EV Charging Cost Calculator UK
Calculate your electric vehicle charging costs comparing home charging, public charging, and petrol car equivalents.
Your EV & Driving
Charging Split
Electricity Rates
Petrol Comparison
Real-World EV Efficiency
| Model | Efficiency | 10k Miles Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 4.5 mi/kWh | ~£435 |
| MG4 | 4.2 mi/kWh | ~£467 |
| VW ID.3 | 3.8 mi/kWh | ~£516 |
| Nissan Leaf | 3.5 mi/kWh | ~£560 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 4.0 mi/kWh | ~£490 |
Maximise Your Savings
- Get Economy 7: Save up to 70% on charging costs with off-peak rates
- Charge overnight: Cheapest electricity is typically 00:30-07:30
- Avoid rapid charging: Public rapids cost 3-10x more than home charging
- Smart tariffs: Octopus Intelligent Go offers 7p/kWh overnight
- Home charger grant: OZEV grant available (check eligibility)
UK Charging Rates
| Type | Cost (p/kWh) |
|---|---|
| Home (Off-Peak) | 7.5p |
| Home (Standard) | 24.5p |
| Public Slow (7kW) | 45-55p |
| Public Rapid (50kW) | 65-85p |
| Ultra-Rapid (150kW+) | 70-90p |
EV Cost Benefits
- Road tax: EVs now pay standard VED (the £0 exemption ended 1 April 2025)
- Low maintenance: No oil changes, fewer brake replacements
- Company car tax: Just 4% BIK rate (2026/27)
- Congestion charge discount: Pay £13.50 vs £18 standard rate in London (25% EV discount from Jan 2026)
- Free parking: Many councils offer free EV parking
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home in the UK?
Charging an EV at home costs approximately 24.5p per kWh on a standard tariff, or as low as 7.5p per kWh on Economy 7 off-peak rates. For a typical EV doing 10,000 miles per year at 3.5 mi/kWh efficiency, annual home charging costs around £700 on standard rates or £215 on off-peak rates.
Is charging an EV cheaper than petrol?
Yes, significantly. At 10,000 miles per year, home charging an EV costs around £700 annually versus approximately £1,450 for a petrol car achieving 40 MPG at £1.45/litre. That's potential annual savings of £750 or more, even before considering lower maintenance costs.
How much does public rapid charging cost in the UK?
Public rapid charging in the UK typically costs 65-85p per kWh, with an average around 70p per kWh. This is significantly more expensive than home charging but still competitive with petrol costs on a per-mile basis.
What is the real-world efficiency of popular electric cars?
Real-world EV efficiency varies by model: Tesla Model 3 achieves around 4.5 mi/kWh, VW ID.3 gets 3.8 mi/kWh, MG4 manages 4.2 mi/kWh, and Nissan Leaf averages 3.5 mi/kWh. Efficiency depends on driving style, temperature, and speed.
Should I get an Economy 7 tariff for my electric car?
Economy 7 tariffs offer cheap overnight electricity (around 7.5p/kWh) which is ideal for EV charging. If you can charge your EV overnight and use most of your household electricity during off-peak hours, Economy 7 can provide substantial savings compared to standard tariffs.