Electric vehicles (EVs) are surging in popularity across the UK, but one question lingers for both new and seasoned drivers: How much does it cost to charge an electric car? From home setups to public networks, solar solutions to workplace perks, this comprehensive guide breaks down every expense—and reveals how to slash costs while staying eco-friendly.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Charging an Electric Car
The cost to charge an electric car isn’t a one-size-fits-all figure. It’s shaped by a mix of factors that every driver should understand.
Electricity Rates
As of July 2024, the UK’s average home electricity rate hovers around 29p–35p per kWh, depending on your energy tariff and region. Londoners typically pay 32–35p/kWh, while Scotland enjoys slightly lower rates at 28–31p/kWh. Public charging networks, however, vary wildly. Slow chargers at supermarkets might cost 25–40p/kWh, while ultra-rapid motorway stations can spike to 75–85p/kWh—nearly triple the home rate.
Battery Capacity
Your EV’s battery size directly impacts charging costs. For example:
- A Volkswagen ID.3 (58kWh) costs £16.82–£20.30 for a full home charge (260–340 miles).
- A larger Tesla Model X (100kWh) jumps to £29–£35 for 350+ miles.
Charging Speed
Faster charging often means higher costs. A 7kW home wallbox delivers a full charge overnight for £20–£25, while a 150kW public rapid charger might refill 80% of your battery in 30 minutes—but cost £30–£45.
Renewable Energy
Integrating a solar battery or rooftop panels can drastically cut costs. For example, pairing a solar panel for campervan with the EcoFlow DELTA 2 portable station lets you charge your EV using sunlight, reducing grid reliance to nearly zero.
Cost to Charge Electric Car at Home
Home charging dominates as the UK’s cheapest and most convenient method. Here’s why:
- Installation Costs: A 7kW wallbox costs £800–£1,500, but the UK’s EV chargepoint grant covers 75% of installation (up to £350). This drops your out-of-pocket expense to £450–£1,150.
- Running Costs: At 35p/kWh, charging a 60kWh EV battery costs £21 for 200–250 miles—70% cheaper than petrol, which would cost £65–£75 for the same distance (based on £1.55/litre fuel).
- 3-Pin Plug Limitations: While a standard UK socket offers backup charging, it’s painfully slow (2–3 miles of range per hour) and risks overloading circuits. A full charge takes 24–36 hours, making it impractical for daily use.
- Solar Power Savings: Adding a 4kW solar panel system (£6,000–£8,000) generates 3,800kWh/year, slashing annual EV car charging costs by £1,100+. For hybrid drivers, the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger converts your car’s alternator into a mobile power source—ideal for emergencies or off-grid adventures.
Key Takeaway: How much does charging an electric car cost at home? For most drivers, it’s 2–3p per mile—a fraction of petrol’s 12–16p per mile.
Cost to Charge Electric Car at Work
Workplace charging is gaining traction as employers tap into government incentives like the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which subsidizes 75% of installation costs (up to £350 per socket). Benefits include:
- Free or Discounted Charging: Many companies offer free sessions, while others charge 20–30p/kWh—still 30% cheaper than public rates. A 40kWh top-up during an 8-hour workday costs £8–£12, versus £22–£34 at rapid public stations.
- Tax Efficiency: Unlike company cars, workplace charging incurs no Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax, saving basic-rate taxpayers £120+/year.
Cost to Charge Electric Car At Public Chargepoints
Public stations are indispensable for road tripsor urban drivers without home access. Here’s the breakdown:
- Slow Chargers (7–22kW): Found at supermarkets like Tesco or Lidl, these cost 25–45p/kWh and take 6–8 hours for a full charge. A 60kWh EV costs £15–£27 here.
- Rapid Chargers (50–150kW): Motorway stations (e.g., Ionity, Gridserve) charge 55–75p/kWh, delivering 100 miles in 30 minutes for £8–£15.
- Ultra-Rapid Chargers (150–350kW): Premium networks like Tesla Superchargers cost 70–85p/kHz, replenishing 200 miles in 15 minutes—ideal for time-pressed drivers.
How to Save Money on Charging Your EV
Saving money on charging your electric vehicle (EV) doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some effective ways to reduce the expense of charging your EV.
Leverage Off-Peak Tariffs
Switch to time-of-use plans like Octopus Intelligent Go (7.5p/kWh overnight) to charge a 60kWh battery for £4.50—80% cheaper than daytime rates.
Harness Solar Power
Install rooftop panels or use a portable solar charger like the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger, which pairs with the DELTA 2 to recharge EVs using sunlight or your car’s alternator.
Optimize Public Charging
- Avoid motorway premiums; exit to towns like Braintree for 45p/kWh vs. 75p/kWh on the M25.
- Precondition your battery while plugged in to boost cold-weather efficiency by 20%.
Claim Government Grants
The EV chargepoint grant offers £350 for home installations, while some councils provide extra subsidies (e.g., £300–£500 in Scotland).
Adopt Eco-Driving Habits
Gentle acceleration and regenerative braking can extend range by 10–15%, saving £100–£200/year.
Use Workplace Charging
Maximize employer-subsidized rates or free sessions to cut reliance on pricier public networks.
Invest in a Solar Battery
Storing excess solar energy in a solar battery (e.g., EcoFlow Power Kits) ensures cheap overnight charging, even when the sun isn’t shining.
Conclusion
So, how much will it cost to charge an electric car in the UK? The answer spans from 2p per mile (home + solar) to 8p per mile (public ultra-rapid)—still far cheaper than petrol’s 12–16p per mile. By strategically combining off-peak tariffs, solar solutions like the EcoFlow DELTA 2, and smart public charging habits, drivers can save £1,200+ annually.
And to those asking, can solar panels charge an electric car? The answer is a resounding yes—with the right gear, renewable energy makes EV ownership both affordable and sustainable.
Discover the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger+EcoFlow DELTA 2at uk.ecoflow.com to power your EV sustainably.
FAQs
How much is it to charge an electric car?
A 60kWh battery costs £18–£45, depending on location. Home charging averages £21, while public rapid stations range £33–£45.
Is charging an electric car cheaper than fuel?
Yes. For 10,000 miles:
- EV: £200–£600 (home/public mix).
- Petrol: £1,300–£1,900 (at £1.55/litre).
How much cost to charge electric car from a 3-pin plug?
Expect £21 (35p/kWh) over 24–36 hours—only practical for emergencies.
Is home charging cheaper?
Absolutely! Home rates are 50–70% lower than public networks. With solar, costs drop to £0.02–£0.05 per mile.