The cost to fully charge an electric car typically ranges from $5 to $25 for a home charge, based on average U.S. electricity rates and battery size. For example, with the national average electricity cost of around $0.15 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), charging a standard 60 kWh battery from empty to full costs about $9. Public fast charging stations are more expensive, often $0.20 to $0.50 per kWh, pushing the cost to $12–$30 or higher. This is significantly cheaper than filling a gas car, which can cost $40–$80 for a full tank.
Several factors influence the final cost. Electricity rates vary by state and time of day; some utilities offer off-peak discounts. The battery capacity of your EV, measured in kWh, determines how much energy it can store—larger batteries like those in SUVs (e.g., 100 kWh) cost more to charge. Charging efficiency also plays a role, as some energy is lost during charging. For context, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that the average EV achieves about 3–4 miles per kWh, meaning a 300-mile range vehicle might use 75–100 kWh per charge.
To give a clearer picture, here's a table with estimated costs for popular EVs based on a $0.15/kWh home charging rate:
| EV Model | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Estimated Range (miles) | Cost per Full Charge |
|---|
| Nissan Leaf | 40 | 150 | $6.00 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 60 | 272 | $9.00 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 75 | 300 | $11.25 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 65 | 259 | $9.75 |
| Tesla Model Y | 75 | 330 | $11.25 |
| Audi e-tron | 95 | 222 | $14.25 |
| Rivian R1T | 135 | 314 | $20.25 |
| Lucid Air | 112 | 520 | $16.80 |
Charging at home is usually the most affordable option, especially if you install a Level 2 charger, which is faster than a standard 120V outlet. Public DC fast chargers are convenient for long trips but can be 2–3 times more expensive. Always check your local electricity plan and consider apps like PlugShare to compare charging station prices. Overall, EV charging costs are predictable and lower than gasoline, making them a cost-effective choice for daily driving.
