can be useful for PHEVs, occasional charging, overnight top-ups and lower-mileage EV drivers.
A Type 2 charging cable is useful if you use a dedicated home charger, workplace charger or many public AC charging points. Many EV drivers keep one in the car so they can charge away from home when needed.
A 7kW charging option can be a better fit if you want faster home charging, need to add more range overnight, or want to make better use of a fixed off-peak tariff window.
The main point is to match the charging product to the way you actually use the car. A low-mileage PHEV driver may not need the same setup as a long-range EV driver covering 60 miles a day.
How to reduce your EV charging costs
1. Switch to an EV tariff
If you charge at home regularly, a dedicated EV tariff is usually the biggest saving opportunity.
Moving from 26p/kWh to 7p to 10p/kWh can cut the cost of charging by more than half.
Check the off-peak rate, peak rate, standing charge and overnight charging window before switching.
2. Schedule charging overnight
Most EVs, PHEVs and smart charging setups allow you to schedule charging.
This helps you charge during the cheapest window rather than starting as soon as you plug in.
It can also help you avoid charging unnecessarily during peak-rate hours.
3. Avoid rapid charging for routine use
Rapid chargers are convenient, but they are usually the most expensive way to charge.
Use them for long journeys, emergencies or quick top-ups, rather than everyday charging.
4. Improve your EV efficiency
The fewer kWh your car uses per mile, the less you pay.
You can improve efficiency by:
- Driving smoothly
- Reducing motorway speeds
- Keeping tyres correctly inflated
- Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in
- Removing unnecessary weight
- Using heated seats instead of cabin heating where practical
5. Choose the right charging cable or charger
Using the right charging setup can make home charging easier and more reliable.
For some drivers, a portable EV charger is enough. For others, a Type 2 cable or faster 7kW charging option will be more practical.
Choosing the right kit can also help you make better use of cheaper overnight electricity rates.
Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home or at a public charger?
Charging at home is significantly cheaper in most cases.
A standard home tariff may cost around 25p to 30p per kWh, while rapid public chargers commonly cost around 55p to 85p per kWh.
On an overnight EV tariff, home charging can be much cheaper again.
How much does it cost to run an electric car per year?
A driver covering 10,000 miles per year in an EV averaging 3.5 miles per kWh would use around 2,857kWh.
At 26p/kWh, that costs about £743 per year.
At 7p/kWh, it costs about £200 per year.
At 70p/kWh, it costs about £2,000 per year.
Does rapid charging cost more?
Yes. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are usually much more expensive than home charging.
They are useful for long journeys, but they are not usually the cheapest option for everyday charging.
Do I need a smart charger for cheap overnight EV rates?
Some EV tariffs require a compatible smart charger, smart meter or compatible vehicle.
Other tariffs offer fixed off-peak charging times that may be easier to use.
Check the tariff terms before switching, because eligibility rules vary by supplier.
Will electricity prices change?
Yes. The Ofgem price cap is reviewed regularly, EV tariff rates are set by individual energy suppliers, and public charging networks can change their prices.
It is worth reviewing your charging costs every few months, especially if your fixed tariff ends or your driving habits change.
Is a portable EV charger cheaper than a wallbox?
A portable EV charger is usually cheaper to buy than a dedicated home EV charger, but it normally charges more slowly.
For PHEVs, occasional charging and lower-mileage EV drivers, a portable charger can be a practical and affordable option.
For higher-mileage drivers, faster charging speeds or shorter off-peak tariff windows, a 7kW charging option may be more suitable.
Final verdict
The cost to charge an electric car depends heavily on where and when you charge.
For most UK drivers who can charge at home, the cheapest option is usually charging overnight on a dedicated EV tariff. A 60kWh battery could cost around £4 to £6 to charge off-peak, compared with around £15 to £18 on a standard home tariff or £33 to £51 on many public rapid chargers.
Home charging is not just about convenience. It can make a major difference to the long-term running cost of an EV or PHEV.
A portable EV charger can be a practical and affordable option for many drivers, especially for PHEVs, occasional charging and regular overnight top-ups. For drivers who need faster charging or want to make the most of a shorter off-peak tariff window, a 7kW charging option may be a better fit.
Shop EV charging cables and portable chargers
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Whether you need a simple portable charging option or a cable for a dedicated home charger, choosing the right kit can help you make better use of cheaper home electricity rates.
If you need something faster than a 3-pin plug charger, EV Extras also offers a 7kW EV charger with installation kit, which may be more suitable for drivers who need to add more range overnight or make full use of shorter off-peak tariff windows.
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Sources and assumptions
Figures in this guide are based on typical UK electricity and EV charging rates available at the time of writing. Actual costs vary by tariff, region, vehicle, charger, charging network and membership status.
The standard home electricity example uses 26p/kWh as a rounded working figure, based on the July to September 2026 Great Britain electricity price cap unit rate of 26.11p/kWh for direct debit customers.
Public charging examples use broad indicative ranges because public charging prices vary significantly by network, charger speed, location and subscription status.
