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Charging Cost & Savings
Home vs Public EV Charging: Complete Cost Comparison
Last updated: October 2025
Compare the costs of home vs public EV charging. Learn when each option makes financial sense and how to minimize your charging expenses.
Quick answer
For most drivers, home Level-2 is the lowest cost, while public DC fast is the quickest but usually the most expensive.
- •U.S. residential average is about $0.17–$0.18/kWh (2025); your state may be lower or higher.
- •Public pricing varies by network and state; many DC fast sites land around $0.40–$0.65/kWh before fees. Always check live rates in the app.
How we compare costs
- •Home Level-2: You buy wall energy; include ~10% losses → use efficiency = 0.90 in estimates.
- •Public DC fast: You're billed for delivered kWh → use efficiency = 1.00 for a simple estimate.
- •Cost per mile = Price ÷ (mi/kWh × efficiency).
- •Session cost (public) = (kWh × price) + session fee + idle/congestion fees (if any).
Typical prices & what affects them
- •Home (Level-2): Anchor on the national residential average (~$0.17–$0.18/kWh). TOU plans can make overnight much cheaper.
- •Public Level-2: Often $0.20–$0.40/kWh where billed per kWh; some sites add parking or session fees.
- •Public DC fast: Commonly ~$0.40–$0.65/kWh; some regions use per-minute pricing. Memberships can reduce rates. Idle fees may apply if you remain connected after charging ends.
Examples (1,000 miles/month, 3.5 mi/kWh)
- •Home off-peak $0.15/kWh, efficiency 0.90 → ≈ $48–$50/month.
- •Home at $0.18/kWh, efficiency 0.90 → ≈ $57–$58/month.
- •DC fast at $0.55/kWh (eff. 1.00) → ≈ $157/month.
- •Blended (70% home @ $0.18, 30% DC @ $0.55) → ≈ $86–$95/month.
Fees & pricing models
- •Per kWh vs per minute (varies by state/regulator).
- •Session fees ($/start), idle/congestion fees, and membership discounts.
- •Always end the session in the app and unplug promptly.
Cost Comparison by Charging Type
| Charging Location | Cost per kWh | 50 kWh Battery | 75 kWh Battery | 100 kWh Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home (Off-Peak) | $0.10-0.15 | $5.00-7.50 | $7.50-11.25 | $10.00-15.00 |
| Home (Peak) | $0.15-0.25 | $7.50-12.50 | $11.25-18.75 | $15.00-25.00 |
| Public Level 2 | $0.20-0.35 | $10.00-17.50 | $15.00-26.25 | $20.00-35.00 |
| DC Fast Charging | $0.25-0.50 | $12.50-25.00 | $18.75-37.50 | $25.00-50.00 |
| Premium Fast Charging | $0.40-0.60 | $20.00-30.00 | $30.00-45.00 | $40.00-60.00 |
Home Charging (Off-Peak)
Cost per kWh:$0.10-0.15
50 kWh Battery:$5.00-7.50
75 kWh Battery:$7.50-11.25
100 kWh Battery:$10.00-15.00
DC Fast Charging
Cost per kWh:$0.25-0.50
50 kWh Battery:$12.50-25.00
75 kWh Battery:$18.75-37.50
100 kWh Battery:$25.00-50.00
Annual Charging Cost Scenarios
Based on 12,000 miles/year driving with different charging patterns
| Charging Pattern | Efficient EV (4 mi/kWh) | Average EV (3 mi/kWh) | Large EV (2.5 mi/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Home (Off-Peak) | $375-563 | $500-750 | $600-900 |
| 80% Home, 20% Public L2 | $450-750 | $600-1,000 | $720-1,200 |
| 60% Home, 40% DC Fast | $675-1,125 | $900-1,500 | $1,080-1,800 |
| 100% DC Fast Charging | $1,125-1,875 | $1,500-2,500 | $1,800-3,000 |
100% Home Charging (Off-Peak)
Efficient EV:$375-563/year
Average EV:$500-750/year
Large EV:$600-900/year
100% DC Fast Charging
Efficient EV:$1,125-1,875/year
Average EV:$1,500-2,500/year
Large EV:$1,800-3,000/year
When public can be cheaper
Employer-subsidized charging, promotional free-night plans, complimentary kWh with new-car purchases, or mid-day super off-peak windows (in solar-heavy regions) can beat your home rate.
When to Use Each Charging Option
Home Charging Best For:
- •Daily routine: Regular commuting and predictable schedules
- •Cost savings: Maximum savings with time-of-use rates
- •Convenience: Charge overnight while you sleep
- •Battery health: Slower charging is gentler on battery
Public Charging Best For:
- •Road trips: Long-distance travel requiring quick stops
- •No home charging: Apartment living or street parking
- •Emergency charging: Unexpected low battery situations
- •Time-sensitive: Need quick charge during busy schedule
Cost Optimization Strategies
Maximize Home Savings
- •Switch to time-of-use electricity rates
- •Charge during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM - 7 AM)
- •Install solar panels for even lower costs
- •Use smart charging to optimize timing automatically
Reduce Public Charging Costs
- •Join charging network memberships for discounts
- •Use apps to find cheapest nearby charging stations
- •Charge to 80% max for fastest and most efficient sessions
- •Plan routes to include free charging at destinations
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