Home charging is the most cost-effective way to power an EV — and it's far cheaper than public charging. Here's exactly what it costs.
Charging cost = Battery size (kWh) × Charge percentage × Your electricity rate ($/kWh)
Example: A Tesla Model 3 Standard Range has a 60 kWh battery. If you charge from 20% to 80% (60% of capacity = 36 kWh) at $0.16/kWh, it costs $5.76.
The US average is about $0.16/kWh, but rates vary significantly by state. Hawaii is the highest at around $0.33/kWh. Louisiana and Idaho are among the cheapest at $0.09–0.11/kWh. California averages $0.26/kWh.
At $0.16/kWh, charging an EV costs the equivalent of about $1.30/gallon of gas when compared to a 30 MPG gas car. That's a 60–70% saving.
Level 1 (standard 120V outlet): Adds 3–5 miles of range per hour. Fine for low-mileage drivers. No installation needed. Level 2 (240V charger): Adds 20–30 miles per hour. Requires a $400–$1,000 installation. Most EV owners install Level 2 at home.
If you drive 1,000 miles/month in an EV that gets 4 miles/kWh, you need 250 kWh per month. At $0.16/kWh, that's $40/month in electricity — compared to $117/month for a 30 MPG gas car at $3.50/gallon.
Enter your specific battery size and electricity rate for a precise estimate.
EV Charging Calculator →